Autumn Stems

An autumn bouquet is built from three families: a flower, a foliage and a berry. Our stems range from short physalis to long trailing amaranths, with dahlias, chrysanthemums, rose hips, eucalyptus and ferns.

The flower, the foliage, the berry

Start with the flower that brings the color, the dahlia or the chrysanthemum. Add foliage for volume, eucalyptus or fern. Finish with a berry branch or a rose hip, which adds the dark accents the bouquet needs so it doesn't look flat.

The stem and the vase neck

The measurement given in the name is that of the whole stem, not of the part that will rise above the vase. A simple rule: the stem should rise above the neck by about one and a half times the height of the vase. Trailing amaranths and tall ferns therefore call for a tall vase, while physalis and short rose hips suit a low pitcher.

Three shades, no more

An autumn arrangement holds together with a short palette: a warm shade for the flowers, a muted green for the foliage, a dark tone for the berries. The metallic-effect fern serves as an accent, one or two stems, never more. Beyond three shades, the eye no longer knows where to rest and the bouquet looks randomly gathered.

Frequently asked questions

How many stems for a balanced bouquet?

An odd number gives a more natural result: five stems in a medium vase, seven or nine in a large one. Count two foliage stems for every three flowers.

What is the difference between a berry branch and a berry bouquet?

The branch has a single offshoot, to be combined with other stems. The bouquet gathers several on one stem and fills a narrow vase on its own.

How do I remove dust from foliage?

Wipe with a dry cloth, leaf by leaf, or blow it off with a hair dryer on the cool setting. Avoid water, which marks the petals and stiffens the leaves.