Fall in Orlando brings unique opportunities for garden-to-table decorating that many homeowners overlook. While our autumn may not deliver the dramatic leaf changes seen up north, our gardens continue producing beautiful, usable greenery perfect for seasonal tablescapes.
With temperatures finally dropping into the comfortable range, now’s the ideal time to step outside and see what your yard offers beyond the typical store-bought decorations. Orlando’s mild fall climate means we can grow decorative edibles that would wilt in colder regions.
I’ve spent years experimenting with different plants in my Orlando garden beds, discovering which herbs and greens not only taste wonderful but also hold up beautifully in arrangements. The satisfaction of walking outside with scissors and returning with something both beautiful and edible never gets old.
1. Rosemary Sprigs That Add Height And Fragrance
The woody stems make excellent natural stakes in fall arrangements, providing architectural interest alongside their distinctive pine-like scent. When placed in small water vessels, they’ll stay fresh for over a week.
Many Orlando gardeners don’t realize rosemary thrives in our sandy soil. I’ve found that cuttings taken from the tips create the most attractive table decorations, with their blue-green needles offering a beautiful contrast to autumn golds and oranges.
2. Vibrant Nasturtium Leaves And Flowers
Round, lily pad-like leaves create instant visual impact when scattered across a tablecloth or tucked between serving dishes. Their peppery flavor makes them edible garnishes too, surprising dinner guests with both beauty and taste.
Growing these colorful plants requires minimal effort in Orlando gardens. Last October, I scattered seeds in a partly shaded corner and was rewarded with abundant foliage perfect for decorating our Thanksgiving table.
3. Purple-Tinged Sage For Textural Interest
Velvety leaves with their distinctive silver-purple hue provide a sophisticated touch to any fall centerpiece. The soft texture contrasts beautifully with smoother elements like gourds or fruit.
Orlando’s climate allows sage to thrive well into the cooler months. When arranging, I’ve discovered that mixing fresh sage with dried sprigs creates wonderful textural variety. Their subtle fragrance adds another sensory dimension to your table without overwhelming food aromas.
4. Lemon Balm’s Bright Green Accents
Fresh sprigs tucked between place settings or scattered among serving dishes bring unexpected brightness to autumn tables. The gentle citrus scent creates a welcoming atmosphere as guests arrive for meals.
This hardy herb grows abundantly in Orlando gardens through fall. What I love most about decorating with lemon balm is how it maintains its perky appearance hours after cutting – unlike many herbs that wilt quickly. For best results, harvest stems in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated.
5. Dramatic Purple Basil Bundles
Dark purple leaves create striking contrast against traditional fall colors, making this herb perfect for small bouquets at each place setting. The rich color intensifies as our Orlando nights cool down in late October.
Growing several varieties in my garden has taught me that ‘Dark Opal’ and ‘Purple Ruffles’ varieties offer the most dramatic coloration. When gathered in small bunches tied with twine, these aromatic sprigs double as take-home gifts for dinner guests – both decorative and useful in the kitchen.
6. Delicate Fennel Fronds For Airy Height
Feathery green tendrils add ethereal height to centerpieces, creating movement and lightness among heavier fall elements. Their anise scent pairs wonderfully with autumn foods like roasted vegetables and apple desserts.
Many of my neighbors are surprised to learn fennel grows beautifully in Orlando’s fall season. I’ve found that mixing these delicate fronds with sturdier herbs creates arrangements with wonderful textural variety. The wispy strands catch light beautifully, especially during evening gatherings when candles are lit.
7. Trailing Thyme As A Natural Table Runner
Long stems placed down the center of tables create an aromatic, living runner that guests can’t help but touch and admire. Different varieties offer subtle variations in leaf size and color.
Orlando’s mild fall allows thyme to continue producing fresh growth when northern gardens have gone dormant. During a recent dinner party, I lined up several small pots along my table, allowing the stems to cascade between them. The tiny leaves stayed fresh throughout the evening, releasing their fragrance whenever brushed against.
8. Bronze-Tipped Lettuce Varieties For Rich Color
Loose-leaf varieties with burgundy and bronze tips create gorgeous, unexpected additions to fall arrangements. Their ruffled edges add wonderful texture while remaining sturdy enough to last through a dinner party.
These decorative greens thrive in Orlando’s cooler fall temperatures. Last November, I incorporated ‘Red Sails’ and ‘Bronze Arrowhead’ lettuce into my Thanksgiving centerpiece, surprising everyone with their ornamental quality. The best part? After dinner, we simply washed the leaves and added them to the next day’s salad.