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This year’s fall trend celebrates the beauty of nature at any stage of life.

This year’s fall trend celebrates the beauty of nature at any stage of life.

The world of dried flowers is a wildly diverse one. From left to right: Phalaris, Pampas Grass (Cortadenia), Protea, Oat stalk, Octagon flower, bleached Tasel (Dipsacus fullonum/ Fern), Sorghum,

Saw Palmetto (Seronoa repens) and Bunny Tail (Lagurus).

Flowers never cease to amaze.

Whether newly bloomed and bursting with vibrant color or dried to an elegant subdued tone, they are specimens to behold. And this fall, they should be specimens to display, decorate with and adorn a variety of small special things.

Whether tinted before they dry or naturally colorful all on their own, you’ll be surprised at how many shades you can find in the dried flower section. From left to right: Oat flower (Avena), Canary Grass (Phalaris), Octagon flower, Flax (Gras), Eucalyptus, Horsetail reed

(Arundo), Elephant Grass (Donax), Protea, Wild Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), bleached Ruscus, Starflower (Scarbiosa stellata), Bunny Tail (Lagurus), Flax (Alsi gras), Billy Balls

(Craspedia), Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Silver Dollar (Lunaria), Fern.

There’s no better way—my favorite way—to amp up your gift wrap and packaging than by adding a bit of natural beauty to your present.

Place an arrangement of dried flowers under a cloche for a nod to the traditional art form popular during the Victorian era. If you don’t have a cloche, a pretty jar with a lid will do. A single sprig is an easy way to create a stunning display. Or if you’re feeling crafty, play with a mix of specimens, using a vintage flower frog to artfully arrange a sculptural design.

A few small springs of dried Baby’s Breath

(Gypsophila paniculata), Bunny Tail (Lagurus) and Octagon flowers make the perfect bundle for a place card.

Looking for something a little showier? This large wooden hoop is perfect for a half-wreath design that highlights the beauty of the form itself. Use colorful varieties like tinted Eucalyptus, Bunny Tail (Lagurus),

Canary Grass (Phalaris) and Flax (Alsi gras).