We have long been big fans of Botanical Tales, the dried flower creative business run by Bex Partridge, so we were thrilled when we heard she was releasing a book packed with practical tips and projects for dried flowers.
It really is a stunner of a book, one to turn back to time and time again. Here we catch up with Bex to find all about the inspiration and making of Everlastings…
Bex Partridge, Botanical Tales
Q. The book is packed with practical tips and tricks as well as twenty inspiring things to make. What is your favourite thing to make with dried flowers, and why?
Such a tricky question to answer! I've been making wreaths for years so they are always my go to as I find them really meditative to create. But I love the most finding new ways to create with dried flowers, new ways to display them whether that be hanging branches or big installations. During these tricky times, much of my larger scale work has been postponed so I am experimenting in my studio to help ease my creative itch.
Q. What is it about dried flowers that you love so much?
It has to be their versatility, longevity and the sustainability element of working with them. Why would we not want to have (natural) flowers that last and last in our homes? I also thoroughly enjoy the process of growing flowers from seed and then going on to dry them and work with them, it is deeply satisfying.
Preparing flowers for drying
Q. Previously dried flowers fell out of favour in many households, but they are experiencing a real resurgence in popularity now, why do you think that is?
This is true! When I first started working with dried flowers, I had to push past the comments of them being old fashioned and stick to my passions, at times it was incredibly disheartening to hear such things. Gradually opinions have changed though and its really exciting to see dried flowers becoming much more common place with florists and stylists. I feel certain that as folks become more aware of the impact our actions have on the climate they seek out sustainable options - so a bunch of dried flowers that have been grown in the UK over a bouquet of fresh roses flown in from South Africa. And for us here in the UK where our growing season is actually really short, the use of dried flowers can extend a flower farmers growing and selling season beyond the heady summer months.
Q. Your love of plants and nature portrayed in the book is infectious, is there a particular person or plant that started your plant-loving life?
Oh most likely it was my mum and my grandma. And I'm married to ecologist who now works for WWF so really the love of plants and nature flows through our families! I've been gardening for myself for nearly 20 years now and what I love about it is you never stop learning, whether that be through the houseplants you nurture or the way you tend to your outdoor space. I've recently become fascinated with soil structure and have moved to a no dig method of gardening and am reading so much in an attempt to educate myself.
Flowers grown on an allotment plot and in Bex’s garden are dried and used in her creations
Q. How did you find the book-writing process?
Looking back through rose tinted glasses it was a breeze but actually at the time I found it really quite stressful. The writing itself was fine but the feelings I had over imposter syndrome and questioning my worth became overwhelming at the time! A big learning for me was that I should have made space to complete the writing, I didn't drop anything from my work plan which meant I squeezed my time a lot and next time, which I hope there will be, I'll be much kinder and give myself the space I need to write.
Q. Do you have a favourite snippet of the book you would like to share?
Here's one that I think summarises it quite well "the contents of this book are accessible to all, whether you're a seasoned gardener or a city dweller with no outdoor space, a florist or a creative soul. It's written in the hope of breathing fresh life into the world of dried flowers, bringing a modern touch to a traditional subject."
Everlastings is out now. Available from Amazon and Waterstones
