Floral of the Month: Timeless Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas give everyday vessels a vintage look
Story by Kim Epley + PHOTO BY Amia Marcell
Kim Epley, artistic director at The Studio at Farmer Blue, brings readers fresh inspiration each month using flowers from her 12-acre farm. For October, she spotlights hydrangeas, those old-soul blooms that never lose their appeal. She pairs them with a few unexpected grasses gathered straight from the field.
Vintage isn’t just about the past. It’s about what lasts, what feels right no matter the season. Hydrangeas fit that bill perfectly. Green blossoms anchor this month’s arrangement, recalling porches shaded by live oaks and gardens tended by patient hands. Pair them with the sweeping arcs of broom grass leaves and blossoms and the feathery texture of Japanese Holly Fern and suddenly the look is part harvest field, part heirloom and entirely fresh for the table.
In the arrangement
- Green Hydrangeas
- Broom Grass (leaves & blossoms)
- Japanese Holly Fern
Why it works
A true classic: Hydrangeas have a built-in elegance. As they age, their color softens into muted cream, adding layers of character.
Texture play: The unexpected mix of grasses calls up the memory of grain fields and farm life, while keeping the design easy and natural.
Grounded yet lively: Hydrangeas bring fullness, and the grasses add movement. Together they strike a balance that feels both anchored and spirited.
Seasonal honesty: Every stem comes straight from the farm at its peak. These hydrangeas, harvested from a sister farm, reflect October’s sweet spot between summer abundance and autumn quiet.
Design & care tips
Embrace the fade: Don’t toss them too soon. Hydrangeas age gracefully, shifting into parchment tones that only add to their beauty.
Keep them hydrated: Cut stems on an angle and submerge them deep. For extra staying power, dip the freshly cut ends into a warm-water solution of alum (yes, the same spice your grandmother used for pickles). It helps them drink deeply and last longer.
Mix it up: Contrast their rounded blooms with grasses or seed pods for a collected, heirloom look.
Choose the right vessel: Weathered urns, woven baskets and textured pottery all underscore the vintage mood.
