Recently, I was asked to supply flower arrangements for the local Farm to Table Dinner. Only this past weekend did I learn that 25 table arrangements and two large arrangements would be needed for the food tables.
Now, I have a hefty couple of zinnia beds, but there was absolutely no way I could come up with that many flowers, unless expectations were for a couple of zinnias thrown into a bud vase.
So, I set about, as I always do, to seek inspiration from those who have come before me and shared their ideas with the world via the internet and Pinterest. As September is midway gone, I did not envision the outright boldness of summer, nor did I envision the burnished golds, reds, and oranges of fall. The arrangements must have one foot set in summer and the other tiptoeing toward fall.
With the tone set, and no budget with which to work, the choice of materials seemed obvious, roadside weeds and wildflowers. The choice of containers was even easier, though much overused these days - Mason jars. They would impart the farm to table feel quite adequately.
A little green floral tape stretched over the top would add support for the flowers.
Now, for the flowers. Zinnias, to be sure, but not too many. A wedding order for 10 bouquets this weekend will require many flowers. A touch of celosia, cosmos and salvia will add texture and color, but what about the rest?
Time to take it to the roadsides for the abundant wildflowers and weeds which bloom freely in my little part of the world. Goldenrod grows everywhere and is very vibrant. A couple of white weeds, both having small flowers, along with the golden rod, offered a perfect backdrop for the brighter blooms to come. Add a couple of weeds I have always referred to as foxtails and a base for every bouquet is set, both table arrangements and the larger food table arrangements.
Setting out in my trusty ancient Suburban, with water sloshing around in the back in buckets, Better Half and I began the search Sunday for free flowers, ummmm, weeds. Monday, I set out again, and discovered, much to my delight, a fabulous cache of wild asters, crabapples, wild ageratum, and ironweed peering out at me from behind "No Trespassing" signs erected by the State of Ohio. I parked the Suburban just in front of the "No Trespassing" sign. My feet did pass onto the forbidden property once I spied a perfectly beautiful bunch of purple wild asters. As I rapidly clipped the asters, I glanced upward to behold the biggest, lushest crabapples I have ever seen. Boy, did I begin to clip fast. Here are the results of my illegal and legal clippings.
The bouquets would consist of, when all is said and done, two white weeds whose names I do not know, goldenrod, Queen Anne's lace, black eyed Susans, asters, ironweed, crabapples, peppers, Johnson grass seedheads, a weed I've always called foxtails, cosmos, coneflowers, salvia, zinnias, celosia, wild sweet peas and gorgeous lavender thistles.
These are the finished large arrangements, just the right amount of summer balanced with fall I love the lush crabapples which spill over the sides of the containers.
Three of the 25 table arrangements gather for a pose on my side stoop.
One of the hot hued arrangements graces an ancient oak folding chair.
The arrangements, set atop crisp white tablecloths,added just the perfect touch to the dinner, lending a bit of rustic informality.
