Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful. ~Jim Carrey
Dear Sisters,
Happy Fall! Oh how I love this time of year. The summer haze brought on by excessive heat and humidity has drifted out to sea leaving the air clearer, the skies bluer and my brain a little sharper. Something about this time of year stirs my creative soul like no other. My mind races with new ideas and plans and I feel like I have to hurry and scurry to get everything done before we fall back into hibernation. I always have grand plans and I never get it all done but one thing I can always make time for is creating posies in a pinch! Come on in to see the many ways you can make a basic Ball jar bloom!
What’s more farmgirl than freshly cut flowers tucked in a mason jar? They are perfect for soooo many types of gatherings. From a casual backyard BBQ, or bridal shower to baby showers and barn weddings, Ball jar bouquets fit the bill.
I’ve had more fun this year creating backdoor bouquets for various events with flowers from my cut flower gardens using classic Ball jars. They just never get old! I guess that’s why they’re called classics. You can find them easily during canning season and often times on sale.
To me, each jar is like a mini work of art. I call the one below “The Victorian” because of the rich jewel tone of the garnet red dahlia surrounded by more faded, almost vintage shades of mauve, pink, peach and soft greens.
Arabian Night burgundy dahlia’s with queen lime zinnias, sedum and basil.
This bunch went to a local fundraising luncheon. Raffia adds a festive fall touch to these late summer arrangements.
The American Sun dahlia is the star in these arrangements. Nothing adds cheer and sunshine like bright yellow flowers. Everything goes with yellow! Even pink! I chose some new dahlia varieties this season with long stems and medium-sized blooms more suited to floral design. Pop over to Dandelion House to learn more!
American Sun dahlia, cut and come gain zinnias, and ” Seniroita Pink ” clemoe.
Truth be told, you could put a bunch of weeds into a Ball jar and they would look beautiful! In fact, I have!
Wild and free!
This late-September bouquet is mostly weeds gathered from our cottage garden with a few hardy cosmos still hanging on to summer.
I didn’t think it was possible to fall more in love with flowers than I already am. But it happened. Again! Lord, help me! I grew Lisianthus and apple blossom snapdragon for the first time this year and they stole my heart.
Apple blossom snapdragon ( sweet scent too )
Rose Lisianthus
Read all about my affair with “Lisi’s” and snaps!
Lisianthus, apple blossom snapdragon, hydrangea foliage, early sedum, and ninebark foliage.
Tell me! Do they look elegant in these basic Ball jars or what? These beauts have baby shower, bridal shower, wedding flowers, or garden party written all over them!
I’m fortunate to be able to sell some of my flowers through the garden shop where I work part-time. They grab the attention of shoppers and I’ve gotten work for outside events from the exposure. Branding is key if you’re thinking about becoming a flower-preneur.
Even on a very small-scale such as my backyard flower farm and floral business people will begin to recognize your brand and seek you out. I have the tagline ” FRESH ~LOCAL ~ FLOWERS~ on my tags and business cards because I want to educate my clients about how important it is to support local flower farms when ever possible, whether it’s a backyard operation, an urban lot or a field.
July in a jar. Endless summer hydrangea, cone flower, tiger lily, geranium, day lily, and fire and ice hydrangea.
Ball jar wedding centerpieces with a modern twist.
Calling myself a ” backyard flower farmer” has gotten me a couple of speaking gigs too! My handsome Yankee and I spoke about creative living for a retirement community last April and I hosted my first floral workshop right here at Dandelion House this summer and it was amazing!
Here’s a sneak peek of the floral workshop which included buckets of farm fresh flowers and Ball jars, of course!
Think “Farmgirl Flower Jam” for your next chapter meeting or girlfriend gathering!
Ladies + flowers = happy
I hope summer was good to you! It’s harvest season now. Gather all the goodness you can from this abundant season and stow it away for the long winter. When the days get long and gray, come on back to the Beach Farmgirl blog where the sun is always shining and flowers are always on the table no matter the season.
Until our next shoreline visit~ Be like the flowers and bloom like nobodies watching!
BEACH BLESSINGS AND MUCH LOVE,
Deb # 1199
aka Beach Farmgirl, Flower Farmgirl,
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This is exactly what I want to do! Plan to do! Thank you so much for sharing and your photography is stunning!
Hi Ramona!
Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed this post! Best of luck in your flower endeavors, always.
Deb xo
You are glowing in the beauty with which you surround yourself.
You are sweet, Marlene!Now I’m blushing too! xo
You make such beautiful flower arrangements and I love that they are all in Ball jars. I think Ball jars are great for so many crafts and projects. I recently made a centerpiece for my island using painted Ball jars. You just can’t go wrong with them. My plans for today is to finish harvesting the food from my garden and get it ready for our long winter. Winter will definitely be here before I know it. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures of your flower arrangements and giving me one last taste of summer!
Hi Krista!
Thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed this last taste of summer. I want to thank you for unintentionally ( or maybe it was intentional) reminding me in your comment that the word ball as it pertains to ‘Ball’ jars should be spelled with a capital B. Sometimes I get so excited about what I’m writing about that I get caught up in the moment and I miss details even after I’ve run though a piece a few times. Just ask Carol. She’ll tell you!:) I’ve gone through and corrected each ‘ Ball ‘entry!
Happy Fall, Krista!
Totally unintentional!! I didn’t even notice that you had them lower case. I was to wrapped up in your story to notice. I’m honestly surprised I wrote it correct lol! Glad I could help! Happy Fall.
Well, then I’ve done my job if you didn’t notice my error! LOL
Happy Fall! xo
Thank You for making my morning brighter as I just read your newsletter. Your flower’s brought such happiness to my soul and also reading about how great it is all working for you.
I do have a question, when are you going to publish your book ? I would love to buy one, as a reminder that dreams can come true.
Enjoy this wonderful Fall season.
Peggy
Peggy, you are a love for remembering about my book. Spring, 2018!!! After going the traditional rt of seeking out several publishers I felt would be compatible with my topic and hitting a wall, I’ve decided to self publish. I’m a third of the way done with a publish goal for end of March, 2018. I”ll keep you posted!
Wishing you the best of the season! Dreams do come true! Just not always how or when we think they will sometimes!
xo Deb
Love your creations! What good ideas.
Thank you, Cheryl! Glad you enjoyed!
Happy Fall!
Deb
Thank you for the information and suggestions.
Marilyn
My pleasure, Marilyn.
Happy Fall!
Deb
Just beautiful all the flowers, love love love the apple blossom snaps. 🙂
Im curious..,how do you get people to buy flowers? I grow them all the time but city people don’t seem to buy them.