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Feeling Fall-ish?

Fall is the wonderful transition from the sizzling summer to ice cold winter; the time when the weather is just perfect. It’s almost like a second spring that’s even more beautiful: with flowers blooming and colorful trees turning their autumn colors. Overall, it’s just a wonderful season to be celebrated while it lasts.

Fall HistoryFall Flowers

Before the 16th century, harvest was the term used to refer to the season. However, as more people moved away from farming to living in towns, the word harvest lost its reference and came to refer to only the actual activity of reaping, and autumn, as well as fall, began to replace it as a reference to the season. Although we do not call it harvest anymore, we still use many references from harvesting in our fall decor: cornucopias, wheat, gourds and pumpkins, corn, hay, etc.

Why We Love Fall

Fall is arguably the favorite of all seasons. Everyone loves the colors of fall and seasonal decor during this time is a MUST in most homes. You will see hay, pumpkins scarecrows as yard decor all season. Some of our favorite holiday parties happen during fall: Halloween & Thanksgiving. Halloween pumpkin carving is a favorite fall activity that dates back to the 1700s and Thanksgiving is all about celebrating the bounty of fall. American Football also gets everyone together for a party. Long fall nights are made for spending time indoors with family and friends.
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What A Charming Gift Idea for Fall!

I mean this in the best of ways…

The “Charming For Fall” flower basket looks just like something my grandmother would love. For that matter, my mother would love it also. It’s the perfect fall flower arrangement for a dining room table, a mantlepiece, the coffee table, or anywhere else that flower baskets could be used for decoration. In my mother’s house, that’s the table at the end of the hall. It fills an empty space and is often overlooked. Not anymore!

"Charming For Fall" Flower Basket

"Charming For Fall" Flower Basket

Both women have an affinity for fall decorating. Flowers are their thing. They usually have immaculate gardens and displays of flowers that neighbors envy. This year is going to be a little bit different for both. My grandmother turned 82 in April. Still a pistol with her speech, her body is failing and she’s left in a motorized wheelchair. That means gardening the hilly land around her house is out of the question.

My mom is a full time mom even though her children are 22, 23 and 26. She is also the full-time homemaker, a college professor during the day and is a medicare billing specialist at night.

I love these women with all of my heart.  I couldn’t ask for more respectable, strong women in my life. I want to honor them with something special this month. A gift isn’t enough. They need a special gift with meaning and feeling. I looked at the “Charming For Fall” arrangement and knew instantly that it was the right gift for them. Though too busy and too frail to garden for themselves, they can still enjoy fall flowers and autumn decorations.

It’s important to me that they get the best. They always give it to me.

Which flower arrangement is your favorite? Tell us why and it may be next month’s featured flower arrangement!

Pink Flower With Yellow Center Could Be An Anemone

Ask the Expert: pink flower ID
Everyone asks me what kind of flower it is, and I don\’t have an answer.  It is a shrubby spreader.  Pink flowers with about 4-5 delicate petals and a fluffy yellow center.  Sort of reminds me a bit of a pink dogwood blossom.  It has firm stocks that feel like velvet, with multiple round buds that have taken weeks to open up this summer.  Large green leaves, similar to a grape leaf.  About 3-5 feet tall.  Thanks for your help in solving this mystery. Kimberly

Plant Expert Reply:

Anemone Hupehensis

Anemone Hupehensis

Without a picture I am taking a stab in the dark.  I think it is an Anemone hupehensis sometimes called a Chinese anemone. I found  a picture of this type of anemone on the Missouri Botanical Garden site.

Does your flower look anything like this one?

This particular Anemone is a woody-based, fibrous rootstock perennial. It blooms mid-summer to autumn with pink or white flowers.  It can get up to 3′ in height and 16″ in width.

See The Light This Fall With Autumn Illuminations

I can’t get past the Autumn Illuminations fall centerpiece. Among the other fall flowers, this centerpiece stood out instantly. That’s saying quite a lot considering how colorful and beautiful the other arrangements are!

"Autumn Illuminations" Fall Centerpiece

"Autumn Illuminations" Fall Centerpiece

But what was it about Autumn Illuminations that drew my eye back to it? Well for starters, it’s not an ordinary bouquet or typical arrangement. It has practicality, purpose and function. The Autumn Illuminations centerpiece is a wreath of fall flowers surrounding a warm colored candle. Imagine the smell of a pumpkin spice candle surrounded by fresh fall flowers! Mmmmm.

I saw this centerpiece and knew that it had to be the featured flower arrangement for August. The summer is winding down and the fall is getting ready to come ahead full force. Before you trade your summer flowers for Halloween and Thanksgiving arrangements, find a middle ground with colorful fall flower centerpieces like Autumn Illuminations. You’ll be glad you did! Plus it’s something nice to come home to if you or your husband is a farmer rushing to finish the harvest.

Trust me. You’ll love having the Autumn Illuminations centerpiece on your table.

Fall Into Autumn With A Sunny Pumpkin Surprise Arrangement

Scare out Spring with a Sunny Pumpkin Surprise

Scare out Spring with a Sunny Pumpkin Surprise

The colors of fall are warm and inviting. Bringing these colors into our homes signals our friends and family to join us in a cozy celebration of the new season. Orange, brown, red, yellow, deep green, and a splash of brighter colors welcome that special feeling that can only be associated with the changing of the seasons into a new fall coat.

A crisp chill in the air, the trees gently turning incredible colors, and holidays that encourage family togetherness are definite marks of fall. Autumn flowers give the Sunny Pumpkin Surprise arrangement this special feel so much that I knew that it simply must be the featured flower arrangement of October.

Being partial to October, I become oddly excited when I feel the weather begin to change. The official first day of fall was just a few days ago. I celebrated the day by sending my mother, whose favorite season is the fall, a beautiful arrangement of fall flowers from a local florist, June. Mrs. June is from the same small town and watched me grow from a young age. She knows my parents well so I was sure that she would be able to deliver the quality arrangement that I’d requested. I showed her a picture of the Sunny Pumpkin Surprise arrangement and was pleasantly surprised to see the arrangement as beautiful as ever on my mother’s table the next day.

Scarecrows, pumpkins, colorful leaves, gourds and hay seem to spring up overnight in autumnal decoration throughout my parent’s yard. My mother delights in her creative displays and often invites the neighbors over for lawn chair conversations so that someone else can share in her joy over the new season. Allowing my mother to bring some of that happiness inside the home made my heart sing. I’m very glad that she enjoyed her Sunny Pumpkin Surprise and know that your friends and family will also.

Autumn Wedding Flowers

Although autumn didn’t officially begin until Sunday September 23rd, last Saturday I attended an autumn wedding. I was told, the date was selected because the Farmer’s Almanac said it would be a nice fall day (meaning it would be cool). Evidently someone forgot to tell Mother Nature; because Saturday in Paragould Arkansas was hot and this autumn wedding was held outside under a tent. Luckily a light breeze began during the ceremony.

Despite the warm temperatures this wedding was the ultimate autumn experience. A beautiful sheer moss green ribbon hung between stakes lining the pathway to the tent. Each stake had moss green ribbon intertwined with gold ribbon forming a bow. This set the foundation for the look of autumn. But, it was the wedding flowers that brought home the feel of autumn. The bride didn’t carry the traditional autumn wedding bouquet; instead she held a hand-tied bouquet of orchids wrapped in ivory ribbon. Some of the dendrobium orchids were tinted a chocolate-green color. The bridal bouquet also had rusty red spider, green lady slipper, and golden orchids. The intensely beautiful orchid bridal bouquet was only the beginning of an exceptional display of autumn wedding flowers.

Most fall weddings include chrysanthemums and over the top arrangements. However, traditional flowers and style were absent; replaced by exotic flowers, unusual foliage and simplicity in design. Unique fall colors like chartreuse, moss green, deep rusty red and golden-orange were present during the ceremony and reception. Square glass vases filled with the rusty red spider orchids, golden-orange orchids, bear grass, Bells of Ireland and hanging green amaranthus created a simple, yet, elegant display on the wedding reception tables. The same unique fall flowers and foliage adorned the cake and food tables. The weather may have said summer; but the atmosphere was definitely announcing autumn.

The beauty of this autumn wedding makes me want to get married again, only this time in autumn instead of winter. I wonder if my husband would be willing to renew our vows? I’m sure, I could find everything I need for a fabulous autumn wedding. Although, he’s more likely to agree to a blowout anniversary party in January.

You can find great tips at Wedding and Party Network if you’re planning an outdoor wedding. Find autumn wedding flower ideas at Flower Shop Network. Their “Fall in Love with Fall Wedding Flowers” newsletter describes colors, flowers and foliages that work well for a fall wedding.

I would be interested in the opinions of those of you who had or are having an autumn wedding.

Fall In Love With Fall Wedding Flowers

Fall wedding flowers burst upon the scene in a kaleidoscope of colors. Paint an idyllic wedding picture on this fall’s canvas when using a rich palette of the season’s colors.

Featured Fall Wedding BouquetsWhether the celebration takes place during the sun dappled day, or in the crisp autumn air of evening, the fall wedding introduces a season of excitement. September, October, and November bestow bright flowers and abundant foliage – just the right ingredients for a fabulous fall ceremony.

Deciding on the type of fall floral arrangements will often determine the style of wedding. Consulting a professional florist can be of invaluable help when considering the theme and cost of the wedding. Don’t hesitate to convey what you envision for your wedding along with a review of your budget.

When meeting with your florist, it’s wise to discuss the size and location of your wedding and reception. And, don’t forget to include the number of attendants and guests. It helps if you provide your favorite wedding photographs, color preferences, and fabric samples when talking about your ceremony. A professional florist can assist in creating a plan that helps you to make informed decisions, which can save time and reduce stress.

A CORNUCOPIA OF COLORS

The fall season lends its self to vibrant colors. When selecting fall wedding flowers consider the colors of: Yellow, Gold, Bronze, Orange, Red, Dark Pink, Burgundy, Rust, Brown, Purple, Egg Plant, Green and Tan. Although the types of wedding flowers are usually chosen by the bride, the color palette of the flowers are often determined by the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses.

A professional florist can explain your floral options. Discussions will include the difference between selecting flowers that are in season, as opposed to choosing flowers that are out of season. Out of season flowers increase prices significantly.

With nature’s brilliant colors, here are just a few of the fall wedding flowers that are in season:

  • ROSES (Rosa) – Many people tend to think of roses as either traditional red or delicate pink. However, the colors of roses range from gold to chocolate. Brides may want to consider the radiant rose colors that include golden apricot, tomato-red, deep yellow, red-orange, tangerine, dark burgundy, coral-orange, burnt- orange, or chocolate brown. These striking shades make beautiful wedding bouquets, floral decorations, and arrangements.
  • DAISIES (Gerbera) – There are a number of varieties from a single petal to a double petal. The bright colors and varying sizes of this flower make for beautiful bouquets and eye-catching arrangements.
  • SLIPPER ORCHIDS (Paphiopedilum spp.) – This fall flower’s colors of brownish red, green and yellow can set the seasonal tone.
  • CALLA LILY (Zantedeschia) – The “green goddess” has deep green leaves and generous blooms. This is a sophisticated flower that often stands on its own. Not only do calla lilies come in the traditional white, but they also come in the rich and beautiful shades of cream, yellow, burgundy, and bronze.
  • GLORIOSA LILIES (Gloriosa rothschildeana) – A glorious bloom that makes a bold statement. The strikingly curved petals in lustrous red will certainly turn heads.
  • ORIENTAL LILIES (Lilium Oriental) – Versatility is the key. Colors include white, cream, yellow and burgundy. One of the most famous hybrids is Stargazer, which has a white background with reddish/pink markings and dotted throat.
  • HYDRANGEAS (Hydrangea quercifolia) – The late blooming Oak Leaf Hydrangea gets its name from the shape of its large leaves. These beautiful leaves often turn colors of brilliant yellow, orange, red, and burgundy.
  • SUNFLOWERS (Helianthus annuus) – When you think of autumn, picture the Sunrise Sunflower. The medium short deep double yellow petals and dark center make an excellent choice for use as cut flowers that have a long vase and arrangement life.
  • CHRYSANTHEMUMS (Chrysanthemum indicum, Chrysanthemum x morifolium) – The word chrysanthemum is taken from the Greek, chysos (gold) and anthos (flower). This fall flower is generally found in the following forms: button, daisy, decorative and spider (or quill). The size, color, height and time of bloom make it one of the most popular fall flowers for bouquets and arrangements.
  • BABY’S BREATH ( Gypsophila paniculata) – This is the delicate name for the “work horse” of arrangements. Colors range from white to pink to blushed purple. Baby’s breath can be coupled with flowers and greenery to create fullness and depth or stand-alone in an interesting container, or elegant vase.

THE ORNAMENTS OF AUTUMN

Fall wedding decorations can be more than colorful cut flowers. A medley of textures such as beautiful berries, fall foliage, and autumn accessories create the look of a bountiful harvest.
Consider the use of berries when decorating tables, window ledges, archways or columns.

Autumn Berries

  • Rusty Rose Hips
  • Red Nandina
  • Red or Black Aronia Berries
  • Flaming Pyracantha
  • Orange Pepper Berry
  • Orange Cotoneaster
  • Rustic Bittersweet Vine
  • Burnt Sienna Hypericum Berry
  • Pink Pepper Berry
  • Blue Privet Berry
  • Fall Blueberries
  • Green or Red Viburnum Berry
  • Cranberries

Cuttings from fall foliage make stunning centerpieces and arrangements.

Autumn Foliages

  • Red Oak Leaf Hydrangeas
  • Red Dogwood Branches
  • Red Huckleberry
  • “Redbore” Kale
  • Liquid Amber Branches
  • Yellow Maple
  • Vine Maple Branches
  • Eggplant Smoke Bush
  • Green Cherry Laurel
  • “Illumination” Periwinkle
  • “Bright Lights” Swiss Chard
  • “Ogon” Japanese Sweet Flag
  • “Yellow Ripple” English Ivy
  • Black-Eyed Susan Vines
  • Grapevines

Don’t forget autumn accessories add interest.

Autumn Wedding Decorations

  • Apples, Pears, Persimmons, Pomegranates and Artichokes
  • Grains, Nuts, Melons, and Gourds
  • Dried Garland or Flowers
  • Spanish Moss
  • Ribbons that reinforce the color scheme
  • Raffia
  • Woven Baskets
  • Colorful Pottery

FALL WEDDING DECORATING TIPS

Continue an autumn atmosphere your guests will remember by considering the following areas for decoration. These locations may be enhanced by the use of flowers, berries, foliage and accessories.

THE WEDDING CEREMONY: The altar, columns, candelabra, backdrop for the ceremony, archways, podium, for Jewish weddings the chuppah, the aisle, end of pews, communion rails, vestibule, guest book table, doors leading to the sanctuary, and stair rails outside the entrance.

THE RECEPTION: The entry area, place card table, buffet table centerpieces, table arrangements, head table design, free standing decorations, candles, stage decor, wedding cake and cake table and restrooms.

The wide variety of fall wedding flowers and large array of berries, foliage and accessories make autumn a wonderful time of year for your special celebration. Whether your theme is large and elegant, or intimate and casual – let a professional florist customize an unforgettable fall wedding for you!

Photo by C & C Sensations, a local florist in Waynesboro VA.

 

Find a local florist to help create your fall wedding flowers.
Planning a wedding? Check out Wedding and Party Network for all of your wedding needs.