Why We Love Weeds (And Why You Should, Too)
When you think of a beautiful bouquet, your mind might drift to the classic elegance of roses and baby’s breath. But what if we told you that the flowers we often dismiss as “weeds” hold their own unique beauty and are a more sustainable choice for the planet?
Hoary Alyssum, Queen Annes Lace, Purple Loosestrife
The Real Cost of Commerical Flowers
It’s easy to be drawn in by the perfect symmetry of roses or the delicate beauty of baby’s breath. But those “perfect” flowers come with a hidden cost—they require an enormous amount of resources to grow and transport. Think about it—roses grown in another country, treated with toxic pesticides and flown across borders just so they can look picture-perfect in a vase for a week. These flowers might look nice on the surface, but in reality, they are part of a troubling cycle that impacts our environment more than you might realize.
Beyond the environmental impact, there are serious human rights issues associated with the floral industry. Many of these flowers are produced in exploitative conditions, relying on the labor of indigenous populations and migrants, making their “beauty” tied up with even more hidden costs.
Nature’s Overlooked Blooms
Now, compare that to wildflowers—aka “weeds”—that are growing naturally all around you, in your backyard or along a country road. They are free of chemicals and full of life—natural beauties.
harvesting invasive sweet peas
Many of these flowers are often labeled as “weeds” simply because they spread easily, but who says weeds can’t be beautiful?
For us, each season brings its own unique beauty, and we love working with what nature provides. Using local, foraged plants means embracing what’s already here, rather than investing excessive resources to curate perfection.
In the warmer months, we forage wildflowers to create natural, beautiful bouquets without the environmental impact of imported blooms. And in winter, we turn to evergreens and dried florals, incorporating elements like rosehips as a unique, sustainable alternative to roses.
Cedar Wreath with Organic Dried Citrus & Tansy
The Weeds We Love
Honestly, there are too many to name, but here are some of our favorites:
Purple Loosestrife*
Leafy & Cypress Spurge*
Buckthorn*
Crown Vetch*
Dames Rocket*
Tansy*
Lambs Quarters*
Grasses
Gumweed
Queen Annes Lace*
Red Clover
Campion*
Sweet Clover*
Yarrow
(*denotes invasive)
These plants (and so many more!) add a unique touch to floral designs and allow us to stay connected to the natural beauty of our local environment.
It is important to note, however, that while we can benefit from the presence of invasive plants, we do not need to contribute to their growth! Be careful that you are not spreading their seeds while harvesting — and it doesn’t hurt to pull them by the root rather than cutting their stem!
Our Foraging Ethics
Of course, we don’t just grab whatever we see. Responsible foraging is key. Here are some of the guiding principles we follow:
Know What You’re Harvesting: Before picking any plant, it’s essential to identify it correctly. Avoid harvesting anything that’s poisonous or endangered/protected.
Harvest Responsibly: If we’re foraging native plants, we only harvest from healthy populations, and we never take more than 10%. Also, we try to prune/harvest in a way that encourages regrowth—this ensures that the populations can continue to thrive.
Be Mindful of Invasive Plants: If we’re harvesting invasive plants, we take care to prevent their seeds from spreading further. Always wash your hands and check your clothing to avoid carrying seeds to new areas. And yank a few up by the root when you can!
Respect the Land: Foraging is a privilege, and it’s important to always respect property boundaries and never trespass.
crown vetch, yarrow
Rethinking What’s Beautiful
Weeds have long been misunderstood, labeled as nuisances or eyesores. But when we look closer, we see that their strength, resilience, and natural beauty far surpass the façade of mass-produced, chemically treated flowers. By embracing the beauty of weeds, we are also embracing a more sustainable approach to floral design that supports the health of our planet.
Weeds aren’t something to get rid of. They’re resilient, self-sustaining, and so beautiful. In a world that’s so focused on perfection, they remind us that nature doesn’t need to be controlled or manicured to be valuable. By using wildflowers and weeds in our arrangements, we’re not just creating something beautiful—we’re honoring the environment that gave them to us.
So next time you see some of these beautiful blooms growing by the roadside, maybe pause for a second. Those plants have their own quiet kind of beauty. They don’t need chemicals or a plane ticket to look good—they just do.
<3 Ella & Rosie
