With fall just around the corner it’s a good time to think about what you have in your garden and around your property that you can use inside. If you planted a vegetable garden you may have some veggies that you can use as decorations. An artichoke flower either from your garden (I know we aren’t in Salinas) or the craft store will make a great start to an unusual arrangement. Add some of our wild buckweed as filler; the colors in deep rust will make a nice contrast with the green and blue violet of the artichoke flower, add some bright sunflowers and you have the makings of a wonderful fall arrangement nearly all from your own garden.

Many gourd type vegetables can be used as a centerpiece, just cut the bottoms so they will sit flat and not roll around, or use a floral pick to spear them to add to an existing arrangement. Or just make a simple arrangement by lining up several similar sized gourds with hollowed out spaces for tea lights and set them on a bed of local juniper branches.

A wagon or small wheelbarrow filled with some straw from the barn will make a nice bed for an array of your summer harvest; you can put it out by your garden gate and share the bounty with your neighbors.

Whatever you do with your garden this year, remember that much of it can be brought inside, with a little imagination, some ribbon and a candle you can make your home warm and welcoming to the cooler nights ahead.