You don’t need to buy floral arrangements to bring a little nature into a place; almost any greenery or wildflower can be made into a beautiful centerpiece. This practice of foraging puts us in touch with the season and serves as a great excuse to look closely at what’s growing all around us. I find most of my foraged materials on early morning drives, making sure to only cut from overgrown areas far from houses, private properties or state parks. Even my own backyard can yield some surprising splendor I didn’t notice until I was hunting for something pretty for the dinner table.

When creating, try to stick to just one to three varieties. A mass of one element can be gorgeous and is the most simple to create. I love a giant bunch of wild grasses, a few branches cut from an overgrown tree or an armful of wildflowers like the matilija poppies shown in these arrangements. 

Clean stems so they are free of leaves. Ensure the water is clean and stems are below the water line in the vase. Cut stems at different heights to add depth and fullness. Forage for the bulk of the arrangement and then add dried flowers and foliage, or perhaps a few store bought blooms, for a pop of color or a focal point. And remember to enjoy. The process of arranging flowers is a meditative and therapeutic form of creativity.