Seedpods are truly amazing creations. Often oddly and elegantly shaped, they are the end result of a fragile and sometimes short-lived flower. As fall gradually winds down to its muted palette of tans, browns, golds, and grays, we become aware of the sometimes complex textural components of the garden. Frothy Switchgrass, silky Graziella plumes, or prickly Coneflowers can be left standing to be enjoyed in the winter garden, to provide cover for birds, or they can be used for interior seasonal decor of the home.
Many pods can be left simply to dry on their stems in the garden, and do not require the use of silica gels, sand, equipment, or skills. They can be put directly to use in a vase, or they can be stored for future use. It’s always best to take advantage of seasonal color and availability of materials. The traditional method of drying—banding and hanging the stems upside down—works well for most plants, especially those with weak stems that droop under the weight of the pod.
Stems can also be dried upright in loose clusters, especially those of Goldenrod, Boneset, or the plumes from ornamental grasses. This prevents the flower stems from becoming crushed or mangled. Select stems carefully, cutting only those that are in good shape or are the most appealing, then strip off lower leaves. Handle them carefully when moving or storing. Clay drain tiles from farm supply stores are inexpensive and quite useful as storage containers, and can even be used for display.
The list that follows suggests many plants that can be cut and used immediately in a vase or in an arrangement. A stroll through the garden will give you many more ideas for pods and froth. It is a good excuse to get out in the garden when you can admire one of nature’s more marvelous creations.
ALLIUMS—A wide variety of these ornamental onions are available. The head dries with a more open, natural shape if stood upright in a vase with a little water.
ARTEMISIA—Easy to grow and aromatic. ‘Silver King’ and annual Sweet Annie make excellent filler material in dried arrangements. Collect anytime, but preferably before frost.
ASTILE—This highly desirable shade plant forms feathery seed heads that are quite persistent in the garden and lovely in table arrangement.
BAPTISIA—The flowers mature into knobby bean-like pods that are purple-black in color and will rattle pleasantly when shaken.
BLACKBERRY LILY—Shiny black seeds are housed within tawny pear-shaped pods.
GRASSES—Feathery plums from tall ornamental grasses are the essence of elegance in the fall. They make ideal companions for plants with rigid seed heads like Coneflower or Teasel.
NORTHERN SEA OATS—Oat-like heads dangle like earrings on this shade and moisture loving plant. Makes a very graceful addition to a table arrangement.
SIBERIAN IRIS—One of the gardener’s rewards for not dead-heading iris flowers is the distinctive three-pronged, dark brown capsule that is formed late in the season.
IRIS FOETIDISSIMA or CORAL IRIS—Flowers mature into a flamboyant arrangement of scarlet berries cupped with a brown capsule.
LIATRIS—Purple varieties dry quite well and make good substitutes for the vertical cattail.
RUDBECKIA—Look for Rudbeckia triloba, sometimes called Three Lobed Coneflower. This particular Rudbeckia has very small, numerous flowers with sharp, dark centers. They tend to retain the golden ray flowers better than any other daisy type flower, if handled carefully.
SUNFLOWERS—An easily grown annual and favorite in children’s gardens. Let the giant flowers dry on the stem. With your thumbs, gently brush away the fuzzy center, revealing the seeds that are neatly arranged on the central disk. These can make a dramatic focal point in a wreath or swag.
FALSE BONESET—Found in dry fields and open woods, forms a fuzzy, white cluster of seeds that are effective in Williamsburg-style arrangements. Pick in bud stage and they will burst into a froth of white as they dry. If dried, seeds can be gently dusted away to reveal a pretty, fresh green capsule.
CATTAIL—A favorite of arrangers; however, when picked in fall they will shatter inside the home making quite a mess. Harvest early, usually July when still green, or when male flowers (golden tassels on the upper part of the stem) are in bloom. Air-dry by standing them upright.
CURLED DOCK—Thick stems of rosy-green, red-brown and deep brown that is useful as a spike form and as filler material. Harvest at various stages through the summer as it changes color.
GOLDENROD—Harvest these pretty wands of gold when one third of the stems are open and the remainder are in bud stage. They dry best when set upright in loose bunches.
MILKWEED—Late in the season the pods open revealing their silky seeds. Allow the seeds to scatter. Very dramatic seed pod that makes an effective focal point.
PENNYCRESS AND PEPPER GRASS—Members of the Mustard Family are readily found in vacant lots and alleys and make excellent filler material that holds up well. Best time to collect is mid-summer when lime green or lavender tones are displayed in the foliage.
QUEEN ANNE’S LACE—When stem-dried, makes an interesting “bird’s nest.” Can also be air-dried on a wire screen with the head flat.
SUMAC—Best time to pick the bright red seed clusters is in late summer or fall. They are useful in large wreaths or swags, or save them to use with pine boughs at Christmas.
TEASEL—Acres of this noxious weed seem to line our major expressways. Heavily armed with spikes, hooks, and prickles, it is easy to spot at 60 MPH. Can be harvested any time of year, but if you cut it in bloom, your pod and stem will retain beautiful silvery tones.
VERBENA HASTATA or BLUE VERVAIN—Pods are pencil-thin and have a braided appearance. A native of the prairies and a fine plant for the garden.
Date: August 4, 2000
Author: Pat Hollingsworth
Pat Hollingsworth is a Landscape Designer at The Planter's Palette