Seasonal splendor

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE RITTERBECK

The Studio at Farmer Blue is a floral event and design business rooted in the beauty of a 12-acre sustainable cut-flower farm in Seabrook. Led by artistic director Kim Epley, the studio champions the use of local, seasonal blooms to inspire more eco-conscious floral design. Epley and her team create stunning arrangements with flowers sourced from local growers and primarily with blooms grown on the family farm.

Floral of the month

This month we’re featuring a vibrant arrangement by Epley that beautifully blends local plants and flowers, creating an ideal fall display. As a striking centerpiece on a dining room table, it sets the perfect tone for seasonal gatherings. On a kitchen island it brings warmth and a pop of color to the heart of the home. In the living room it can serve as a captivating focal point on a coffee table or mantel, adding a cozy, inviting feel. For a touch of elegance, place it in the entryway to greet guests with its seasonal charm and welcoming beauty.

Words of wisdom

One of my greatest mentors and favorite floral designers is Noah Sanderson, The Bearded Florist in Charleston. His bold use of bright, vibrant colors continues to inspire me. Whenever I work on a design, I often recall his wisdom on the fundamentals of floral arrangement: “Flowers are like divas, each needing their own spotlight to truly shine. Give them space to thrive without competing with other blooms.”

Essential flowers in the arrangement

Sunflower
Aster
Zinnia
Calla lily
Curly willow
Gardenia leaves

Why it works

Pop of color: This arrangement is ideal for October as the leaves change and cooler weather sets in. Sunflowers, abundant from late summer into fall, bring a vibrant pop of warm color that pairs beautifully with seasonal foliage, capturing the essence of autumn.

Seasonality: Featuring fresh, locally sourced flowers from South Carolina, this arrangement is perfectly in sync with the season, embracing the golden, earthy tones of fall. It reflects the natural beauty of the region during this time of year.

Balanced elegance: Sunflowers, with their relaxed, casual charm, are quintessentially fall. Paired with the more intricate blooms of zinnias, asters and complementary foliage, the arrangement gains a sophisticated complexity. This blend creates a balanced, refined composition that embodies the season’s warmth and richness.

Design tips

Embrace creativity — there’s no wrong way to design an arrangement, so have fun with it.

Play with varying heights to add visual interest and dimension.

Sunflowers have an impressive vase life, so make the most of their longevity by removing or replacing any wilting blooms to keep your arrangement fresh and vibrant longer.