What is Pampas Grass and Why Is Everybody Talking About It?
Scroll through Instagram or Pinterest and you’ll know, the ‘Pampas Phenomenon’ has well and truly arrived! Dried Pampas is THE décor trend and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Its creamy neutral tones with a touch of pink or mauve have been adding a natural touch of Boho chic to interiors and adorned romantic wedding celebrations the world over.
What is Pampas Grass?
A native to South America, the long plumes of dried Pampas Grass are coveted for their understated, creamy palette and their versatility. They can add a natural touch, structure, and soft texture to any interior. They are long lasting, budget friendly and are the vanguard of contemporary, beautiful, dried flower arrangements that are a hot trend right now.
Why is it important to use alternatives to Pampas?
Did you know that Pampas is classified as an obnoxious weed in most of Australia? It’s illegal to sell it here; you should not be able to find it at your local florist or garden centre. Pampas is a highly invasive plant in Australia. It competes - successfully – with our flora; its plumes pose a significant fire hazard. It even got a bad rep in the news.
Exquisite and sustainable alternatives to Pampas
That doesn’t mean you’ll have to miss out on the look though! Nature provides stunning AND sustainable choices, especially in Australia. So, rather than telling you what you can’t have, let’s get you inspired to create contemporary, on-trend looks with dried grasses that are readily available and kind to the environment.
- Dried palm leaves. Check out the popular, sculptural shapes and understated shades of the Spear, Suncut or Fan Palm. You can cut their stunning foliage to shape like in this beautiful Hey Cupid Bouquet or keep their sun-shaped leaves for larger arrangements.
- Dried Emu Feather Fern and bleached ferns. En masse, they make the perfect filler for any bouquet or grand display. They’ll add subtle elegance with their feathery light, often long-stemmed foliage and are perfect for wildflower themes.
- A single branch of eucalyptus will always add a nice touch to a room. Not only that, it’ll also fill small spaces with a wonderful scent. This sculptural plant will look good in a vase, hung on a wall, or even worked into a wreath. Have a look at our stunning Bush Dance bouquet; the Eucalyptus contrasts the dried grasses and flowers beautifully and provides depth and colour.
- Let your creativity run wild. Think dried and preserved Hydrangeas, Bunny Tails, the funky native Billy Buttons; even wheat stems and cotton make a wonderful addition to any arrangement. You can change a look from rugged beauty to ethereal, enchanting daintiness with a couple of different sprigs and shades of colours in an instant.
Handy Tips for Dried Grasses
When it comes to finding alternatives to natural Pampas, you are spoilt for choice!
- Do you grow flowers and grasses in your own garden? If so, check out our (link to dried flower guide??) for know-how and inspiration.
- You will find a wealth of ‘ingredients’ in dedicated flower shops and online. Play around with colours and textures to create something that is uniquely you. Or get your very own Dried Flower Kits. They come with detailed instructions and a range of long-lasting, professionally dried flowers and foliage to get you started.
- Are you short on time and looking for a long-lasting, thoughtful gift for that someone special? Why not simply order one of our beautiful, custom made dried flower bouquets.
The great thing about this hot new trend is that there are an abundance of exciting products available, even faux Pampas! Whatever the occasion, your taste or budget, you’re bound to find something that will bring you joy for a long time.
Do you have any questions about dried grasses, flowers, and foliage? Or can you share a picture of your own creation and a hot tip? We’d love to hear from you.
