One of the beauties of late summer is the color. Wildflowers in a variety of hues take center stage as we begin the transition into fall. They remind us that sunny skies and warm weather will be around a little longer, and that we should get out and enjoy it.
I like to keep that reminder close by with arrangements made from these glorious flowers. I also love that the easy-going nature of these blooms keeps them from being too fussy. Some of my favorites include coreopsis, black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, Queen Anne’s lace, and goldenrod. Native to our area, these are abundant and grow easily on our property.
In addition to these favorites, I also love a good sunflower. Their gigantic heads make a stunning focal point for any arrangement. And they’re just a happy flower. We grow a few different varieties, so we have an assortment of colors and sizes. We’ll also leave some of them up for the birds to have at during fall and winter – they LOVE the seeds!
Other popular options include cosmos, zinnias, bachelor buttons, baby’s breath, and daisies. Search around to determine what’s growing in your area during this time of year. The addition of foliage or grasses lends visual interest and texture, too. Fern fronds, boxwood stems, herbs like rosemary and basil, and silvertip or feathertop grasses offer great choices.
Once you have your floral “ingredient” list, you’re ready to get started. Creating a wildflower arrangement is pretty easy – you just need to follow a few basic guidelines.
1. Cut flowers the right way
- Cut flowers early in the morning or late in the day when the sun and heat aren’t too intense. This helps prevent your flowers from wilting.
- Bring a bucket of cool water with you when cutting. It’s important that the flowers remain hydrated, so plunging the cut stems into cool water is a must-do. Don’t wait to put them in water or they may wilt.
- Cut flower stems at a 45 degree angle just above a break point, where new growth is emerging. This encourages the plant to keep producing blossoms. If you cut stems all the way to the ground, they may not experience regrowth. Also, don’t worry about getting them to the final length at this point, you can size them when you’re ready to put them in your vase. Cut them longer rather than shorter so you have flexibility when designing your arrangement.
- Use clean, sharp snips, pruners, or scissors. Any of those tools will work as long as they’re clean and sharp. Wiping the blades between cuts also helps prevent the spread of any diseases that may be present.
2. Prep flowers before arranging
- To ensure a long-lasting bouquet, be sure to strip leaves from your flower stems. Leaves submerged in water can create bacteria in the water and cut the life of your arrangement short. Pull them off with your hands or snip them off with scissors.
- Allow the blossoms to hydrate for at least a few hours in lukewarm water before arranging. This maximizes their longevity. It also makes them stronger and more pliable, helping prevent damage while you build your arrangement.
3. Add support for your stems
- Using floral tape is the easiest way to ensure your wildflowers stay where you want them. This is especially important when creating large arrangements, or those in containers with wide openings. You can get it in clear, green, brown, or black and in a variety of widths. It’s waterproof and pretty inexpensive.
- Flower frogs are also an option. These are vase inserts that hold your stems in place. Some of the inserts are ceramic or plastic with holes in them, or stainless steel pins on a base. You can also get grid-like inserts that screw into mason jar lids.
- If you don’t plan to use something for support, just be sure to use flowers with strong stems. These will function as the support for your arrangement. Crisscrossing them will create a natural gridwork for keeping stems in place.
4. Extend the life of your arrangement
- Keeping the water fresh is key to maximizing the life of your wildflower arrangement. You can achieve this by changing the water daily, or by using a floral preservative. Both options reduce harmful bacteria in the water that can cause flowers to wilt and die early.
- Floral preservatives can be found in floral and craft shops, or online. You can also make your own. Just mix: 2 tbsp. white vinegar or lemon juice + 2 tbsp. sugar + 1 quart of warm water
- Mix until the sugar dissolves, let the water cool, and then add to your vase. Plan to replace this solution with a fresh batch every few days for the best results.
- Also, keep your arrangement in a cool place out of direct sunlight and remove flowers as they die off.
Creating a wildflower arrangement should be a relaxing activity and experimenting is half of the fun! Enjoy practicing with different flowers, vases, colors, and textures. Before you know it, you’ll be teaching your friends how to create their own unique wildflower arrangements.