So here’s a thought: the real hero in the art of floral design is foliage, not flowers. Sure, some designers skip greenery altogether and create a minimalist look of blooms only. But that look can be tricky to achieve and even trickier to transport when orchestrating large-scale events. And the price tag of a blooms-only design can be daunting to show to most clients.
Foliage is a stage on which all the elements of the design are set, drawing attention to the stars of the show by creating structure and support for focal flowers. And while we all know greenery is not “cheap”, unlike flowers, one long stem of greens can be chopped up into many small usable pieces to stretch the budget and fill the vase quickly, bringing down labor costs too.
Foliage often defines a design’s shape and adds texture. Carefully chosen foliage can amplify a nuanced color palette and draws the beholder’s eye to the more subtle hues in flower petals. We’d go so far as to claim that the foliage you choose can change the mood of any individual design and set the tone for an entire event. So let’s explore some of the locally-grown foliages PFG offers, shall we?
Above, left to right are: Willow branches are tall and bendy, perfect for large installs, where you can tailor them to whatever shape you need, creating a framework for your florals. Large-leafed ninebarks like ‘Diablo’ bring all the drama in the autumn with their dark burgundy-near-black leaves and stems. Little-leafed ninebarks like ‘Tiny Wine’ have a more slender silhouette and are a great way to extend the lines in your arrangements without making them feel heavy.
Above, left to right are: Caryopteris in October has finished flowering and sports textural seedheads along with the fragrant gray green foliage. Asparagus fern is a large airy stem that’s long-lasting and great for installations. Artichoke foliage is bold and makes a statement in large designs (note: not good out of water or even tubed).
Above, left to right are: Dusty miller is a classic that needs little introduction. Eucalyptus is abundant from our farms in fall. Lots of varieties will be available from now until Thanksgiving. Plectranthus is a unique alternative to dusty miller with a quilted texture and a soft green gray hue.
Above, left to right are: Smokebush/Cotinus is a beloved large autumn branch excellent in large designs, but can also be cut up into many small pieces to fill up low centerpieces. Little pro tip for ya: use a Sharpie marker to color in the white of the cut stem. Diervilla has excellent fall color and works great in centerpieces and bouquets. Dogwood foliage (under Woody Stem Misc. in Rooted) is super sturdy and holds up great out of water for installations. The little side branches are fantastic for personals too.
Above, left to right are: Viburnum foliage is elegant and offers some lovely copper tones in the fall. Sweet Annie has a sweet citrus fragrance that you’ll never forget and tons of texture. Forsythia foliage in a must-have for any installation work as it holds out of water for ages and the slender woody stems are very flexible.
Above, left to right are: Two types of scented geranium are pictured. Loaded with fragrance, this broad leaf foliage fills up a vase quickly and comes in varying hues of green. Nasturtium foliage is a cute saucer-shaped leaf. Stems are short so best used in low vase arrangements.
Above, left to right are: Mountain mint will forever be a favorite, both for its fragrance and soft color. Look for it mid-summer and then a second flush comes in October. Hydrangea foliage is not often seen at the traditional wholesalers, but it’s an excellent larger leaf with hints of fall color this time of year. Itea, which lends its lovely arching lines to designs, is getting its autumn reds and oranges now and will be available through Thanksgiving.
This was just a small seasonal snapshot of what foliages our farms grow. In the spring, summer, and winter you’ll see we have a whole different cast of characters, which keeps your designs feeling fresh and rooted in the season. So which is your favorite funky foliage?
October is a great time to give some new ones a try and to finally give up boring leather leaf, ruscus and salal!