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snip some smaller branches to bring into our home.

Of course there is always that time in Indian summer, just before the first freeze, when I run around the rose beds, taking those last buds and roses and making small arrangements for all over the place.

In the winter whenever we have not left for warmer climates, I make arrangements with one of our local florists to trade home made baked goods for some of their left over or unsold flowers. I bring them home and use them around the house.

For those of us who have planted grains or grasses, we use them either by themselves in an arrangement or to enhance some fall or dried flowers.

Flower arrangements can be horizontal or vertical. Just keep the shapes in your mind's eye and experiment. They can be short or tall, square, round or whatever. Think about where you want them to go. A buffet table, individual place settings, card table settings, a single bud vase. Anything is possible.

When using foam for your arrangements remember to choose the right foam for the flowers you are using. Generally, green water-retaining foam is for fresh flowers and foliage, whilst the brown stiffer foam is for dried or artificial flowers.

When using foam always soak it as opposed to running it under the tap, since some areas of the foam will not get wet that way. Always cut your foam so it is at least 1" higher than your container. This allows your plant material to look more natural in your arrangement and your leaves will usually hide the foam. Once you push your stem into the foam, do not pull it out again or it will create an air pocket and hinder the freshness of your arrangement. Keep your foam supplied with water daily. You may want to tape your foam into your container. If your floral foam fills the rim of the container, there will be no room to add water without it spilling over the edge of the container. You can get round this by cutting a V shaped notch in the foam before inserting it into the container. It will then be easy to pour water into the notch without it spilling over.

Always add cut flower food, obtained from your florist, to the vase water - it really does make a difference. Change the vase water (and flower food) every three to four days. Use the cut flower food mixture to top up containers using floral foam too, as this will help to prolong the life of the flowers. Remember to remove the leaves from the stem parts that are to be submerged in the water. The flowers will last longer.

Most flowers should be picked

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