Create fine floral arrangements from foraged materials

As summer fades and the weather cools, the season for vibrant floral arrangements continues.

Autumn and winter provide a unique palette of greenery, berries and branches, perfect for creating eye-catching displays. Whether for hosting holiday gatherings or crafting thoughtful gifts, fall and winter arrangements offer a natural, rustic charm that's easy to achieve with materials from your own backyard or local woods.

Foraging essentials

Fall is ideal for gathering evergreens, branches and other foliage. Early harvests can start in October and continue through the holidays, provided proper pruning techniques are used. Select trees taller than 6 feet, cutting branches about 2-4 feet from the tip, and avoid removing more than 25% to keep the plant healthy. Windstorms are a great opportunity to find naturally fallen branches and pinecones.

Look for native holly, snowberries and winterberry for a pop of holiday color. Varieties like the variegated Goshiki holly add a striking leaf pattern to arrangements. Always carry a container with lukewarm water for freshly cut greenery to prevent wilting and use floral preservative to keep stems fresh.

Tools and supplies

Gathering the right tools will make arranging much easier. Basic materials include:

* A container for the arrangement

* Floral foam, chicken wire, or a tape grid to secure branches

* Floral clippers (small and large for different branches)

* Fresh water with floral ­preservative

Creating the arrangement

Start by choosing a container and securing the foam or wire. If using floral foam, soak it for several hours. Fill the container halfway with preservative-mixed water and begin arranging with larger branches as the base. Adding a variety of textures and colors – such as pine or cedar for cascading edges – enhances depth. Remove leaves that will be submerged in water to prevent bacteria.

Use natural elements like red twig dogwood or birch branches, arranged in odd numbers for visual appeal. Build up layers from the outer edges inward, forming a balanced shape. Add decorative elements like candles, ornaments or cinnamon sticks for a seasonal touch, and include berries or hardy flowers like chrysanthemums, alstroemerias or carnations, which will last longer in the cooler temperatures.

The greenery can last several weeks with proper care. Simply replace flowers as needed. Specialty items, such as small ornaments, bows or even little birds, add a whimsical final flourish to these arrangements.

For an in-depth guide, including a list of ideal foraging materials and arrangement techniques, visit skagitmg.org/floral-arrangements/ to read the full Ask a Master Gardener Blog post.

Karen Bruce, a WSU Extension Master Gardener since 2019, co-manages the Cottage Garden at the WSU Extension Discovery Garden on Highway 536, west of Mount Vernon. Questions about home gardening or becoming a master gardener may be directed to: Skagit County WSU Extension Office, 11768 Westar Lane, Suite A, Burlington, WA 98233; by phone: 360-428-4270; or online: www.skagit.wsu.edu/mg.