British Grown Dried Flowers: Supporting Local Cottage Gardens

The Story Behind British Grown Dried Flowers

There's a quiet revolution happening in British flower fields, and it's been a long time coming. For decades, we've grown used to seeing imported flowers in our shops and homes—blooms flown halfway around the world, grown in conditions we rarely think about, by people whose names we'll never know. But something fundamental is shifting.

Walk into a British cottage garden on a late summer morning, when the dew still clings to the petals and the air hums with bees, and you'll witness something extraordinary. These gardens aren't just growing flowers; they're growing stories, sustainability, and hope. Each stem has a tale to tell—of the soil it grew in, the hands that tended it, the British weather it weathered, and the care taken in its harvest.

British-grown dried flowers represent more than just beautiful home decor. They embody a return to seasonality, locality, and authenticity. When you choose British-grown dried flowers, you're holding in your hands something that was sown, tended, and harvested by someone who genuinely cares—often on a small family farm where every flower matters.

The Slow Flowers Movement

This shift toward British and locally-grown flowers is part of what's known as the "Slow Flowers" movement—a conscious choice to work with seasonal, locally-grown blooms rather than depending on the global flower trade. It mirrors the farm-to-table movement in food, recognising that where and how flowers are grown matters enormously.

The statistics are startling: over 80% of flowers sold in the UK are imported, many traveling thousands of miles and requiring significant resources to keep them "fresh" during transport. Most shoppers have no idea where their flowers come from or how they were grown. But just as we've learned to ask about the provenance of our food, more people are now questioning where their flowers come from—and seeking out British alternatives.

Why Choose British Grown Over Imported?

Dramatically Lower Carbon Footprint

When flowers are flown from Kenya, Colombia, or the Netherlands, the environmental cost is substantial. Air freight is one of the most carbon-intensive forms of transport. Flowers from South America might travel 5,000 miles, requiring refrigeration throughout their journey, only to last a week in a vase.

British-grown dried flowers, by contrast, travel minimal distances—often just tens or hundreds of miles from farm to home. Better still, once dried, they need no refrigeration, no preservatives, no special handling. They're simply beautiful, and they last for years rather than days. The carbon savings are extraordinary.

Supporting British Agriculture and Rural Communities

When you buy British-grown dried flowers, your money goes directly to supporting small-scale British farmers and growers. These are often family businesses operating on modest profit margins, working to preserve traditional growing methods and keep British agricultural land in productive use.

Every purchase helps sustain rural employment, supports local economies, and enables these small farms to continue their vital work. In an era when small farms face enormous pressures, your choice to buy British-grown flowers genuinely makes a difference.

True Seasonality and Connection to Place

British-grown flowers reflect the genuine rhythm of the British seasons. There's something deeply satisfying about having flowers in your home that were grown under the same skies you live beneath, that weathered the same rain, basked in the same sunshine.

Dried flowers from British cottage gardens carry the essence of a British summer—the long, golden evenings, the sudden downpours, the resilience of plants that thrive in our unpredictable climate. When you bring them into your home, you're bringing in a piece of the British countryside with all its authentic, unpolished beauty.

Pesticide-Free and Environmentally Conscious Growing

Many British flower farms, particularly smaller cottage garden growers, use minimal or no pesticides. They rely instead on companion planting, crop rotation, and working with nature rather than against it. Because many are growing for drying, they can avoid the cosmetic perfection demanded by the fresh flower market, allowing plants to grow more naturally.

The flowers you receive are cleaner, safer for pollinators during growth, and free from the chemical residues often found on intensively-farmed imported flowers.

Freshness and Quality You Can See

When flowers travel from farm to your home in hours or days rather than weeks, freshness is guaranteed. British-grown dried flowers are typically harvested at their absolute peak and dried immediately, locking in their colour and form. There's no sitting in warehouses, no long transport times where quality degrades.

The result? Dried flowers that retain vibrant colour, perfect form, and that ineffable quality that tells you they've been handled with care rather than processed industrially.

From Our Norfolk Farm to Your Home

Here at Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden, our story begins with a small patch of earth in Norfolk and a deep love for flowers. What started as a cottage garden has blossomed into a working flower farm where we sow, grow, and harvest the beautiful flowers that fill our dried flower collection.

Grown, Not Flown

This is more than a catchy phrase—it's our philosophy. Every stem in our dried flower collection has been grown right here on our Norfolk farm, in Reepham. We sow the seeds (often saved from previous years), tend the plants through the British growing season, harvest at the perfect moment, and air-dry them naturally in our old barn.

When you receive dried Amaranthus from us, those dramatic red tassels grew in our field. Those dried cornflower seed heads with their star-like appearance? We watched them bloom bright blue through June and July before letting them mature to create those architectural forms. The dried Bupleurum with its chartreuse texture? Hand-picked from our cutting garden at its peak.

The Norfolk Advantage

Norfolk's climate is perfectly suited to growing flowers for drying. We have some of the lowest rainfall in Britain, plenty of sunshine, and good, workable soil. Our location on the east coast means we get long summer days perfect for growing robust plants with strong stems—essential for dried flowers that need to hold their form.

But it's not always easy. British weather is unpredictable, and we work with nature rather than trying to control it. Some years are glorious; others challenge us. But this connection to place, this acceptance of what the seasons bring, is part of what makes British-grown flowers special. They're real, not manufactured perfection.

Hand-Harvested and Air-Dried

Everything we harvest is cut by hand at precisely the right moment—often early morning when plants are at their freshest. We bundle the stems carefully and hang them upside down in our barn, where they air-dry naturally over several weeks. No chemicals, no forced drying, no shortcuts.

This traditional method preserves the flowers beautifully, maintaining their natural colours and forms. When they're perfectly dry, we package them carefully for their journey to you, using sustainable packaging that's as kind to the earth as our growing methods.

The Art of Growing for Drying

Growing flowers for drying is a different art from growing for fresh cutting. It requires forward planning, understanding which varieties dry well, and timing the harvest perfectly.

Choosing the Right Varieties

Not all flowers dry successfully. Some collapse into papery shadows of themselves; others turn brown or brittle. The best flowers for drying either have naturally papery petals (like strawflowers and statice) or hold their form and colour beautifully when dehydrated (like larkspur and achillea).

Over years of growing, we've learned which varieties perform best in British conditions and dry most successfully. This knowledge informs our seed collections for growing dried flowers, where we share varieties that we know from experience will reward you with beautiful dried blooms.

The Timing Challenge

Timing harvest for drying is crucial. Too early, and flowers haven't developed their full colour; too late, and they're past their prime and won't dry well. Most flowers for drying are harvested just before they're fully open, or in the case of seed heads, when they've matured but before they shatter.

This requires daily monitoring during peak season. We walk the field every morning, checking for stems that are ready. It's labour-intensive work that can't be rushed or mechanised—each flower is assessed individually.

Growing Organically and Sustainably

Because we're growing primarily for drying rather than the fresh market, we can be more relaxed about cosmetic perfection. A few nibbled leaves don't matter when you're harvesting flower heads. This allows us to grow with minimal intervention, letting beneficial insects thrive and working with the ecosystem rather than fighting it.

We use companion planting, encourage beneficial insects, and work to build healthy soil through composting and crop rotation. The result is flowers that are clean, safe, and grown in harmony with nature.

British Flowers That Dry Beautifully

Strawflowers (Helichrysum and Acroclinium)

The undisputed stars of the dried flower world, strawflowers have papery petals that feel crispy even when growing. The large-flowered Swiss Giant varieties retain their jewel-bright colours—hot pinks, deep reds, golden yellows—for years after drying. The delicate Acroclinium (Paper Daisies) offer softer pinks and whites with a more refined appearance.

Both grow beautifully in British summers and are incredibly productive—the more you cut, the more they flower. They're half-hardy annuals, so we start them under cover in spring and plant out after frost risk passes.

Amaranthus (Love-Lies-Bleeding)

Few dried flowers make the dramatic statement of Amaranthus. Those long, trailing tassels of deep burgundy-red are spectacular in large arrangements, adding instant impact and movement. The upright varieties work well too, creating bold vertical elements.

Amaranthus loves our warm British summers and grows to impressive heights. The tassels are surprisingly robust once dried and hold their colour indefinitely—we have specimens that are several years old and still look magnificent.

Larkspur (Consolida)

These tall, elegant spires in blues, pinks, purples, and whites are cottage garden classics that dry exceptionally well. Larkspur maintains both its form and colour when dried, creating vertical interest in arrangements.

As a hardy annual that benefits from autumn sowing, larkspur is perfectly suited to British growing conditions. The plants that overwinter produce far more flowers on stronger stems than spring sowings.

Statice (Limonium)

The workhorse of dried arrangements, statice produces masses of papery flowers in deep purples, bright pinks, whites, and yellows. These mix beautifully with other dried flowers and are renowned for holding their colour for years.

Statice is relatively easy to grow in British gardens, thriving in sunny, well-drained spots. A single plant produces numerous stems for cutting and continues flowering for months.

Achillea (Yarrow)

With its flat-topped flower heads, achillea adds wonderful structure to dried arrangements. The deep red varieties are particularly striking, but soft pastels and whites also dry beautifully.

As a perennial, achillea is an investment that returns year after year. Once established, it's remarkably drought-tolerant and prolific—a single established plant can provide dozens of stems for drying.

Scabious Seed Heads

While scabious is lovely as a fresh flower, the Stellata variety produces extraordinary seed heads that look like perfect little copper-brown spheres. These add architectural interest and a naturalistic element to arrangements.

These are incredibly easy to grow from seed and produce masses of these stunning seed heads—far more than you'd expect from such unassuming plants.

Nigella Seed Pods

After the beautiful blue flowers fade, nigella produces inflated, striped seed pods that are utterly charming in dried arrangements. They add whimsy and texture, and their striped pattern gives them visual interest even months after drying.

Honesty (Lunaria)

First you get the fragrant purple flowers in spring, then the magic happens—those translucent, silvery "moon" seed pods that are treasured by flower arrangers everywhere. They catch the light beautifully and add an ethereal quality to arrangements.

Echinops (Globe Thistle)

The perfectly spherical, metallic-blue flower heads of Echinops are architectural marvels. They dry into hard, spiky balls that maintain their form indefinitely and add dramatic texture to arrangements.

Craspedia (Billy Buttons)

These cheerful yellow spheres on long stems add a pop of bright colour to arrangements. Craspedia dries into perfectly round, firm balls that look almost artificial in their perfection—but they're completely natural.

Bupleurum

The ultimate filler flower, Bupleurum's delicate chartreuse blooms create an airy, textured background in arrangements. It dries beautifully while maintaining its distinctive green colour.

The Harvesting and Drying Process

The Perfect Morning

Most flower harvesting happens in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. This is when flowers are at their freshest, fully hydrated but not heat-stressed. We walk through the field with sharp secateurs, assessing each plant.

For strawflowers, we harvest when the buds are half to three-quarters open—they'll continue opening as they dry. Harvest them fully open and they often turn inside out and reveal a brown centre. For larkspur, we wait until about half the flowers on each spike are open. For seed heads like scabious and nigella, we wait until they've matured and dried on the plant.

Preparing for Drying

Once cut, we strip off the lower foliage—leaves rarely dry well and can harbour moisture that causes mould. We gather stems into small bunches (overcrowding prevents air circulation and leads to poor drying) and secure them with string or rubber bands.

The Barn Drying Room

Our old barn provides perfect conditions for drying—it's dark, dry, well-ventilated, and maintains relatively stable temperatures. We hang the bunches upside down from beams and racks, spacing them so air can circulate freely.

Drying takes anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on the flower variety and weather conditions. We check regularly for any signs of mould or poor drying, though with proper spacing and good ventilation, problems are rare.

The Final Touch

Once completely dry—and this is crucial; any residual moisture leads to mould later—we carefully package flowers for storage or sale. We use protective boxes with cushioning to minimize damage during transit, as dried flowers can be delicate.

The entire process, from growing to final packaging, is done by hand. It's slower, more labour-intensive, and more expensive than industrial flower production, but the quality and care show in every stem.

Seasonal Availability: Working with Nature's Rhythm

The British Growing Season

Unlike imported flowers available year-round, British-grown dried flowers reflect our natural growing season. Most of our harvesting happens from late June through September, with some varieties extending into October.

This seasonality is a feature, not a flaw. It reconnects us with the natural rhythm of the year and means our flowers are truly fresh each season—we're not selling stock that's been sitting in warehouses for months.

Summer Abundance

July and August are our peak harvest months. The field is a riot of colour, and we're cutting daily. Larkspur, strawflowers, statice, achillea, and amaranthus all reach their prime now. The barn fills with hanging bunches, and the air is fragrant with drying flowers.

Autumn Extensions

Some flowers, like later-sown calendula and cosmos, continue into autumn. Seed heads—nigella pods, scabious spheres, poppy seed heads—are harvested in September and October. The field transitions from bright flower colour to the sculptural beauty of seed heads.

Winter Availability

Through winter, we sell from our dried stock—carefully stored flowers from the previous growing season. This is when our dried flower collection is at its most varied, offering everything harvested and dried over the summer months.

Stock naturally diminishes through winter and spring as popular varieties sell out, until the new growing season brings fresh harvests.

Looking Ahead

In late winter and early spring, when dried stocks are lower, we're busy sowing seeds for the coming season. It's a cycle that's remained unchanged for generations—sowing, growing, harvesting, drying, and then beginning again.

Creating Your Own Dried Flower Garden

Why Grow Your Own?

Growing your own flowers for drying is immensely rewarding. There's something magical about cutting flowers from your own garden, drying them yourself, and creating arrangements that you've been part of from seed to display.

It's also economical—a packet of seeds costing a few pounds can produce dozens or even hundreds of stems for drying. Once you've mastered the basics, you'll have an endless supply of beautiful dried flowers.

Getting Started

If you're inspired to grow your own, our Everlasting Flowers Box contains 10 varieties specifically chosen for drying success. It includes strawflowers, statice, achillea, echinops, nigella, scabious stellata, honesty, gomphrena, craspedia, and bunny tails—a curated mix of textures and colours that we know, from years of growing, will reward you with beautiful dried flowers.

For those wanting an even wider selection, our Extra Large Everlasting Flowers Box includes 18 varieties, adding varieties like larkspur, sea holly, bupleurum, and more poppies and nigellas.

Simple Growing Tips

Most flowers for drying are remarkably easy to grow:

• Choose a sunny spot: Most thrive in full sun
• Ensure good drainage: Waterlogged soil leads to weak stems
• Sow at the right time: Check packet instructions—many benefit from early sowing
• Don't over-fertilize: Too much nitrogen creates lush, soft growth that doesn't dry well
• Cut regularly: This encourages more flowers
• Harvest at the right stage: Usually just before full maturity for best colour retention

Beyond the Seed Box

Once you've mastered the basics, explore other varieties. Celosia with its brain-like crests, love-in-a-mist with its ferny foliage, even ornamental grasses like Briza maxima (Quaking Grass) all dry beautifully.

Keep notes on what works in your garden, your soil, your climate. Every garden is different, and part of the joy is discovering what thrives for you.

Caring for Your British Dried Flowers

Extending Their Beauty

Properly cared for, dried flowers last for years—we've seen arrangements remain beautiful for three or four years or even longer. Here's how to maximize their lifespan:

Keep Away from Direct Sunlight: UV light fades colours over time. Display your arrangements in spots that receive indirect light or where they're not in sun for hours daily.

Avoid Moisture: Dried flowers and humidity don't mix. Keep them away from bathrooms, steamy kitchens, and anywhere damp. If they absorb moisture, they can develop mould.

No Water Required: This seems obvious, but it's worth stating—dried flowers should never be placed in water. They're perfect just as they are.

Gentle Dusting: Over time, dust settles on dried flowers. Use a soft brush, a gentle blast from a hairdryer on cool setting, or very carefully wipe with a dry cloth.

Handle with Care: While robust compared to fresh flowers, dried stems can be brittle. Handle gently, especially delicate varieties like Acroclinium.

Natural Fading: Accept that colours will gradually soften and fade—this is natural and creates a beautiful, antique patina. Some varieties, like strawflowers and amaranthus, retain colour remarkably well; others develop softer, muted tones.

Refresh Your Display: After a year or two, you might want to refresh your arrangement with new elements or start fresh. Your old dried flowers can be composted—they're completely biodegradable.

The Future of British Flower Farming

A Growing Movement

British flower farming is experiencing a renaissance. More small farms are dedicating land to flowers, more growers are choosing British varieties, and crucially, more consumers are seeking out locally-grown blooms. This movement faces challenges—British land is expensive, labour costs are high, and we can't compete on price with industrially-farmed imports. But what we can offer is something far more valuable: quality, sustainability, traceability, and flowers grown with genuine care.

The Environmental Imperative

As climate awareness grows, the flower industry faces increasing scrutiny. Air-freighting flowers from the southern hemisphere is environmentally costly. British-grown flowers, particularly dried flowers that need no refrigeration and last for years, represent a genuinely sustainable alternative.

Supporting the Next Generation

When you choose British-grown dried flowers, you're helping to ensure there will be flower farms for future generations. You're supporting young farmers trying to make a living from the land in sustainable, environmentally-conscious ways.

The Role of Small Farms

Small farms like ours may seem insignificant compared to industrial agriculture, but collectively, we make an enormous difference. We maintain biodiversity, provide habitats for pollinators and wildlife, keep traditional skills alive, and offer alternatives to industrial farming.

Your Choice Matters

Every time you choose British-grown dried flowers, you cast a vote for the kind of agriculture you want to see. You support small farms, reduce environmental impact, and help ensure that British flower farming remains viable.

Bringing the Cottage Garden Home

When you display British-grown dried flowers in your home, you're not just adding beautiful decoration—you're bringing in a piece of the British countryside with all its authenticity and charm. You're supporting small British farms, reducing environmental impact, and connecting with the seasons in a meaningful way.

Each stem tells a story—of the field it grew in, the British summer it experienced, the hands that harvested it, and the care taken in its drying. These flowers carry with them the essence of place: the long summer evenings, the sudden rain showers, the Norfolk soil they grew from.

There's something deeply satisfying about having flowers in your home that were grown just miles away, rather than thousands. Knowing they were harvested by someone who genuinely cares, dried with traditional methods, and packaged thoughtfully feels good in a way that imported flowers simply can't match.

As we move toward a more sustainable, conscious way of living, choosing British-grown dried flowers is a small but meaningful step. It's a choice that says locality matters, seasonality matters, and the story behind what we bring into our homes matters.

So next time you're looking for flowers to brighten your space, consider choosing British-grown dried flowers. They last far longer than fresh, they're kinder to the planet, they support British growers, and they bring a touch of authentic British cottage garden beauty into your home.

Because in the end, the most beautiful flowers aren't the ones that travelled the furthest—they're the ones that were grown with care, harvested with love, and carry within them the story of the land they came from.

Grown, not flown. British, beautiful, and built to last.

Explore our British-grown dried flowers collection, all grown and dried right here on our Norfolk farm. Or start your own dried flower journey with our seed collections featuring varieties we've proven work beautifully in British conditions. Every purchase supports small-scale British flower farming and helps us continue growing flowers the way they should be grown—with care, sustainability, and love.