Where To Pick Wildflowers For Stunning Table Decor

When the warm months roll around and plants begin blooming everywhere, there's an urge to decorate the home with flowers. These miracles of nature have little competition when it comes to bringing color, beauty, and a touch of the outdoors to your living space. Wildflower arrangements have become particularly popular for stunning table decor pieces as interior design trends evolve toward a more organic, authentic, and less polished approach. Their weedy appearance and rough, wildly varied texture — and the feeling of having been freshly picked from the field – make wildflowers the perfect fit for laidback interiors and the ultimate cottagecore decor. 

However, as appealing as the idea of spending a sunny day picking flowers might sound, growing environmental concerns over biodiversity loss have made it so collecting your black-eyed Susans, yarrows, and sages is no longer as simple as finding a wild meadow in the outskirts of town. Sure, picking one or two posies from an otherwise undisturbed piece of land isn't harmful in itself, but what happens if everyone has the same idea? Incorporating the wildflower trend into your next tablescape or floral display is only worth it if done responsibly, so consider alternatives like native plant nurseries and your local flower market. In parks and forests, it's best to get in touch with your designated USDA Forest Service District Office for guidance on best wildflower picking practices.

When it comes to finding wildflowers, those in the countryside have it easier than city dwellers, but the latter will likely still come across them on the daily. Being resilient is in these plants' DNA. They adapt to their environment, finding ways to grow on roadsides, pavement cracks, and abandoned lots. However, as a rule of (green) thumb, if you're picking flowers in the wild, don't overdo it. It's recommended to only take one in every twenty flowers, so if you notice a specific kind isn't abundant to begin with, give it a pass.

Never uproot any plants and don't bring home any protected or endangered species. Apps like PlantNet and iNaturalist will help you identify your finds. Of course, never collect from private property or growths that look planned and cared for. Additionally, if you're out on a hike in a protected natural park or nature reserve, chances are it's illegal to pick wildflowers without a permit. These laws are set in place to ensure the future of these beautiful landscapes, and, table decor, as gorgeous as it may be, is not worth risking it. 

For peace of mind, you can always buy wildflowers at trustworthy plant nurseries and florists. Of course, since these will most likely be cultivated in a controlled environment by humans, they will no longer be truly "wild," but they will look just as beautiful without compromising any ecosystems. Besides, investing in native, seasonal plants is one of the best things you can do for both your wallet and the planet. 

The longer your wildflowers last, the more beautiful your table will look and the less need you'll have of picking a fresh bunch. Your home, the environment, and yourself — everyone's a winner! Ensuring long-lasting cut flowers starts from the moment you harvest them, whether that's from your garden, a U-pick flower farm, or a nearby field. 

Picking your flowers before they're in full bloom generally increases their lifespan, as does doing it first thing in the morning when they're all stocked up on water. Cut stems right above a bud or leaf, at an angle, with a sharp blade, like pruning shears or a knife, to preserve their vascular tissue and optimize water absorption. When you put them in water at home (which should be done as soon after picking as possible), remove any foliage that is submerged to prevent bacterial growth. 

In regards to watering habits and needs, each stem is different. However, there are a few general tips you can follow. Soaking your plants in lukewarm water away from sunlight for a couple of hours after pruning will allow them to regenerate, providing the best beauty sleep before they take center stage as your head-turning table decor. After that, create your vibrant bouquet, trimming each flower to fit your favorite vase by re-tracing the steps described above. Fill it with lukewarm water once more, add in some flower food, and repeat the next day. If you're lucky, your flowers will still stay looking wild and healthy for a good two weeks.