What should I use of a fall floral arrangement?

When asked about fall floral arrangements, Nancy Wharton, who has been in business for twenty-six years and is the founder and owner of Casa Verde Florist in Austin, Texas, replies, “Generally for fall, you would want to use fall colors. So use lots of yellows, reds, and oranges. Roses and Chrysanthemums are used a lot. You can use different kinds of lilies that are orange and yellow. Gladiolas, which have a tall stem, are great to use for fall. Also, fall is a great time to use a lot of the mum family. Spider mums are great to use. You can use lots of leaves in the fall. Tuck in some fall leaves. Lots of dried grasses can be also used.” With fall floral arrangements, as well as when attempting any type of flower arranging, keep in mind these tips from the book, “Flower Arrangements to Copy”, published in 1966 by Double Day & Company Inc.: “Harden all fresh plants materials before using. This is done by re-cutting their stems and putting them in deep water for at least an hour…Split the stem of woody or thick stems several times to make it easier for needles to penetrate them…Thin stems are made thicker by enclosing them in a hollow stem or binding another stem to it…Weak stems can be supported by inserting a firm stem behind them and binding the two together with wire or floral tape…The water level in cup holders and containers should be checked each day…Arrangements designed with no water feeding their stems are meant to be used for a special party. They can be kept fresh by misting them with water.” The timeless book, “Better Homes & Gardens Flower Arranging”, published in 1957 by Meredith Publishing Company, says, “Autumn, when the blooms of your garden may be sparse, is the time to open your eyes to new materials for your arrangements. Explore the woods and roadsides. You’ll discover a variety of vines of unusual appeal, seed pods, weeds, and grasses, many of them useful and effective in autumn arrangements because of their decorative shapes, colors, and textures. Milkweed pods, sumac, pine cones, oats, cattails, and goldenrod will all add interest to imaginative fall designs.” It goes on to say collecting braches from berry bearing plants and shrubs for unique additions to your fall floral arrangements. When it comes to centerpieces, the book remarks, “When fall’s first crisp day’s put you in the mood to entertain, use the season’s bounties for centerpieces that look like autumn…Don’t overlook the pleasures of creating some of your centerpieces out of gleanings from your vegetable garden, such as small gourds and squash. They’re a ‘natural’ to blend with berried branches, fall leaves and grasses for informal table decorations.” So, take an evening stroll and while you enjoy breathing in the crisp autumn air, look for ideas literally falling down all around you. The leaves turning, acorns dropping - all can be used for materials in your arrangements as well as inspiration.