Painting with Flowers for our Cards

I love choosing the perfect and imperfect petals for our floral cards. I’m always amazed by what’s still in flower in the garden at this time of year. Dazzling Dahlias, glorious Gladioli and the last of the late Autumn Asters. The colours are intense. Along with these beloved blooms there is a whole supporting cast of fabulous foliages, seed-heads, berries and twigs. They each do their bit to set the scene as we style and photograph our Autumnal greetings cards.First I laid everything out on the table ready to re-cut and condition. Once snipped I placed each stem in a bucket of fresh cool water for at least an hour. This ensures my flowers and foliages are fully hydrated  before beginning my arrangement.

This lovely green urn works with so many of my arrangements. A brilliant buy from @petershamnurseries its smudgy green shades continue the painterly theme. I used chickenwire for my floral support which I scrunched into a loose ball and gently eased into the urn. It's so much more eco-friendly than florist’s foam and can be used over and over again.

I added all the greenery first to create a good shape and framework I then added my flowers. Finally I added the Dahlias. With their bold blooms and dazzling colours they make brilliant focal flowers. I then styled my arrangement with pumpkins, onions and grapes at the base of the urn. Rich in symbolism they feature in many classical paintings.