Tom Stimpson: The 12 best dried flowers for glamorous Christmas decorations - Episode 248

It’s the run-in to Christmas, so if you’re thin on decorations and want to think more sustainably about dazzling your guests this year, turn to the garden and start drying flowers now.In the first of many ‘12 Best’ episodes over the coming months, Tom Stimpson joins us as he and Sarah talk through the best flowers for stunning dried arrangements, and top tips to maintain their unique texture and colour throughout the season.In this episode, discover:Creative, sustainable ways to use dried flowers and foliage for beautiful homegrown Christmas decorationsTried-and-tested techniques for drying and preserving everything from hydrangeas and dahlias to autumn leaves and poppy seed headsExpert tips for maintaining colour, texture, and longevity in your dried arrangementsInspiring ideas for DIY festive crafts that bring your garden’s magic indoorsProducts mentioned:Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Fresco'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-frescoHydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' AGMhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelightLunaria annuahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/lunaria-annuaAllium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensationAllium schubertiihttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertiiAllium cristophiihttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophiiClimbing French Bean 'Monte Gusto'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/french-bean-monte-gustoRunner Bean 'Black Knight'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/runner-bean-black-knightFig 'Little Miss Figgy' (Ficus carica)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fig-little-miss-figgyChasmanthium latifoliumhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/chasmanthium-latifoliumPapaver somniferum 'Black Beauty'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-somniferum-black-beautyAmaranthus hypochondriacus 'Pygmy Torch'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-hypochondriacus-pygmy-torchFollow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: [email protected] on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest