Written and styled by Paige Benton McKee | Photos by Langley Kate Photography

The end of summer and beginning of fall is the perfect time to hunt for interesting and unique wreath components. Gorgeous natural pieces can be found in your yard, in the woods or anywhere around you!

The beginning of fall is the time of year to deadhead all of your spent summer blooms. But before you take them to the curb, give them a second look — they could be perfect in a wreath! All varieties of hydrangeas are wonderful options, as are spent agapanthus blooms, seeding plants and dried foliage.

“Hydrangea blooms aren’t just for summer,” said Paige. “I love the dusty and muted shades that they acquire this time of year. Pair them with fall elements such as leaves, seed stalks and a rustic wreath, and they’ll transition right into fall.”

Paige says: “Purple is a favorite fall color for me. It’s a refreshing contrast to the commercialized orange that surrounds us all season.”

Materials

• Wreath base
• Floral wire (to securely attach all pieces to the wreath)
• Clippers
• Plant material ideas: dried blooms, berries, seedpods, foliage (dried or live), sticks, moss, grasses, weeds, wildflowers, etc.

Your wreath can be as intricate or simple as you like. Once you’ve collected your materials, let your imagination go wild! Use floral tape to securely fasten all pieces to your wreath base and don’t be afraid to cut live greenery and let it dry on your wreath.

Fall in Florida Wreath (above)

Palmetto leaves
Bamboo leaves
Pinecone lilies
Foxtail fern
Wandering Jew
Air plants

Hydrangea Wreath (above)

Dried hydrangea blooms
Sycamore tree leaves
Vitex dried blooms/seeds

Wildflower Wreath (above)

I found all of these wildflowers along a lakeshore. I always have a pair of clippers in my car and love to have them at the ready when I come across something to clip — whether it’s gorgeous blooms at their peak, pretty foliage or dried seed pods. Sometimes weeds can make the unexpected finishing touch.

Paige says: “The air plants were the only plants that I purchased to make these wreaths. However, they are native in Florida, and some may be lucky enough to have them growing on trees in their yards. They need watering once or twice a week.”