One of the best parts of arranging flowers at home is being able to personalise them. A few stems from the garden – a sprig of rosemary here, a twist of flax there – can bring structure, scent, or a bit of character to your bunch.
Foliage is a simple way to bring the outside in and experiment with shape, height, and texture. Whether you’re going for wild and untamed or clean and sculptural, your own backyard often has exactly what you need.
It’s also a great way to stretch your flowers further – especially since many greens last longer than blooms and can be reused in mid-week remixes.
But before you grab the scissors, a quick reminder:
In Aotearoa, it’s illegal to take plant material from public land without a permit.
This guide is all about using what’s in your own garden, pots, or backyard hedge - not the local park or your neighbour’s verge.
So if you’ve been looking to add a little something extra to your Wonky Flowers, here are 8 garden-friendly foliage favourites you can snip, style, and show off.
Magnolia foliage is glossy, leathery, and dramatic — with rich green tops and rusty brown undersides. The leaves are thick and long-lasting, even out of water, making them great for structured arrangements. They’re particularly good at anchoring larger blooms like chrysanthemums or lilies and add a lovely colour contrast to lighter flowers.
Tip: One or two leaves is usually enough. Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming the bunch.
Flax brings a clean, architectural feel to arrangements. It can be used tall and upright, looped into curves, or even plaited for more decorative displays. As a native plant, harakeke is hardy and abundant in home gardens, but it should be cut respectfully.
Note: If you’re harvesting from your own plants, never cut the central shoot (the rito), and only take from the older leaves on the outside of the fan.
More than a kitchen staple, rosemary brings fragrance, texture, and a feathery softness to arrangements. It holds up well out of water and adds a fresh herbal scent to your space. Its narrow, needle-like leaves pair well with softer blooms like freesias, lisianthus, and tulips.
Bonus: If you’re trimming your rosemary anyway, it’s a great way to get the most of what you grow - arrange the top, cook with the rest.
Grasses and dried seed heads can add movement, height and a more natural, garden-gathered look. They’re especially useful when your flowers feel quite full or symmetrical - grasses add softness and an effortless-looking curve. Even seed heads from bolted herbs like dill, coriander, or parsley can bring texture and detail to a bunch.
Tip: Avoid invasive grass varieties, and always check your plants are safe and chemical-free before cutting.
Eucalyptus is a florist favourite for a reason. Its silvery-blue tone, soft scent, and airy branching make it ideal for giving breathing space between focal flowers. It’s particularly good in winter and spring arrangements, when bold florals like proteas, stock or tulips benefit from a bit of space and structure.
Best use: Use one or two long stems to extend the shape of the bunch or trim into shorter pieces to fill gaps.
Monstera is bold, graphic, and surprisingly versatile. If you have a thriving plant indoors or out, a single leaf can make a strong statement — either tucked behind the arrangement or curled inside a wider vase. It’s particularly striking in minimalist arrangements or with colourful, bold flowers.
Note: Choose younger leaves for more flexibility. Older, mature leaves can be too large or flat to style easily.
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Camellia plants, often grown for their winter blooms, also offer year-round value with their deep green, glossy leaves. The foliage is dense and tough, making it ideal for providing weight and fullness to the base of an arrangement. It pairs well with bold seasonal blooms like chrysanthemums or dahlias.
Bonus: Camellia leaves hold their shape for days, even after the flowers fade.
If you’ve got a citrus or bay tree in your garden, its branches are a great addition to arrangements. They offer a subtle fragrance, firm leaves, and a rich green that works well with both bright and muted blooms. Their slightly woody stems also add structure to looser arrangements.
Best used in moderation: A couple of sprigs is usually enough to give the effect without overpowering more delicate flowers.
Tips for Home-Grown Foliage
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