Strawflowers (Helichrysum bracteatum)

should be picked when they’re half-way open. It’s easy to tell when they’ve gone past their ideal picking time when their centers begin to turn brown. Tall varieties are scarce at most nurseries, but can be started from seed. Swallowtail Garden Seeds offers a rainbow of choices.

Ornamental oregano

is one of the best fillers for dried arrangements. One that practically dries on its own is ‘Kent Beauty’. Its stems are very thin, so as it grows, it will be more likely to run along the ground. To keep them clean, cover the soil surrounding the plant with a layer of pebbles or wood mulch. Taller varieties can be found occasionally at garden centers or purchased from specialty nurseries like Mountain Valley Growers in Squaw Valley, CA.

Peonies

dry surprisingly well, but you’ll have the most success with the double varieties in medium pink to red. The pale colors will turn brownish. For the best results pick peony flowers on a dry day just as they’ve opened fully. Hang each peony stem individually or staggered so their blooms aren’t crushed. A few varieties that have worked well for me include ‘Dayton’, Pink Derby’, ‘Big Ben’, and ‘Exotic Sunflower’.

Lavender

dries well and has the bonus of maintaining its scent long after its dried. For drying and keeping its scent and color, take a look at the selection at Goodwin Creek Gardens. Lavender stems hold up better if they are picked when about half of the buds are in bloom. Just a few varieties for drying include ‘Grosso’, ‘Sensational’, and ‘Gros Bleu’.