They should be picked just before maturity and hung to dry immediately after in a very warm, dry area with good ventilation. They will shrink half their natural size after drying. Most herbs are included in the everlastings, although some hold up better or are more attractive than others. There are also many grasses, both perennials and annuals whose seed heads are fabulous everlastings. Flowers aren t the only part of the plant that is used.
Foliage is often the backdrop for the wreaths, with the blooms and seed pods the decorations.
There is no simple answer for each flower. Some flowers are picked when they are mature, others must be picked prior to maturity. Weather conditions play a part, both in humidity and soil moisture. But there are some general rules. Everlastings can be roughly broken down into a few categories.