Hayrides, harvest time, Halloween. Fall is a season that’s full of delight, particularly if you live in an area where the trees are changing color.
The rest of us will have to settle for mixing up the color in our vases and baskets of flowers.
“Customers are being more adventurous about color,” says Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, farrellsflorist.com. “Whereas the traditional fall palette is heavy on oranges, browns and golds, now people want something a little different. They like unexpected colors, like hot pink or lime green, as accents in fall bouquets.
“We’re also seeing a huge demand for rich hues like burgundy, dark blue and raspberry.”
Flowers in shades of blue and yellow work to transition an arrangement from summer to fall.
Also important, of course, is look and feel. As for the latter, leaves, berries and seed pods as well as wild flowers like solidago (goldenrod) and Queen Anne’s Lace are great ways to add texture to your fall flower decor.
And clean simple lines have come to the fore. As Tim puts it: “We’re moving away from very tight groups of flowers to something that looks more like it was just cut out of a field.”
When it comes to gifts, wreaths and plants are sure-fire ways for both giver and sender to feel festive. Also popular now as a hostess gift is a casual vase of flowers to pop on a kitchen island, rather than a formal centerpiece, as a special treat for the chef.
Mums, sunflowers and carnations are always good bets in autumn, but Tim says orchids and calla lilies are elegant, modern alternatives. And don’t be deceived by an orchid’s delicate look. In fact, it’s a strong and hardy bloom.
As for vases, Tim suggests looking for metal containers with interesting patinas, such as copper with a green patina or galvanized tin. Ceramic and stoneware are also good bets.
Flower Fact of the Day: Not up for buying a vase? Look in your cupboard. Bottles, champagne flutes, cups and bowls are fun, personal ways to display your floral creations.
