Not many of my colleagues who I study horticulture with back at Cal Poly would admit to actually enjoying the brief floral design class we were all required to participate in. It was important because many of us would go on to careers in cut flower production. Cut flower growers have a better idea of how to grow their crops if they know how the flowers are likely to be used. I have not grown many cut flowers in my career, but I do get a few from the garden, as well as from the nursery. Although my design style is still limited to what we studied in the 1980’s I often enjoy working with flowers; just don’t tell anyone I said that.

Say it With Flowers is a fundraising and public awareness event sponsored by the ALS Association (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and highlighted by a holiday floral design class and caregiver recognition luncheon. Participants will compose their own centerpiece suitable for their Thanksgiving table and learn techniques for transforming in to suit Christmas decor.

From my floral design class back in college, I remember how to use various non floral materials in floral design. Although there are many plant species which bloom in autumn and winter, there are usually not as many flowers in our gardens this time of year. Cool season bloomers are usually not as profuse and grow slower in cooler weather. Slow growth limits the rate at which new blooms may replace those which are cut. Therefore, showy fruit or vegetative plant parts are often useful for floral design.

Berries, such as those produced by pyracantha, toyon or the various hollies ripen to a bright red. Some rare pyrancantha and holy cultivars may also produce orange or even yellow berries. Such berries have always been a classic feature for cool season floral design. Pink “berries” may also be obtained from California pepper trees and sometimes from Chinese pistache trees. Pine cones and autumn colored leaves may also be used.

Interesting foliage may be obtained from some rather unconventional sources. Fir and cedar have always been popular; but pine, yew, spruce and even juniper may be useful. Nandina which colors in cold weather may also provide attractive foliage. For larger compositions, southern magnolia foliage is glossy green with velvety rusty brown undersides. Stems from spent blooms, such as those from New Zealand flax and lily of the Nile, may be dried and substituted for flowers. Items such as these are not often considered to be suitable for floral design, because they are so common in landscapes.

There are no rules regarding what can be cut and used in floral design. Choices should not be limited to flowers or what is commonly marketed in florist shops. With a bit of investigation, you might be surprised what can be found in the garden and used well in floral design.