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Which types of plant materials can be used in floral decorations besides flowers?
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Floral decoration
An eternal bouquet for the dead, limestone relief from Egypt, 4th century bce; in the Brooklyn Museum, New York.
In addition to flowers, a wide variety of plant materials can be used in floral decoration. These materials may be living, dried, or artificial and include the following:
- Foliage and Leaves: Used to provide structure and greenery.
- Grasses and Grains: Varieties such as pampas, millet, sorghum, wheat, and oats are frequently used, particularly in dried arrangements.
- Branches and Berries: Often incorporated for texture and seasonal color.
- Seeds, Nuts, and Cones: Commonly used in wreaths and festoons, especially for winter festivals like Christmas.
- Fruits and Vegetables: While most do not dry well, items like gourds, pomegranates, and artichokes are popular choices.
- Seed-bearing Capsules: Examples include the flat disks of honesty (Lunaria) and Chinese lanterns (Physalis).
Beyond natural plant matter, floral decorators also utilize artificial materials crafted from diverse substances such as porcelain, gems, wax, cloth, yarn, feathers, shells, and plastic.1