Those who think of flowers as soft and tender things are in for a surprise when they plant Strawflower. As its name suggests, its blooms are straw-like: crisp, papery, and sturdy. These are not botanical petals but are bracts, special leaves that draw in pollinators and stay colorful for years if stored somewhere dry (hence the flower's alias, Everlastings). The papery buds are great in wintertime dried arrangements.
From Hudson Valley Seed Company, who sell and grow only non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds in artist-designed seed packets. Each seed packet comes with detailed instructions for sowing and growing, as well as history, lore, and stories about the variety and the artist.