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Foraged Mother’s Day Boutonnieres

My friend introduced me to the concept of “foraging” a few years ago. I tease her that “forage” is hippie-speak for “stealing.” But there really is a sustainable and responsible way to forage and I think it makes the flowers feel more wild and special than just buying them from the grocery store. The first (obvious) rule is don’t steal flowers someone deliberately grew. Also, stay away from frequented public areas where people hike and walk, those flowers are for everyone. When I’m foraging I first look first to my backyard or ask my neighbor if I can cut a few sprigs from their overgrown bush. I’ve also cut from wild bushes in abandoned lots. I also once asked the school gardener what bushes needed trimming and asked permission to cut their honeysuckle bush for my flower arrangements. I prefer foraged flowers because first of all it’s free and second, the variety and quality of the flowers and greenery can be better than at the flower market. My friend does a forage/bought combo where she buys really pretty blooms from the market and then supplements with foraged vines from her backyard. Her flowers are always beautiful and wild-looking, it’s the best of both worlds. Today we’re teaching how to make foraged corsages for Mother’s Day! Click through below for details.

Foraged Mother's Day Boutonnieres | Oh Happy Day!

Foraged Mother's Day Boutonnieres | Oh Happy Day!Foraged Mother's Day Boutonnieres | Oh Happy Day!

Foraging tips: Always bring pruning shears and a tote bag to carry all the clippings. Be careful to never clip any plants in someone’s yard or garden. Also, it’s best to avoid public parks and government-owned spots. Instead, we always try to look for overgrown plants in alleyways and abandoned lots. If you live in the suburbs or in the country, keep your eyes out for pretty greenery on the side of the road (and don’t be afraid to pull over to get it!)

Foraged Mother's Day Boutonnieres | Oh Happy Day! Foraged Mother's Day Boutonnieres | Oh Happy Day!

To make the boutonnieres, you’ll need: clippings, floral tape, ribbon and scissors

Step 1: Remove any extra or damaged leaves.
Step 2: Arrange the flowers and greenery into a design that you like. We recommend that you start with any greenery and then add flowers.
Step 3: Wrap floral tape around the stems of your arrangement.
Step 4: Tie with pretty ribbon.
Step 5: Use a floral pin to attach it to mom’s shirt!

Foraged Mother's Day Boutonnieres | Oh Happy Day!Foraged Mother's Day Boutonnieres | Oh Happy Day!Foraged Mother's Day Boutonnieres | Oh Happy Day!

Photos by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day

  1. heather

    April 8, 2015

    These are so fun! Thanks for sharing.

  2. Mary

    April 8, 2015

    These turned out so lovely! I am trying to brainstorm where I could forage in Philadelphia- I love that you turned volunteering to trim bushes into an opportunity to bring home some pretty flowers. Honeysuckle is such a nostalgic bloom- I remember “drinking” honeysuckle nectar as a child.

    Thank you for sharing!
    xo Mary
    Mostly Salty

  3. Meredithe

    April 8, 2015

    I am sneed this post to my children,. Beautiful.

  4. Kari

    April 8, 2015

    So gorgeous! I’m loving the cherry blossom trees!
    Kari
    http://www.sweetteasweetie.com

  5. Ainssa

    April 9, 2015

    This is the kind of post that make you say “oh happy day”! I actually think that some of them will look cute in a nice spring hair style.

  6. Diane

    April 9, 2015

    What a great idea, there are always so many plants overgrowing nearby.

  7. Jennie @ Little Girl Designs

    April 9, 2015

    My mom would LOVE this. She taught me foraging (or “collecting” as she calls it) from childhood. Seeing that bright bougainvillea made me so happy–reminds me of when I was living in Los Angeles and so many homes were decorated with those draping wild colors. Miss that!

  8. Hannah

    April 9, 2015

    These are beautiful! Ive been thinking about making boutonniers for my wedding – this has given me some great inspiration!
    http://crafternooncabaretclub.com

  9. Riz

    April 9, 2015

    yay! those are lovely. 🙂 i’m thinking those photos up there with them sorted out look great in a picture frame. lol.

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