By Sally Sola, Founder, Cheltenham Flower School
If you’re looking for an autumn flower arranging workshop in Gloucestershire or would love to learn sustainable flower arranging with locally grown flowers, August is the perfect time to start planning.
While many people are still enjoying summer holidays and long sunny evenings, August is quietly preparing us for one of the most beautiful times of the gardening and floral calendar. As the light begins to soften and the first hints of autumn appear, our gardens and local flower farms come alive with rich colours, textured foliage and an abundance of seasonal flowers. It’s a wonderful reminder that autumn isn’t an ending, it’s a celebration of nature’s final flourish before winter arrives.
For me, autumn is one of the most inspiring seasons for flower arranging. It’s a time to appreciate what’s growing naturally around us and create designs that reflect the beauty of the changing landscape.
Why Autumn is one of the Best Seasons for Flower Arranging
Spring may bring fresh blossoms, autumn offers something completely different. Deep burgundies, burnt oranges, warm golds, soft apricots and rich berry tones combine with grasses, seed heads and interesting foliage to create arrangements full of depth, movement and character.
Many of the flowers I use available during late summer, and autumn are grown locally, making them fresher, longer lasting and kinder to the environment than imported blooms. Choosing seasonal flowers also means you’re working with nature rather than against it. Every arrangement tells the story of the season and celebrates what’s growing at its very best.
Why Choose Locally Grown Flowers?
One of the things I’m most passionate about is supporting local flower growers. Locally grown flowers haven’t travelled thousands of miles to reach your home. They’re often harvested only a day or two before being arranged, meaning they’re beautifully fresh while helping to reduce the environmental impact associated with imported flowers.
Using seasonal, locally grown flowers also support British growers and encourages biodiversity by celebrating what’s naturally thriving in our region. Every stem has its own character and that’s part of what makes arranging with seasonal flowers so enjoyable.
What Makes Sustainable Flower Arranging Different?
Sustainable floristry is about creating beautiful arrangements while making thoughtful choices for the environment. During my Sustainable Autumn Floral Arrangement Workshop, you’ll learn how to create a stunning seasonal design using foam free techniques and reusable mechanics rather than traditional floral foam.
We’ll work with beautiful seasonal flowers and foliage, discovering simple techniques that you can easily recreate at home. Many people are surprised by how effective sustainable methods are. They not only reduce waste but often produce more natural, garden inspired arrangements with movement and texture, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy flowers whilst caring for the environment.
Why Dahlias are the Stars of Autumn
If there is one flower that truly captures the spirit of late summer and autumn, it’s the Dahlia. From delicate pompoms to dramatic dinner plate varieties, Dahlias provide an incredible range of colours, forms and textures. Their long flowering season makes them one of the highlights of British flower farms and cottage gardens throughout August, September and October.
I love pairing locally grown Dahlias with seasonal foliage, grasses and seed heads to create relaxed vase arrangements that feel both elegant and abundant. During my Locally Grown Autumn Dahlia Vase Workshop, you’ll learn how to arrange them naturally in a vase to create a beautiful display for your home.
What Will you Learn During my Autumn Floral Workshops?
Whether you’re completely new to flower arranging or have enjoyed flowers for years, my workshops are designed to be relaxed, welcoming and inspiring.
You’ll learn:
Sustainable, foam free flower arranging techniques
·How to create balance, texture and movement in your arrangements
·How to confidently recreate your designs at home
Most importantly, you’ll spend a few hours switching off from busy everyday life and enjoying the simple pleasure of working with beautiful flowers.
Who Are These Workshops Suitable For?
My workshops are perfect for beginners, flower lovers, keen gardeners and anyone looking for a creative morning in Gloucestershire. Many guests come on their own while others enjoy bringing a friend or family member. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and supportive making it easy to enjoy learning something new regardless of your experience. If you love seasonal flowers, sustainable living or simply enjoy spending time being creative, I’d be delighted to welcome you.
Celebrate Autumn with Flowers
From glowing Dahlias to textured grasses and beautiful autumn foliage, there is so much inspiration to be found in the changing season. My two autumn workshops are designed to celebrate exactly that.
The Sustainable Autumn Floral Arrangement Workshop focuses on creating beautiful seasonal arrangements using environmentally friendly, foam free techniques.
The Locally Grown Autumn Dahlia Vase Workshop celebrates the extraordinary beauty of British grown Dahlias helping you create a relaxed, natural vase arrangement to enjoy at home.
Both workshops are an opportunity to slow down, learn new skills and immerse yourself in the beauty of locally grown seasonal flowers.
I’d love you to join me this autumn and experience the joy of creating with flowers that truly reflect the season.
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