Because my floral choices are seemingly becoming quite sparse, I challenged myself to create six late summer arrangements just to prove there is still a ton of beautiful flowers and foliage out there; both in my garden, and in nature.
I came up with this idea after seeing it on The BLOG at Terrain. Oh I adore this blog … did you know they’re a part of Anthropologie? So inspiring!!
The first of my late summer arrangements is The Succulent/Sedum Sensation ;)
I raided my garden and flower pots for this one …
I snipped off the top of a succulent that had gone extremely leggy and weird (the one that looks like a rose.)
It was dangling on a shoot about 7 inches from the pot … so quirky. I thought why not since I will enjoy it more indoors in a bouquet, where it looks gorgeous (not weird), and it will last for weeks! truly!
The purply flowery plant is a sedum just beginning to bloom. I will tell you right now, I’ll always have sedum either in my garden, or in pots … it gives and gives and always looks beautiful (plus it’s a late summer to autumn bloomer.)
I added a couple Heuchera (Coral Bell) leaves since I adore their dark dramatic frilly leaves. Note to self: always have Heuchera in garden.
A prickly branch in the top left, and another dangly succulent in the bottom right creates a diagonal line through the arrangement.
Then I thought … hmmm … what else could I do with this? What if I didn’t have a large succulent rosette …
Well, I could insert a sweet begonia, or even a rose (if I had one.) I also added a couple lovely Dracaena spikes from one of my pots.
To make this arrangement I chose a wabi sabi terra cotta pot and put a mason jar filled with water inside. I covered the top of the mason jar with chicken wire to help hold the stems securely. Tip: most succulents don’t even need to be in water! Some of the little ones you see are simply sitting freely on top.
This would make a wonderful autumn centrepiece for Thanksgiving!
Late Summer Arrangements Idea #2 Beautiful Bouquet Garni
Late Summer Arrangements Idea #3: Heavenly Hydrangea
Ann Davis says
Barb
Love your arrangement tips
And all your blogging stories. Enjoy your weekend
Ann
Barb says
Thank you Ann! so happy you stopped by … enjoy your weekend as well!
Roxi says
Always such an inspiration. I should go raid my nearly extinct beds.
Barb says
Thank you Roxi!
Ros says
Such beautiful arrangements Barb. I love heuchera and have different coloured varieties but have never thought about using a sweet little succulent as a centre piece! Thanks for sharing a great tip.
Ros
Barb says
Thank you Ros!
Sue says
I so love your arrangements, Barb. I have one of those “wierd” succulents as well…..and loved your tip to use it!! The colors you’ve pulled together are my favorites!!
Barb says
Thank you so very much Sue!
Christine says
That is hands down the most stunning succulent arrangement I have ever seen! Love it.
Barb says
Thank you so much Christine!!
Catherine says
I’ve been promising myself that I’ll grow succulents…for years now…just never got round to it! Your photos & gorgeous arrangements have convinced me to head to the garden centre! :)
Barb says
Thank you Catherine – succulents are the best!!
Lucy AKINS says
These are absolutely gorgeous Barb…I’m so inspired right now !
Barb says
Thank you so much Lucy! xo
Terri says
I just found your beautiful and inspirational blog (through Lucy at Craftberry Bush) and I can’t wait to take more time to read.