The Making of Autumn

As a seasonally-led studio, the change in season is always a big moment at Sow Society.

Because we work with nature, rather than against it, the season that we’re in determines the materials that we choose to use. We don’t buy flowers out of season - so you could say, we like to push ourselves in terms being creative with what’s available to us.

The beginning and the end of a season is our chance to sit, reflect and revisit. We like to take our time to observe. There’s a lot of importance in looking back when we’re constantly looking forwards.

FIG. I Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert'

If you read our Summer edition of this post, you’ll know what we like to chat to our suppliers and listen to their thoughts on the season, and even their predictions.

For Autumn we’ve been seeing an increase in flowers still blooming and growing. A lot of this has been down to the hot Summer we’ve had, and the hot start to Autumn as well. Dahlias, zinnias, cosmos - all still going strong.

This is of course really exciting for us at Sow, because it means we’re able to use responsibly sourced flowers for that much longer. Supporting our British growers who have had a particularly intense Summer.

Thoughts obviously start to turn to foliage, and with a very big event coming up - Christmas trees and wreath materials are being talked about and pre-ordered. Stay tuned for Christmas with Sow Society - that’s all I’m saying!

FIG. II Me and my dog Murph visiting a foliage supplier

Some of my most favourite elements to be using this time of year are things like conkers or chestnuts, apples, hops (as seen in our first Autumn Edit) and rose hips, and just generally using lots more unusual and textural foliage.

These kinds of elements aren’t typically used in floristry and that’s kind of why I love them. They create such an unexpected element, that works so well with flowers.

This year I’m also keen to experiment more with dried flowers. I think dried flowers get a bit of a bad rap. But I’ve got some ideas on how to use them in some interesting ways so I’m hoping in the next few weeks to share a bit more on this.

FIG. III Chestnut tree full of life in Hampshire

There is a tenderness to Autumn that feels like a natural slow down after the chaos of Summer. The light is low, speckled and shortening with everyday that passes. But the skies are full of colour. On my early morning and late afternoon dog walks, the skies have been treating me to some intense colours.

From 23rd September to 21st December, Autumn takes us all the way up to the end of the year.

October is in full swing and before we know it the trees will be bare and the grass will be frosty. But we still have plenty to enjoy before we reach the bleakness of Winter. Right now everything’s purpose is to make me feel cosy.

So consider this your seasonal reminder to sit, observe and romanticise the everyday moments.