How To Use Foliage For Decorating

When the flowers of Spring and Summer begin to wane, I look to other forms of plant life to bring into the farmhouse. Typically, I head straight for branches, twigs, and dried flowers. There are many ideas that use foliage for decorating, even when its ‘dead.’

Bullrushes

So many of you were surprised when I said I was cutting bullrushes from the side of the road to put in a vase. But here is why these ‘weeds’ are great as a winter vase filler: they don’t wilt! Add the fact that the bullrush is the perfect neutral for winter decorating (being brown and green) and I am sold. I have currently removed the water from my bullrushes to see if they will dry successfully.

Apple Tree Branches

Another way to use foliage in decorating is to prune a few apple trees. I am lucky that we have a plethora of trees just growing wild along the road in the valley. I think the locals must know me as the crazy person who leaps out of her car to pick bits of crap from the roadside. This is the first time I’ve tried using the branches with little fruits still attached and I LOVE the look. I picked off all the lower leaves and only filled the vase a little way. I’m not sure how long they will last but they look amazing.

Another way to use apple tree branches is to make a twig wreath. Last year I used the prunings from our apple trees and made some lovely wreaths. I added some silver birch clippings to bulk them up and a ribbon for Christmas. This wreath looked so lovely, it stayed on our front door all through summer. I think it is a perfect Autumn color so I’m leaving it there for the new season too.

Over the past five years, I have found many ways to use foliage for decorating and tried many different plants. Last year cut silver birch leaves and added them to a vase. They lasted for months and the leaves did not fall. A few years back I foraged a bucket of thistles and put them on the table on the verandah. The pop of lavender color was so pretty. I’ve even cut hawthorn with the berries attached. The look is structural and a little zen.

Lastly, I’m experimenting with drying agapanthus heads. I love them for summer so why not have them all year round?

So let this be your pemission to try out different kinds of foliage during the Autumn season this year!