Dried grasses are some of the best botanicals for fall decor. When most flowers begin to wane, dried grass begins to put on an extravagant display with unique seed heads, colors, and textures that add depth and interest to any space. If you’ve ever wondered how to get that rustic, organic, fall lookbook feel, one of the secrets is dried grass!
Why Should You Choose Dried Grass for Fall Decor?
1. It’s Inexpensive
When fall rolls around, flowers become more expensive because they’re no longer in season. On the opposite end of the spectrum, dried grass becomes much more affordable—you can easily get a hundred stems of dried grass for less than $15. You can even get them for free if you don’t mind foraging and drying your own botanicals. If you’re decorating for a large event, such as a fall wedding, these savings can really add up.
2. It’s Sustainable
Grass is the fastest-growing plant genus on the planet and is considered a plentiful and renewable resource. It can be dried in the sun, it’s not heavy to ship, and it’s compostable. Faux plants, on the other hand, require a significant amount of energy, water, and petroleum to produce, which results in a substantial carbon footprint each year. To make matters worse, all faux plants will eventually discolor and fall apart when their artificial dyes fade and the glue holding them together disintegrates. Then they’re destined for the landfill or the ocean, where they’ll leach toxic chemicals and microplastics into the soil and water for years.
3. It’s Durable
Aside from its affordability, one of the best things about dried grass is that it can last for multiple seasons. To store dried grass after the fall season is over, shake off any accumulated dust and put it in a dark place to preserve its color. When the next year rolls around, take it out and re-fluff it with your hair dryer on a warm setting. Trust me, it’ll look as good as it did the previous year.
4. It’s Nostalgic
Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of dried grass decorations is the unmistakable sense of fall they evoke. The warm and earthy colors—rich browns, neutral beiges, and golden yellows—and soft and fluffy seed heads all combine to create an atmosphere of fall coziness. In a world where we spend so much time indoors, a glimpse of dried grass can gently remind us that the season is changing and that it’s almost time to savor a pumpkin spice latte.
The Best Dried Grass Varieties for Fall Decor
1. Dried Wheat
Nothing says fall like dried wheat. Versatile, long-lasting, neutral, affordable, and accessible, dried wheat is the reigning champion of fall decor. It adds an inviting touch to any space, reminding us of fall traditions, country living, and the abundance of harvest. As a solo centerpiece, dried wheat looks best when it’s fanned out, either in a container or as a standing bundle tied with jute rope. Pair it with amber vases to amplify the fall vibes.
2. Pampas Grass
Pampas grass is a large, fluffy ornamental grass that’s gained popularity in recent years due to its prevalent use in boho design. It comes in a variety of natural colors, including white, brown, and even pink. For a fall look, use brown pampas grass to match the earthy colors of the changing fall leaves. Pampas grass pairs especially well with a round vase, and its large size makes it an ideal statement centerpiece. Note that these typically come compressed during shipping, so you’ll have to fluff them up by either heating them with a hair dryer or leaving them out in direct sun for a few hours.
3. Reed Grass
Reed grass is a real showstopper in the world of dried grasses. With its elegant plumes of delicate, feathery seed heads, it’ll lend a majestic and stately quality to your fall decor. For the best display, place your reed grass inside a tall vase with a slender neck to get the graceful, arching look this grass is known for.
4. Bunny Tail Grass
Bunny tail grass, as its name suggests, looks as cute as a bunny’s tail! This whimsical grass, which comes in both brown and white, is a fan favorite due to its fluffy, pom-pom-shaped seed heads. Since it’s one of the shorter varieties of ornamental grass, it looks best when displayed in a smaller vase. Keep in mind that quite a few bunny tail stems are needed to achieve a “full” look, so be sure to purchase multiple bundles if you’re going for maximum fluffiness.
5. Gem Grass
Gem grass, also known as phalaris grass, features unique, husk-like seed heads that lend an interesting texture to any space. As a matter of fact, it’s so visually striking that it usually invites up-close inspection. Similar to bunny tail grass, phalaris grass looks best when grouped in a large bundle inside a shorter vase. Its shorter height makes it an ideal dining table centerpiece.
Conclusion
The affordability, durability, sustainability, and positive fall associations evoked by dried grass make it a great choice for rustic fall decor. In particular, dried wheat, pampas grass, reed grass, bunny tail grass, and phalaris grass are all great options for creating a cozy atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of the season. So this fall, skip the faux florals and let the charm of dried grass infuse your decor with a touch of seasonal magic!
