Making a bouquet with seasonal blooms is a special way to honor each changing season.

When I first started arranging flowers, I cut some native blooms to practice my skills. Now, when I see those blooms in flower at the end of summer, they remind me of my progress and that another season is here to say hello. Thank you, solidago. Thank you, boneset. 

When you pick seasonal flowers, it's a good mental catalyst to look forward to fresh new days ahead and what potential blooms (and possibilities) are coming. 

At the close of summer, we have our "last chance" zinnias planted around July 27th going into flower this week. We have Senorita (a gorgeous coral pink variety, Ballerina the most magical warm pink variety that continually sells out, and a variety I personally call "Rest Stop"... side note: we were on a car trip and saw a bright display of zinnias at a public rest stop. My mom suggested I pick some for the shop...LOL I can't do that.  Mom, if you are reading this (probably one of the few reading this, so this is for you... I'm not trying to throw you under the bus), it was a good idea... kind of, but we don't want to get in trouble, and most importantly, I didn't want to take them from the public.

So I did take a couple of dried seed heads and kept them inside (where I forgot about them for a month). Then I threw them into the dirt, not expecting much. They surprized me and actually grew! I'm hopeful they will be as bright and show-stopping as their mamas. Fingers crossed.

Tips for seasonal bouquets:

If there is a variety you usually don't see, get that. Some flowers will only appear for a week or 2. 

1) Pick colors that speak to you and stay on that theme. Will it be golden sunset warms, or cool pastel queens, or high-drama brights? 

2) Pick different flower shapes. Line flowers, spray flowers, focal flowers, finish off with greens and fillers.

3) Odd numbers are your friend - repeat the same focal flower 3, 5, or 7 times depending on the bouquet size. 

4) Bonus points for adding a non-flower element. We like hypericum berries or something like a pod or a trailing vine to add texture & whimsy.