Backyard Naturals Bouquet

One of the reasons I love Fall so very much is the change in the coloring of leaves, flowers, and shrubbery. Where Spring is full of greens and lovely pastel shades of flowers and buds, Fall can be just as amazing visually with all the glorious brilliant color. 

I've been inspired with containers filled with Fall Naturals here in blogland these last few weeks.  Sometimes it's hard to see the beauty in our everyday surroundings. Taking a walk around the yard or a short hike can give us an armload of beautiful leaves and branches, late bloomers, and textured grasses. Perfect for an impromptu natural bouquet.

We've only had one good rain in the last 2 months, so we are so very dry. The trees are more subdued this year, and many of the leaves have fallen because of lack of moisture. I've been having to hand water the shrubs each week and of course the potted containers almost every day. Last week when I was watering the shrubs I noticed how gorgeous the leaves were on the Oak Leaf Hydrangea at the side of the house. It was bare of blooms but the leaves were colorful reds, oranges, and greens. 

I first cut a few large stems, then decided to look for what was left of the hydrangea out front.

I brought it all to the back porch potting bench 

and grabbed an old ironstone pitcher to display them in.

I've had this potting bench for years, but this house is the first time I've really been able to make use of it. As you can see I have all my extra pots, bags of soil, and tools stashed here. It's not particularly organized, but it's super handy. We had several old drawers that were in the very dated original laundry room vanity that we dismantled. I've used them here on the potting bench shelf to hold the pots and tools.

Back to the gathered naturals... The forsythia bushes along the back have been taking a beating in the drought, but since I see them from my window above the sink, I've been keeping an eye on their color. Gold, reds, rusts and green. just so pretty; I decided to go cut a few small branches, to add to the mix.

The squirrels and chipmunks use this potting bench as their personal dining table. They can keep an eye on things as they nibble. I have to wipe it down everyday.

I've always preferred a more natural "gathered" look in flower arrangements. I love the idea of just going out to the garden and fields to pick a variety of wild flowers.

When our older daughter was married, our florist, who is just an amazing creative spirit, went out to gardens and cut the flowers fresh that morning. They were so fresh that we even had a few ants hitch along to the church!

I hope you're enjoying Fall. I've not been out as much as I'd like,  but I'm hoping I can get my husband to take me out  for a country drive in another week or two. The leaves don't reach their peak here until late October.

Here's another look at the potting bench last Spring;

Early Summer Potting Bench and Back Yard

and a fun look at some gathered naturals

from a short RV trip in 2015

Nature's Treasures

Hope to see you Monday evening!

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