Nigella

Day 275: Surrounded by ferny, lacy leaves, the flowers of Nigella seem almost like tiny faeries in tiny cages, beautiful little things captured to grace the garden. Also known as Love-in-a-mist, this plant is excellent for drying. After the petals drop, a bladder-like seed pod develops, in size often as large as the end of a thumb and marked with red striations. Pick them before they are fully mature and hang head-down in an airy, shady location to dry. Mixed with sprays of statice and accented by crisp, colorful strawflowers, they make a beautiful arrangement.