I know that we are technically in the fall season but the weather that we are having here in the northeast is keeping me in a summer flower state of mind.  I absolutely love the fall, with all the beautiful rich colors and tons of texture with branches, pods, and berries.  But before I move on, let me just give a shout out to a few of my favorite late summer garden flowers, starting at the end of the alphabet with zinnias.

Zinnias in a White Pitcher

For me, this simple vibrant bouquet totally captures the essence of summer.  Drop a bunch of fresh cut zinnias into your favorite container – in my case that is usually a white or grey pitcher….

Zinnias in a Mason Jar

While zinnias are some of the hardiest flowers in your summer garden, they need a gentle touch when used as cut flowers due to their hollow stem.

Zinnia Broken Stem

It is hard to avoid a few bent stems when bunching and transporting zinnias.  However, I just look at a bent stem as an opportunity to create an additional arrangement!

I had a couple of bent stems in the bunches that I had picked up at the flower market, and I happened to have a stash of plastic shot glasses left over from a recent celebration. This was the recipe for a perfect little flower arrangement!

Plastic Shot Glasses

Once I began placing the cut zinnias in the little containers I totally got into it and starting coming up with different ways to display this superstar of the late-summer garden!

Zinnias in Shot Glasses

Set your table with an ever-changing centerpiece of color.  Simply move the zinnias around as food platters are added, intersperse candles throughout the flowers once the sun starts to set, or place a flower on each guests plate.  It’s your table- set it your way!

Zinnias Peace Sign

Peace Love Zinnias!!

Author

Julie started her career in the floral industry over 30 years ago in a small, family-owned flower shop. From floral designer to author and lifestyle expert, her insight has been instrumental in developing the 1-800-Flowers.com brand. Representing the company’s floral lifestyle vision, Julie has shared her talent and passion in numerous television appearances and national magazine features. She is an active fundraiser and longtime friend of IGHL, a group dedicated to facilitating a more independent life for developmentally challenged adults.

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