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Rebel Colors Spark Fall Flower Arrangements
It's a fall-decor revolution! Purples, pinks and more are taking a stand with traditional autumn colors for unexpected arrangements
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
Fall is all about the oranges and reds and yellows, correct? Well, take a peek in the garden and on the vine, and you'll see that your choices are not so cut and dried. There is a cacophony of color this time of year, and it isn't limited to the coppers and golds of traditional fall decorating. There are stripes and dots to choose from too, in light and delicate shades to brassy bold ones. Don't be limited to one palette — choose from a host of them!
Join me today as we throw tradition to the wind and combine some surprise colors for a fall that is more rainbow than rust.
Join me today as we throw tradition to the wind and combine some surprise colors for a fall that is more rainbow than rust.
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| There are still eggplants ripening, purple beans to be plucked and zinnias in every shade of the rainbow that won't stop until frost. Take advantage of their colors now, when they're at their best. |
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| These late-summer crops pair nicely with early-fall purple mums and butternut squash. The purples are delicious against the creamy yellow. |
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One of my favorite plants in early fall is the white- and green-flowered hydrangea that blooms for weeks and weeks. The flowers dry on the bush to a darker ivory tone, and at every stage, the hydrangea is perfect for display. Try pairing the hydrangea blooms with green and yellow gourds.
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The apple gourd is one of my favorite gourds in fall, due to its full green color and fun apple shape. It can mix and match in almost any arrangement and adds a little back-to-school whimsy without going over the top.
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Fill out arrangements with the lightest creamy yellow of butternut squash and the grayish blues of Jarrahdale pumpkins (top right).
Jarrahdale pumpkins and Queensland Blues, two of my favorite pumpkins, originated in Australia. They have an almost slate-blue color on the exterior yet boast a bright orange flesh inside.
Jarrahdale pumpkins and Queensland Blues, two of my favorite pumpkins, originated in Australia. They have an almost slate-blue color on the exterior yet boast a bright orange flesh inside.
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| Another surprising bloom color in fall: pink! Typically reserved for Easter arrangements and summer borders, pink is actually going crazy all over my fall garden. Why? Traditional upright sedum is in full bloom this time of year, and it is stunning. I shun the trendy 'Autumn Joy' sedum in favor of the bright pinks and deeper red-stemmed varieties, such as 'Matrona' (shown). Whichever variety you choose, it will pair well with various greens and blues found throughout the fall garden. |
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The classic tartan of red, blue and green makes a great fall backdrop for an arrangement of mini corn cobs, green pinecones and blue pumpkins. Try grabbing any old plaid throw from the linen closet and search the yard for complementary edibles and blooms.
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| Of course, there certainly is a place for tradition, and I for one cannot resist the peeling berries of bittersweet. Invasive and destructive to some native habitats, this plant takes over a hedgerow on our property in Pennsylvania every fall. I do my duty every year and chop it down to size. If you too struggle with weedy bittersweet, take advantage of its beauty in fall and consider the chore of ripping it out simply a sacrifice for decor. |
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I love mixing all the various shades of orange, red and yellow, and the bittersweet berries combine a brilliant yellow with a reddish orange perfectly. I add pumpkins, pimiento peppers and herbal tea to round out the palette.
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| If you can't help but be drawn to the yellows and oranges at the pumpkin patch, try to go with a little variety this year. Pick up a few striped gourds to link colors. Try spots and swiggles on your pumpkins for a change of pace, or add in a few ghostly white varieties. |
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Use fall as a chance to celebrate the harvest in every shade of the rainbow and flex your design muscles in the garden. Mix, match, pair and experiment with different combinations and hues for a fun new twist on everyone's favorite time of year.
Comments
olldbobbi I've always thought of deep, rich purple as a fall color but why not other shades, too? The early fall purple mums are gorgeous!
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Ideabook published on Sept. 21, 2012.
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