One of the most popular "everlastings" for use in dried arrangements, strawflowers are just as beautiful in summer bouquets. And these plants produce so many long-stemmed flowers you'll have plenty to use both fresh and dried.

The multi-petaled flowers are striking in all stages, from bud to fully opened, and have a subtle silky sheen that seems to magnify the rich colors. This mix includes flowers in shades of pink, rose, yellow and white on 24" to 36" tall plants.

To dry strawflowers, harvest the blossoms when they're about half open. Strip off the leaves, gather in small bunches, secure the stems with rubber bands, and hang upside down in a warm place with good ventilation.