Anemones are not your average farmers’ market find—they’re the showstoppers of the cut-flower field, with their velvety petals in shades of deep violet, crimson, hot pink, and inky blue, each with that hypnotic black or green center. And the best part? You get to go out and snip them yourself, on several farms across the Netherlands, where rows of these cheerful blooms nod in the breeze like they’re waving you over.

Picking your own anemones is a delightfully simple affair. Grab a pair of sharp scissors or floral snips (most farms provide them, but it’s nice to have your own), and a bucket with a little water. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it is cooler and the flowers wilt less. Walk slowly between the rows—this isn’t a race. You’re looking for stems where the flowers are half to fully open and still perky, with no droopy petals or brown edges. Skip the tight buds: they often don’t open in the vase. Cut the stem near the base, leaving the leaves at the bottom of the plant intact, and handle the stems gently, as they can snap if you bend them. If you’re with friends or family, make it a game—who can spot the most unique color?

Once you’re home, remove the lower leaves that would sit in the water, give the stems a fresh diagonal cut and pop them in a clean vase with fresh water, in a cool spot out of direct sun. Change the water daily and recut the stems every two to three days, and they’ll last a solid week.

Decoration ideas are where anemones really shine:

  • Single-stem spotlight: Place one striking stem in a small bud vase on your nightstand or desk. It’s minimal, elegant, and gives major editorial vibes.
  • Mixed bouquet: Pair anemones with ranunculus, tulips, and a few sprigs of eucalyptus or fennel fronds for a wild, romantic look.
  • Floating flowers: Float a few heads (snip the stems short) in a shallow bowl of water with floating candles. Perfect for a dinner party centerpiece.
  • Dried beauty: Anemones can be pressed between absorbent paper under a weight for one to two weeks, or dried in silica gel to keep their shape. They’ll fade to an ethereal papery version of themselves—lovely in a frame or as a standalone arrangement on a shelf.

No recipes for flowers here: anemones are toxic if eaten, for people as well as for cats and dogs, so keep them out of reach of pets. The sap can irritate the skin, so wear gloves if you’re handling a large armful.