Create stunning centerpieces without stepping foot in a florist’s shop.
Years ago I used to buy flowers for my centerpieces and home floral arrangements, but then I started learning about unsustainable the cut flower industry can be. While I still do buy the occasional store-bought bouquet, I do try to only buy from sources where I can be somewhat assured that my flowers are local and are organic or at least are lightly sprayed.
* Tip – If you must buy store bought flowers, look for organically-grown or Veriflora Certified flowers at your local florist or other retailer.
However, more often than not, I head out into my back yard and the natural areas around my home to collect and forage elements for my centerpieces and other floral and natural displays.
In my neck of the woods, I can find stunning yellow forsythia in the spring, tiger lilies and Queen Anne’s lace in the summer, oak leaves with acorns in the fall, and pine cones and evergreen boughs in the winter. I find that creating my own floral arrangements from natural elements I have foraged is so much more satisfying and my hard work is often appreciated by my guests.
No matter where you live—the Pacific Northwest, New England, the Southwest or in the South—you too can create stunning centerpieces and arrangements from what is grown in your locale.
So, give it a try and and add some everyday natural beauty to your home or create a stunning and conversation-starting centerpiece for your next soiree!
Image: David Blackwell
Tips and Resources for Centerpieces
Plant your own wildflowers and native species to harvest for your flower arrangements. Your local office of the Bureau of Land Management, Cooperative Extension or Natural Resources Conservation Service would be good places to start. As might your local Native Plant Society, horticultural society or nature center.
Forage! Find a meadow, woods or spot of shoreline and find your own flowers and natural elements. One note though, make sure to be sustainable in your foraging as well as follow all local laws and regulations. It is illegal to forage in many national and state parks, and you would certainly want to gain permission to forage on private property. For identification of wildflowers you might find, the Peterson and National Audubon Society’s guide books are excellent. There are different books for each region of the US.
Finally, make sure to allow your creativity to shine through and experiment with different elements. Driftwood isn’t just beach detritus and moss isn’t just for between the stones in your backyard when you are in the right mindset, but they can be integral elements to your next centerpiece!
Image: marco monetti (OFF)
Top image: Saídos da Concha
Related on Ecosalon:
5 Fresh Ways to Bring Flowers Indoors
7 Ways to Indulge in the Edible Flower Trend