It’s a good day when – “pick flowers from the garden” – is at the top of my to-do list.

Consider it done.

The flowers out there are beginning to fade. The cone flowers, so show offy last month are browning now, with only a last few pretty and pickable. Black-eyed Susans are on their way out too and my favorite daisies are all but gone.

Still, the butterfly bush is explosive and the zinnias – coming up fast on the daisies as my new favorite – keep coming and coming.

And I’ve wanted to mess around a bit with flower arranging all summer, so seasonally speaking, it was now or never.

I’m so glad I prioritized.

Here’s what I learned:

Consider color combinations.

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The vibrant orange of this coreopsis strikes fire against the cool cobalt blue pottery. This arrangement fuels a bright moment by the soft wisp of sheer curtains and sturdy, white cabinet.

Simplify.

There’s something soothing about single stems. Simplicity feels good. Cut the clutter and let each bloom speak for itself.

Bunch big blooms.

Let them spill. But keep the container plain like this burlap wrapped Mason jar. The flowers steal the show.

But don’t be afraid to layer.

The same bunch looks cool and fresh reflected in this galvanized mirror.

Mix temperatures.

 

There’s heat here. A touch of warmth. And I’m keeping it cool so the pale blue of the vintage canning jar plays well with the cool wall. The pinks pop. So does the orange. The corals and yellows keep it all cozy and calm.

Sun dappled and cheerful.

For the life of me … why haven’t I put garden flowers bedside before?

Alliteration.

Group like with like. Think location, location, location.

These cone flowers and black-eyed Susans work well together because of their similar petal shape. You’ll see the deep yellow of the Susan repeated in the golden center of the cone flower.

Everything about this placement pleases me. The weave of the basket coupled with the rusty tile color on the table. The white cone flower partnered with the antique ironstone bowl and pitcher. And the pop of gold for contrast.

Still life with garden flowers.

It’s summer’s last hurrah and I want to make the most of it.

Now.

What to do with the sunflowers?