As a flower farmer who has begun doing design work as well, I'm always eager to try new creations that broaden how people enjoy locally grown flowers. Anything new that catches the attention of my local audience is a plus! I also love to get people thinking while they're looking at something pretty—it adds dimension to their enjoyment and increases the chances they'll be back to buy from me again.

I've trialed a few different creations this past year that will now be regulars in my calendar going forward. Here are three floral design ideas for creative autumn flower arrangements you can use for your flower stand.  

1. Succulent Decorated Mini-Pumpkins

While this idea is all over Etsy, it isn't something I've seen on many other local flower stands. I originally purchased flats of succulent starts (we are blessed with a local wholesale succulent nursery in the area). If you don't grow succulents yourself, be sure to check with other local growers. I soon learned that—given the right conditions—these little jewels grow and multiply eagerly, provided I choose hardy varieties that overwinter in my USDA growing zone 7. This adds a nice dimension to my product, as I can assure buyers that they can plant the pumpkins' succulent "hats" and continue to grow them in their yards after the pumpkins on which they are perched wither. I chose white, "blue," and mottled mini-pumpkins for a distinctive look.

How-to Make Succulent Pumpkins

1. Gather moss locally at any time of year and allow it to air dry, or purchase bagged dried moss (any kind works and is a matter of taste).

2. Sparsely hot-glue dried moss to the top of the pumpkins to make a nest

3. Succulents throw babies in every direction around the mother plant; break the babies (they come off easily) and hot glue into the moss nests. You can break them off in large numbers and allow the breaks to dry before using, or use them immediately.

Plant succulents if you have the landscape space! They're easy-care pumpkin toppings; even better, you'll always have instant floral jewelry greens on hand. Contrary to expectation, they prefer partial shade to full sun, and they need good drainage and relatively frequent but light watering.

2. Corsages as Host/Hostess Gifts 

This past year I made some cute, quirky Thanksgiving corsages with black and white striped ribbon wrapping their stems, and they were well received in my community. Fall is an excellent time for this because there are plentiful sturdy grains, greens, and heirloom mums on hand. Guests to a Thanksgiving feast are often on the lookout for a distinctive little gift for the hostess or host. This is a particularly lovely item for younger people who may not feel confident about their ability to choose a good bottle of wine, and for $12–20, it's a price point they can afford.

3. Using Grains in Design Work 

Floral designers have, of course, been using grains in design work for some time. We're all familiar with foxtail millet and broom corn, for instance. However, few of your customers will have seen "Brightest Brilliant Rainbow" quinoa in full bloom—watch their jaws drop! Quinoa comes in a rainbow of shades, from loud to subtle. In addition, there are gorgeous sorghums ranging from shiny black pinheads to milky pale green pearls, slate blue heirloom wheat, deep green, chocolate brown, and bright orange heirloom field corn, and six-row brewing barley that is absolutely lovely (especially when green) with its long sparkling awnings. And don't forget the ruby-red teff (also known as 'lovegrass'). And that's not even an exhaustive list. There are so many others to choose from!

Beyond the beauty of grain and grain-like crops, consider other food crops like safflower for its tall, succulent-like buds and glaucus foliage or rose-pink flowering buckwheat. My current favorite is seeded flax, which makes a spray of bobbing bright green beads after flowering. Using grains and grain-like crops, you add beauty (plus a great story) to pull in customers! If you don't tell them first, you're bound to get emails asking about those shiny green beads in last week's bouquet.

I like to see floral work incorporating materials that we usually relate to in only the one, practical dimension of food. And I love to see growers and designers playfully reimagining how local flowers can fit in our lives. Spark the imagination of your local audience!