Pumpkin spice is slowly starting to trickle in, which means summertime is almost over. Kids are heading back to school, and soon leaves will crunch underfoot. But what about all the hard work you’ve done this summer in your garden? Let’s discuss creative and engaging ideas to turn your summer flowers into a fall harvest.
Begin to think about plant selection. What fall flowers that can complement your existing summer flowers? Chrysanthemums, pansies, asters and sedums thrive in the fall and look beautiful next to your summertime petunias, hibiscus and zinnias. Another example, as the bold, pink hues of echinaceas begin to fade, the pink phlox next to the yellow-black-eyed Susans would be an excellent addition. The pollinators will also appreciate the change and change their floral preferences.
Create some floral arrangements or fall flower crafts. Create stunning fall and summer flower arrangements inside. Think of color combinations, container selections and arranging techniques. You can also craft some wreaths, flower crowns and floral garlands. The best way to create a craft out of your summer flowers is to preserve them first. Hang them upside down for two weeks to dry out, then use them for your crafts. In addition, turn your preserved summer flowers into a potpourri. Add some essential oils to the potpourri, such as rosemary, lemon, orange, cinnamon or spruce. The blends are endless. Choose whatever brings that perfect blend of fall and summertime joy into the home.
Try cooking with edible flowers from your garden. Many summer flowers can be incorporated into fall recipes. Fresh flowers from your garden are the best way to ensure your flowers are pristine. Edible flowers add a burst of vibrant color to dishes, plus an element of surprise! Nasturtium and Calendula are bright and fragrant for an enlivened salad or pizza garnish. Try making it into a butter compound for enhanced pancakes, roasted chicken and buttercream frosting. Chamomile is a healing herb and has infinite recipes beyond just teatime. Make a chamomile syrup and add to sweeten your pumpkin spice coffee or drizzle on top of yogurt. Try other various syrups with lavender, lilac and roses as well. All make a lovely addition to sweet treats such as sugar cookies or pies. Another edible summer flower is hibiscus which gives a bright and stunning pink effect. Perfect for your vampire blood cocktail libation at this year’s Halloween festivities.
Everyone loves pictures of flowers. Capture the beauty of your transformed garden through photography. Be sure to get the best lighting, composition and angle to showcase the vibrant colors and textures. I’ve always found that either the morning sun or sunset is the best lighting for garden photos. It’s called golden hour for a reason! However, after-rain or rainy-day photos are another creative capture. If you have some nighttime blooms in your garden, try taking pictures with either direct or indirect light of the full moon. Never delete photos until you can look at them indoors. The angle will also make your photographs stand out. Macro photos of plants or close-ups work best for the garden. Crop close in on textures like water droplets on petals or even a spider’s web for added spooky fun. Push your creativity and find a unique way to make your images enjoyable. You’ll surely get several likes on social media with these beauties.
We hope this has inspired you to bring the beauty of summer flowers into the autumn season!
