A bouquet of dahlias for a cosy autumn

When creating this type of floral arrangement, it’s important to visualize the final result. For this bouquet, for instance, imagine a triangle to guide the structure, and consider incorporating a few standout elements to create a sense of lightness. Be sure to vary the stem heights—this is especially important when working with multiple flowers of the same variety, as I’ve done here with at least three dahlias of the Babylon Bronze variety. In this case, I cut the stems at three different heights and arrange the flowers on three sides of the vase, again forming a triangle.

Next, I add the other dahlias, ensuring that each flower finds its place within the framework established at the start. After that, I introduce the Japanese anemones and eucalyptus branches, which protrude slightly from the bouquet to give it a dynamic and airy feel. To complete the arrangement, I place rose hips beneath the main flowers to create a charming, cascading effect.

When I use Honka dahlias—whether the deep black Verrone’s Obsidian or the bold pink Honka Rose—I always place them last, as these varieties are particularly fragile, often losing petals on the journey from the garden to the house. Despite their delicate nature, they add such a striking, graphic element to the bouquet that I find them indispensable. This is why they must be handled with extra care.