I find it so satisfying when I’m able to decorate my home with the natural beauty and a touch of my own backyard. Harvesting elements from your own garden or outdoor space is a creative way to put together unique centerpieces that not only show off your gardening skills but also bring the outdoors inside. Here's how you can harvest in your backyard to put together a gorgeous creation that is sure to impress.
Choose Your Harvesting Materials
Before you begin, take a stroll through your backyard and assess what's available for harvesting. Consider the colors, textures, and shapes that appeal to you. I love mixing and matching sizes, textures and variety.
FOLIAGE: Leaves and greenery can provide a lush backdrop for your centerpiece. Consider using branches with interesting textures, such as eucalyptus, ferns, or ivy, to add depth and volume.
FLOWERS: Look for blooms that are in season, such as roses, daisies, lavender, or sunflowers. Choose a variety of colors and shapes to add visual interest to your arrangement.
BERRIES AND FRUITS: If your backyard includes fruit trees or bushes, consider incorporating berries or small fruits into your centerpiece for a pop of color and a touch of whimsy.
SEED PODS AND CONES: These natural elements can add a unique and rustic touch to your arrangement. Look for dried seed pods, pinecones, or other interesting textures that catch your eye.
HERBS: If you have an herb garden, herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme can add fragrance and a touch of green to your centerpiece.
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Plan Your Design
Once you've gathered your materials, it's time to plan your centerpiece. Think about the vessel or container you'll use to hold your arrangement. It could be a vase, a decorative bowl, a wooden crate, or even a vintage pitcher—let your creativity guide you.
Consider the size and shape of your container in relation to your harvested elements. You want to create a balanced arrangement that complements the space where it will be displayed.
Gather Your Tools
To bring your vision to life, gather a few essential tools. You might need pruners or scissors to trim stems, floral foam to provide support and hydration for your arrangement, and floral tape or wire to secure delicate elements in place.
Create a Base
Start by creating a base for your centerpiece. If you're using floral foam, soak it in water to hydrate it before placing it in your container. If you're using a container without floral foam, consider using floral tape or chicken wire to create a grid that will help hold your elements in place.
Build Your Arrangement
Now comes the fun part—building your arrangement. Start with your focal flowers or foliage, placing them in the center or at the back of your container to create height and depth. Then, add in your secondary elements, such as smaller flowers or complementary foliage, to fill out the arrangement and add texture.
Add the Finishing Touches
Once you're happy with the overall shape and structure of your centerpiece, step back and take a look. Are there any gaps that need filling, or do you want to add a few more pops of color? Take this time to make any final adjustments before placing your masterpiece in its designated spot.
I’m so excited for you to give this a try. And remember, a little practice goes a long way. Before long you will be whipping up a centerpiece with ease- and all from materials from your very own backyard.
I’m so excited for you to give this a try. And remember, a little practice goes a long way. Before long you will be whipping up a centerpiece with ease - and all from materials from your very own backyard.