Seasonal Bouquets: What Flowers to Send This Autumn
Supermarket flowers look the same in October as they do in April. Same roses, same lilies, same cellophane. That is a little strange when you think about it, because nothing growing outside your window behaves that way.
Seasonal bouquets work the other way round. The florist starts with what is looking good this week and builds from there, so what you send in autumn could not have been sent in spring. Here are eight to order now, all available with next day flower delivery across the UK or same day in London.
What is in season in autumn?
Autumn is when British flowers get interesting. Dahlias are at their best until the first frosts, and chrysanthemums take over as the weeks get colder. Around them you will find rose hips, berries, seed heads, grasses and foliage that has turned copper and rust. The colours go deeper and the textures get rougher, which suits the way we arrange flowers anyway.
We never promise exact stems, because the market changes from one week to the next. What we do promise is that no two Grace & Thorn bouquets are ever quite the same.
1. Seasonal British Grown Bouquet
If you only send one bouquet this autumn, make it this one, and do it soon. Our Seasonal British Grown Bouquet is built entirely from blooms grown on our favourite UK flower farms, and it is only available from around April to October. The colours shift week to week depending on what the growers have cut. It is sustainably sourced with low carbon emissions, and it starts at £45 for a bunch.
2. Burnished Blossom
Burnished Blossom is autumn in a bouquet. Rich bronzed tones, warm peaches and pale pinks, set off with burnt amber and burgundy. This is the one to send to someone who has just moved house, because it makes any room look as though it has a fireplace. From £70, with or without a pickle jar vase.
3. Big Thelma
Big Thelma is the older, bolder sibling of our Thelma & Louise jar arrangements, and she packs a punch. Expect wild, gathered seasonal flowers with plenty of colour and texture. She arrives in her own pickle jar, so nobody has to hunt through the cupboards for a vase. From £75.
4. English Country Garden
Inspired by British gardens at their most untamed, English Country Garden changes its colour palette with the season while keeping the same loose, just-gathered shape. In autumn that means a garden on the turn, which is when gardens look their most romantic. From £70.
5. Walk On The Wild Side
A favourite with our regulars. Walk On The Wild Side is daring and extravagant, bursting with clashing colours and texture. Autumn's deeper tones give it even more to clash with. Send it for a birthday, or to anyone who would be disappointed by something tasteful. From £60.
6. Leave it to Us!
Cannot decide? Leave it to Us! hands the decision to our florists, who pull together whatever is best in the studio that day in classic Grace & Thorn style. It is the most seasonal option after the British Grown bouquet, because nobody has told the florist what to put in it. From £45.
7. Keep it Green
Flowers are optional. Keep it Green uses leaves, stems and greenery to play with tone and texture, and it makes a statement without a single petal. A good choice for the person who says they are not really a flowers person. From £65.
8. DIY Fresh Flower Kit
Fancy playing florist for the afternoon? The DIY Fresh Flower Kit is a hand-selected box of seasonal flowers, sent with instructions and ready to arrange in your own style. Each box varies with what is looking its best that week. It makes a clever present for someone who would rather do than receive. From £75, and you will need your own scissors.
How to send a seasonal bouquet
Every bouquet on this list can be delivered next day anywhere in the UK for a flat £16. Flowers travel in hydrating gel, so they arrive fresh and ready for water. If you are in the capital, we also offer same day flower delivery in London for £10 to £18, depending on the postcode. Order before the cut-off and add a greeting card at checkout if you want to say something.
One small tip. Seasonal stems do not all last the same length of time, especially British-grown ones. Take out anything that fades and the rest of the bouquet will carry on without it.
Send what is good right now
Autumn does not hang around, and neither do dahlias. Pick the bouquet that sounds most like the person you are sending it to and order flowers online while the season is still at its best.