The rich & distinctive colors of autumn foliage command you to design your own seasonal bouquet. Bouquets are simple to put together - much easier to assemble than a formal flower arrangement - & can be enjoyed just as much. Follow these easy steps & make your own Autumn arrangement!

1. Gather a variety of colorful leaves, greens & fall flowers from around the garden. The stems should be at least 12 inches long.
2. Remove the leaves & foliage from the bottom six inches of the stems.
3. Place the longest stem in the left hand (if you are right handed).
4. Add several more bits of greenery at an angle to the first stem.
5. Continue adding flowers & greens to your left hand until the bouquet has a rounded appearance.
6. Fill in with flowers & greens all the way around the bouquet.
7. Tie a rubber band around the stems just below the leaves. There should be a few inches of stems showing below the rubber band.
8. Trim the stems with pruning shears so they are all the same length.
9. Cover the rubber band with several strands of raffia or a fall-colored ribbon.
   

Things to Consider

• Use liquid amber, maple, nandina, pink or red oak & persimmon leaves to add fall color to bouquets. Try including some colorful berries.
• Chrysanthemums, marigolds & asters are traditional fall flowers; they last a long time in bouquets or flower arrangements.
• Place the finished bouquet in a vase or bowl of warm water to help it last longer.
• Make a bouquet as large or as small as you like.
• Bouquets are meant to be shared - make one for a friend!