By Kerri Williams
It’s that time of year when people start looking ahead to sweater weather and pumpkin-spiced drinks. But for me, these late days of August have me lingering outside in the garden and taking in the end-of-summer beauty.
One thing I love to do this time of year is to clip some of my flowers and bring them inside for a fun table arrangement. While arranging garden flowers can be done at any time of the summer, it takes on special meaning for me now.
I learned a lot about arranging flowers during my time in the Garden Club of Newtown, when my good friends Peg and Deb demonstrated different ways to make a striking display. Members could watch and then make their own arrangements during club meetings or at their own homes.
Compliment your garden
One thing I learned is that there are many good places to find flowers and greens for arrangements. In addition to your own back yard, beautiful flowers can be found at the Westport Farmer’s Market or Compo Farms. Many Westport families enjoy the flower selection and terrific pricing at our Trader Joe’s.
Creating an arrangement with a mixture of flowers from the store and my own backyard is one of my favorite things to do. I start with a bouquet of flowers and then head out into my yard with a pair of snippers to “shop” for some more blooms and greens.
Some flowers I love to bring inside this time of year are: hydrangeas, rose of Sharon, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, sunflowers and asters. And don’t forget to look around for leafy plants to add to your arrangement, such as coleus. Herbs can also add texture and aroma to an arrangement. I recently added a stalk of basil to an arrangement that brought the scent of summer into my kitchen.
Vase selection
Once you have your flowers, the next thing to find is the perfect vase to accent them. This can be as simple as a canning jar, which gives off a perfect casual vibe, or a more elegant vase hidden away in your cabinet. Depending on how many flowers you have, you could even fill two vases.
My favorite vases tend to have a top that tapers in, making it easier to hold the stems and create a pleasing arrangement. I also like vases that are not over-decorated, as I want the flowers to be the star. A simple, glass vase is always a winner. Keep your eyes out for one you like the next time you stop at a garage sale or consignment shop.
The prep
Next, you should prepare your flowers and stems for arranging. Be sure to strip off any leaves that will be below the water line of your vase. Also, give the stems a fresh cut on an angle and remove any damaged petals.
Fill your vase with water, adding in any conditioner that comes with the purchased flowers. Then comes the fun part – start arranging in a way that looks pleasing to you, with some shorter and some taller stalks. Take your time, mixing colors and textures until you have the look you want.
Unhappy? Try again
If the thought of arranging flowers intimidates you, never fear. You can always start over. One tip from my friend Deb is that flowers usually look best when added to an arrangement in odd numbers. So, try placing three zinnias or black-eyed Susans, with perhaps one larger sunflower.
Creating a monochromatic arrangement can be another approach, according to Paula, a Westport resident and Westport garden club member. She enjoys picking out blooms in just one or two colors for a sophisticated look.
Showcase
Lastly, place your arrangement someplace you will see it often, bringing a smile to your day. One little touch I enjoy is placing a table runner or doily underneath my arrangement in a coordinating color. As a knitter, I love to make table toppers in different hues to have on hand, which makes my display even more meaningful. Or you may have a purchased runner or a placemat that works. Just remember that the flowers are the star of the show.
To make the arrangement last longer, change the water daily and recut the stems occasionally. You can also take out flowers that are wilting and quickly rearrange the rest.
So, while the days of summer are getting shorter, don’t forget to make the most of this time and to perhaps try bringing some flowers inside. It’s a creative way to make the most of the season.
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