How to Create a Stunning Autumn Floral Arrangement | 5 Tips from Kim Epley of The Studio at Farmer Blue
Autumn dahlias, marigolds and the art of living beautifully
STORY BY KIM EPLEY + AMIA MARCELL
Kim Epley, artistic director at The Studio at Farmer Blue, designs using flowers from her 12-acre Seabrook farm. This month her autumn arrangement honors gratitude and the graceful rhythm of the Lowcountry seasons.
November invites us to slow down, breathe in the crisp Lowcountry air and take stock of what matters most. On the farm the fields glow in copper and gold as dahlias reach their crescendo, and marigolds bloom like tiny suns across the rows. This month’s arrangement captures that fleeting radiance, the warmth before winter’s rest. Designed with locally grown dahlias, marigolds, Japanese anemones and bittersweet orange, it celebrates the balance between abundance and stillness, beauty and impermanence, with just a touch of whimsy. The palette feels both earthy and ethereal, with bronze, peach, ivory and flame tones that mirror nature. It’s a reminder that gratitude grows from presence, not perfection.
In the arrangement
- Dahlias
- Marigolds
- Japanese anemones
- Bittersweet orange
Why it works
Earth meets sky: Golden marigolds and dahlias ground the design, while bittersweet orange and anemones lend lift and lightness, creating an interplay of rootedness and air.
Farm-grown authenticity: Every bloom was grown right here in South Carolina soil. Using what’s in season connects your home to the land and to the natural rhythm of Lowcountry life.Texture in motion:Dahlias bring sculptural precision, while amaranthus and fern add gentle movement that echoes November’s shift between fullness and rest.
Gathered elegance: The design feels natural, not formal. It’s an easy celebration of color, air and gratitude, perfect for a Thanksgiving table or an entryway console.
Home styling tips
Let nature lead. Choose blooms that reflect what’s truly in season, such as dahlias, marigolds and anemones, for an arrangement that feels fresh and alive.
Work in layers. Start with supporting florals, add your showstoppers like dahlias, weave in airy stems such as bittersweet orange and anemones, and finish with cascading texture from amaranthus or grasses.
Choose warm vessels. A low brass compote, ceramic bowl or woven basket complements autumn’s tones and brings a relaxed sense of elegance.
Add candlelight. Surround your design with taper candles in amber, cream or bronze glass. Their soft glow completes the cosmic warmth of the season.
Tend with care. Re-cut stems every few days, and refresh the water daily. Dahlias reward gentle attention with surprising lo
