There’s something so special about working with Australian natives. They hold a wild, untamed beauty that speaks of our landscapes — the bush, the coast, the open paddocks and rugged mountains. They’re tough, resilient, and yet when you take the time to look closely, they’re full of delicate detail. I love growing them, drying them, and then bringing them back to life in arrangements and creations that last well beyond their season.
Here are a few of my absolute favourites:
Everlasting Daisy (Xerochrysum bracteatum)
True to their name, these stunning little flowers keep their colour and form long after they’ve been picked. They’re lightweight, cheerful, and add the happiest pops of colour to any dried arrangement.
Billy Button (Craspedia globosa)
Round, golden orbs on long slender stems — Billy Buttons are pure joy. They dry beautifully, holding their shape and sunshine colour for years. They bring fun and playfulness to creations
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Rice Flower (Ozothamnus diosmifolius)
Rice Flower has a soft, cloud-like feel with its clusters of tiny blooms. It adds texture and fullness to arrangements and is a dream to dry. I often use it as a filler, but honestly, it’s just as beautiful on its own in a simple bunch.
Lemon Beauty Heads (Calocephalus citreus)
These are such unique natives with earthy tones and interesting form. Their structure adds depth and contrast, and when dried, they hold beautifully.
Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
The queen of natives. Bold, striking and utterly iconic. Waratahs have such presence in the garden, and while they’re not the easiest to dry, when you get it right, they are breathtaking. A single Waratah can be the star of a piece.
For me, growing these natives is about more than flowers — it’s about connection. Each plant has its own beauty to share. When I pick and dry them, I feel like I’m carrying a little piece of the garden forward into the next season.
