Autumn
As the air turns crisp and the flower farm shifts into its final, most vibrant act, the dahlia patch explodes into the textures and tones of Autumn, and a new surge of creativity strikes. Few flowers can rival the lush, textural beauty of this amazing bloom.
A new wave of Chrysanthemums is becoming increasingly popular due to their architectural blooms, heady scent and varied colour palette. These beautiful flowers can be paired with Autumn toned foliage such as Copper Beech, budding viburnum with their richly deep purple bud and rose hips. Feather-leaved Cosmos are still in bloom and look amazing alongside vibrant, rich, jewel toned Zinnias and Chinese Lanterns.
Flowers
Flowers that bloom in Autumn include:
Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, Chinese Lanterns, Cosmos, Zinnias, Rudbeckia, Sunflowers, Hypericums, Snow berries (pink and white), Hydrangeas, Amaranthus, Sedum, Japanese Anemone, Callistephus ‘China Aster’, Asters, Nerine, Chinese Lanterns, Cyclamen, Viburnum, Hazel and Rosehips.
Callistephus ‘China aster’ with their large double blooms continue to flourish into late October and so are a delightful choice to add lightness to an autumnal palette. Nerines are lily-like blooms that flower as others are starting to fade in October to November and are a gorgeous cut flower. Some of the summer staples are still flourishing as we transition to Autumn including Cosmos, Zinnias and Rudbeckia.
But the real hero of this season is the Dahlia, this is the time when it goes into full drive as the temperatures cool slightly and they will continue to bloom until the first frosts. They offer such an array of choice that they are a must for bridal bouquets and larger arrangements at this time of year.
For buttonholes, we would suggest smaller Dahlia blooms or Zinnias with dried Nigella, sprigs of herbs and foliage.
The foliage of Autumn is very similar to that of late summer with Cornus, twisted Willow, Pittosporum, contorted Hazel and leafy native hedgerow available to add fullness and structure to arrangements.
Colour palette
Autumn offers a lush spectrum of colour. With burnt orange, warm rich velvet chocolate Zinnias, bronze, sunset yellow of Rudbeckia, deep red and burgundy Chrysanthemums, and caramel, peach and pale pink toned Dahlias. You can select a varied palette, but it will be steeped in rich, warm tones of this season.