When you think of a perfect day in the Dutch countryside, picture this: a basket in one hand, a pair of scissors in the other, and row upon row of delicate, airy lace flowers swaying in the breeze. Picking your own lace flower (Orlaya grandiflora, not to be confused with wild carrot or bishop’s flower) is a delightful, slow-paced activity, from June to August. Unlike the stubborn grip of a carrot or the muddy heave of a potato, lace flower just needs a clean cut: snip the stem with scissors or pruners about 10–15 cm below the flower head, and leave the lower leaves and stems on the plant. No wrestling, no dirt under your nails—just pure, elegant satisfaction.

Go with a group of friends and turn it into a floral treasure hunt. Morning is the best time, when the flowers are freshest. The stems are fairly rigid but can snap if bent, and the flowers are delicate, so lay them loosely in your basket. Pick them when about half to two-thirds of the umbel is open; that way they’ll last 5–7 days in a vase.

Once you’re home, you have a world of possibilities:

Since lace flower is, well, a flower, here are some decorative ideas to make your home look like a whimsical fairy tale. Recut the stems at an angle, remove the lower leaves, put them in water straight away and change it daily.

  • Airy Centerpiece: Pluck a generous handful and arrange them in a wide, low vase. Their lacy structure creates a soft, frothy halo around dinner plates. Add a few sprigs of mint from your garden for a fragrant green accent.
  • Pressed Flower Art: Gently press the individual florets between the pages of a heavy book for a week. Once dry, arrange them in a simple glass frame. They look like tiny pieces of antique lace—perfect for a cozy reading nook.
  • Hanging Bouquet (Dried): Tie a bundle with kitchen twine and hang it upside down in a dark, dry spot. Handle dried lace flower gently, as the petals can shatter; it makes a romantic, ghostly decoration above a fireplace or in a bedroom.
  • The “Wild Crown”: Use a floral wire base and weave in stems to create a loose, ethereal flower crown. It’s the ultimate accessory for a garden party or a lazy afternoon photo session in the sun.