As the growing season fades, it’s tempting to see our gardens as messy or ‘done.’ But what if I told you those drying hydrangeas and tall, wispy grasses are actually your ticket to the most natural, beautiful fall decor-for free?
As Summer’s vibrant blooms begin to fade, it’s tempting to see our gardens as looking a little tired or messy. Our first instinct might be to grab the shears and tidy everything up. But what if I told you that the most beautiful, effortless, and budget-friendly fall decor is already right there in your garden?
Those drying hydrangeas, feathery grasses, and interesting seed pods aren’t a sign that the season is over; they’re your secret weapon for creating a home that feels cozy, natural, and perfectly in tune with autumn.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to spot these treasures and turn them into stunning decorations without spending a dime. Let’s change how we see our end-of-season gardens, from something that needs cleaning up to our own personal decor boutique!
Why Decorate with “Done” Plants?
It might feel counterintuitive to bring fading plants into your home, but I promise you, it’s one of the most rewarding and stylish choices you can make this season. Here’s why:
1. It’s Kind to the Earth (And Your Wallet!)
Let’s talk sustainability. When we repurpose what’s already grown, we reduce waste, skip the carbon footprint of store-bought decor, and honor the entire lifecycle of our gardens. There’s something deeply satisfying about giving these plants a “second act.” Plus, it’s free! No need to spend a dime when beauty is already blooming (or gracefully fading) right outside your door.
2. The Beauty of Texture and Tone
Forget bright oranges and loud patterns. There’s a quiet elegance in dried hydrangeas, grasses, and seed pods. Their muted, earthy tones—soft taupes, dusty roses, parchment whites, and weathered browns—create a sense of calm and blend seamlessly with any home’s color story. And the textures? Heavenly. Feathery grasses, papery blooms, and twisty vines add depth, movement, and a tactile warmth that makes a space instantly cozier.
3. Effortlessly Chic Style
If you love that organic, modern, collected-over-time look, this is your secret weapon. Styling with dried botanicals feels intentional, artful, and deeply personal. It’s that “je ne sais quoi” you can’t buy in a box. Whether you’re going for cottage charm, modern farmhouse, or cozy minimalist, these natural elements bring authenticity and soul into your home. It’s not lazy gardening—it’s smart styling.
What to Look For in Your Late-Season Garden:
You don’t need a perfect garden to find decor treasures-sometimes the most beautiful pieces are hiding in plain sight! Here’s what to keep an eye out for as you walk through your yard or even a nearby park (always forage responsibly and with permission, of course!).
Dried Hydrangeas
These are the undisputed stars of the late-season garden! Their blooms fade to the most beautiful muted shades of sage green, antique rose, soft parchment, and creamy vanilla. They hold their shape beautifully and add instant romance and volume to any arrangement.
Ornamental Grasses:
Look for tall, feathery plumes like Pampas Grass, Maiden Grass, or even the smaller Bunny Tails. They add movement, height, and that dreamy, textural quality that just says “fall.” Their golden, wheat-like hues are perfect for neutral palettes.
Interesting Seed Pods & Seed Heads
Don’t deadhead everything! Plants like:
- Coneflowers
- Black-Eyed Susans
- Clematis (especially ‘Old Man’s Beard’ with its whimsical wisps)
- Alliums
- Poppy Pods
…have incredible architectural shapes that look gorgeous in vases or woven into wreaths.
Vines & Twisty Branches
Ivy, Bittersweet, Grapevine, or even Wisteria vines can be woven into wreaths, swags, wrapped around a front door, or draped along a mantel for organic, free-form beauty. Also, keep an eye out for interestingly shaped bare branches-they make stunning minimalist statements in a tall vase.
Herbs (Even Those Gone to Seed)
Lavender, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, and Sage add a lovely fragrance to your home and can be used in creative ways for Fall.
Pro Foraging Tip: Always use clean, sharp clippers or scissors, and harvest on a dry day to prevent mold. And remember—the best finds are often the imperfect ones! A bent stem or a faded color only adds to the rustic charm.
How to Style Your Garden Gems (The Fun Part!)
Now for the best part, bringing your foraged treasures indoors! Here are a few of my favorite ways to style them, using projects I’ve created right here at the cottage.
1. The Simple Statement Vase
Sometimes, you don’t need a complicated arrangement. The beauty of a vase of mixed grasses or a generous bundle of dried hydrangeas can be absolutely breathtaking on its own. This approach lets the natural shapes and textures take center stage.
Get the look with my guide to creating a Stunning Dried Fall Arrangement Using What You Have.
Don’t have your own supply of dried grasses and leaves? Here are some materials you can simply ‘add to cart’ and get the look!
2. A Welcoming Front Door Bundle
Your front entry is the perfect place to make a natural, seasonal statement. Instead of a traditional wreath, try a decorated cinnamon broom! It’s an unexpected and wonderfully fragrant way to welcome guests.
See how easy it is with my 20-Minute Cinnamon Broom Makeover tutorial.
Here is a broom I made last Fall using a branch and garden clippings
3. A Textural Mantel Scatter
Your mantel is the heart of the living room. Weave long, trailing vines or branches along its length and tuck in dried hydrangea blooms, seed pods, and other foraged finds for a look that’s effortlessly elegant.
- A long, flexible piece of grapevine (a lucky find from a local vineyard!)
- Garden clippings: Birch branches with leaves, hydrangeas, amaranth, small sunflowers, nigella pods, and celosia
- Foraged elements: Pinecones from my woods
- Optional but magical: A string of battery-operated LED fairy lights
- Tool: Florist wire (or any thin, flexible wire) and scissors
4. An Easy, Enhanced Wreath
You don’t have to start from scratch! A simple grapevine wreath is the perfect base for your garden clippings. Just tuck in dried flowers, grasses, and anything else that looks interesting for a lush, custom look in minutes.
I used this method to create this gorgeous garden wreath, a perfect floral Fall welcome.
5. A Natural Fall Centerpiece
Create a stunning focal point for your dining or coffee table. Use a dough bowl, a wooden tray, or even a long platter as your base. Fill it with an assortment of your foraged pinecones, seed pods, mini pumpkins, berries, leaves; you can even add a few candle pillars for a cozy, organic centerpiece that transitions beautifully from day to night!
A Quick & Natural Witch Broom DIY
Want to create a rustic, foraged broom in just 10 minutes? This charming project is the perfect way to add a touch of woodland whimsy to your fall decor!
Here’s how I made mine:
- Forage Your Materials: I found a sturdy, interesting branch in my backyard and clipped a large bunch of tall, dried ornamental grass.
- Assemble the Broom: Lay the branch on a flat surface. Gather the dried grass tightly and place it at the top of the branch to form the broom’s bristles.
- Secure Everything: Wrap floral wire tightly around the grass and branch several times to hold it firmly in place.
- Add a Rustic Finish: Cover the wire by wrapping jute twine or raffia around it. I used raffia-covered floral wire, which made this step super quick!
This broom looks best displayed standing upright, with the bristles proudly on top. It’s perfect for leaning in a corner by the front door or nestled next to your fireplace.
Pro Tips for the “Garden-to-Decor” Process
A little know-how goes a long way in making your foraged decor look beautiful and last longer. Here are my top tips for working with nature’s bounty:
- Harvest on a Dry Day: This is the golden rule! Always clip your stems after the morning dew has evaporated and on a day when it hasn’t rained. This helps prevent mold from forming as your clippings dry.
- Embrace the “Imperfections:” A curled leaf, a brown edge, or a slightly bent stem isn’t a flaw, it’s character! These details are what give your arrangements a natural, organic, and authentic charm. Perfect is boring!
- Think in Textures: When gathering materials, aim for a mix. Combine something fluffy (like grasses), something structured (like a pinecone or seed pod), and something airy (like a delicate vine). This contrast is the secret to a professional-looking arrangement.
- Wire for Security: For heavier branches or items you’re attaching to a wreath form or broom, don’t rely on glue alone. A wrap of floral wire is invisible once tucked in and will hold everything securely in place.
- Give Yourself Grace: There’s no right or wrong way to do this. If you don’t like how something looks, just pull it out and try again. The goal is to have fun and create something that makes you happy!!
A Note for Non-Gardeners
No garden? No problem! You can still embrace this natural decorating style.
- Take a Mindful Walk: Keep an eye out for interesting fallen branches, pinecones, acorns, or interesting seed pods in your neighborhood or a local park (always forage responsibly and where permitted).
- Visit a Farmers’ Market: This is a fantastic source for beautiful dried wheat, bunny tail grasses, or even pre-dried flower bundles.
- Shop Your Local Craft Store: The dried floral section has come a long way! You can find gorgeous, realistic dried eucalyptus, lavender, and pampas grass that work perfectly.
- Check Your Own Stash: Don’t forget about high-quality artificial florals! A mix of realistic-looking faux stems can create the same effect and be reused year after year.
The spirit of this project is about creativity, not just cultivation!
Your Turn to Create!
At the end of the day, decorating like this isn’t about following a trend; it’s a smarter, more personal way to style your home. It saves money, reduces waste, and the results always tell a unique story.
I hope this guide inspires you to see your outdoor space (and your home!) in a whole new light. So, before you tidy up those garden beds, take one more look. You might just be gathering your best decor yet.
Love this way of decorating? Then you will want to read how I decorated my home for Fall without spending a dime, to get some more great tips!
See your projects featured! If you are inspired by this or any of my other DIY projects, I would love to see them and add you to the Reader’s Spotlight gallery. Send a photo to me at jennifer@cottageonbunkerhill.com
xo, Jennifer
Love projects like this? Don’t miss out! Join my newsletter family for more cozy, budget-friendly DIY ideas delivered right to your inbox. You’ll get exclusive tips, early access to tutorials, and all the inspiration you need to make your home feel handmade and heartfelt.
Fall Inspiration
decorating + DIY ideas:
Awesome ideas Jennifer! At the moment we are in a week’s worth of torrential rain but as soon as it clears I’m going foraging in the woods and in our gardens to try some of your suggestions. Can’t wait to make some cool arrangements for my very favorite season of the year!!! 🍂🍁🍃🍁🍂🍁🍃
It’s so gloomy here too! We had our first freeze on Friday morn so most of my flowers are gone, always so sad to see!