I love using natural things as decorations. We save pine cones, and use all sorts of dried plants and herbs in wreaths and bouquets. One of the naturals I love to use is dried milkweed pod.
I've had my eye on several stands of milkweed pod along one of the fields just east of me. I was concerned that the "Weed Ladies" of the Naperville Heritage Society might beat me to them, but I had to wait for dry weather to try to harvest them. Yesterday was gorgeous, but I was in my gardens. Today was much the same, but Dear Husband came home just as I was finishing cutting back plants. I asked him to be my driver. I didn't want to have to negotiate the curb in the SUV.
So, he gave up about 15 minutes of his precious late afternoon sunlight to drive me down the road. I think he did it because he got to sit and listen to the classical music station while I cut the milkweed.
You know of course, that most of the milkweed are still in the process of releasing their seeds. I have them stored in the garage until I can spend the time teasing the silk and seeds out of the pods. It's a chore that I don't plan to put off. *G*
I still want to gather an armload of teasel and some curly dock. I'm going to create a bouquet with all three of the weeds, wrapped with a fall colored ribbon, for my oldest sister. She knew I planned to collect the weeds and said she wished she could, too. If they come too late for her to use this season, they'll store well for next year.