A local and artistic guide to planning florals with the seasons

There’s a quiet kind of magic in working with the seasons. At Branch and Bloom, our designs begin not with a rigid recipe, but with what’s flourishing—whether that’s the first garden roses of summer or richly toned branches from our own cutting garden.

Understanding what’s in season can help shape and influence the brief —from colour palette to flower choice to budget. It also lets us design with integrity—celebrating the natural rhythm of the land and keeping our footprint gentle.

Below, you’ll find a general guide to what we can usually source through the seasons here in Auckland. Some varieties—like roses, anthuriums, carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies, and certain orchids—are available almost year-round thanks to greenhouse growing or imports. These flowers have become staples in weddings and events, but also appear in supermarket or service station bunches, which can make them feel generic or less elevated which is why they have all had their turn falling out of season. But don’t let that sway you, there are often stunning varieties of the same flower that is perfect for your event and doesn’t look anything like that old servo bunch.

As always, this is a guide—not a guarantee. We’ll always advise you honestly on what’s thriving and gorgeous at the time of your event.

Spring (September–November)

Soft abundance, layered petals, and the scent of new beginnings

Spring florals often feature smaller, airy blooms on long stems or flowering branches—perfect for a garden-style wedding with floaty, romantic movement. It’s also the season of the peony—big, bold, and adored. Grown predominantly in the South Island, peonies are among the most anticipated flowers on the wedding calendar. I always feel gloriously indulgent when I can create a bouquet combining peonies and garden roses—two heroes of the floral world.

Design notes

Spring lends itself to lightness and play: soft movement, delicate textures, and joyful palettes. Ideal for romantic weddings, seaside settings, and intimate garden ceremonies.

Summer (December–February)

The garden in full voice—bold, fragrant, and generous

Summer is when floral blocking really comes into its own. With so many larger, blousier blooms at their peak, it’s the ideal time for full floral coverage and lush, sculptural compositions. If you love a flower-forward look with minimal greenery, summer delivers. Many of the more delicate spring blooms have hardened off by this time too, meaning they can hold their own as the summer progresses.

Design notes

This is our season of maximalist beauty—abundant colour, confident scale, and full, textural arrangements. Our cutting garden is often at its peak during this time, bringing an extra layer of whimsy and beauty to our designs.

Autumn (March–May)

Tonal richness, textural detail, and the last of summer’s bloom

Autumn is texture’s time to shine. It’s a season that invites boldness and contrast—twisted branches, rich foliage, sculptural seed pods, and the antique tones of hydrangea as it fades. Tulips begin to return to the markets, and stock adds a beautifully scented, pastel softness. This is a season where you can lean into structure and drama in the most poetic way.

Design notes

Autumn brings a painterly palette—russets, ochres, deep plums—and a sense of abundance giving way to stillness. A beautiful choice for moody, refined weddings or corporate events with an edge.

Winter (June–August)

Sparse, sculptural, and quietly luxurious

Winter florals are all about intention. We lean into deep colour palettes, tonal textures, and architectural form. Think jewel tones in place of pastels, and velvet-like richness in both flowers and styling. Mantelpiece arrangements glow in fire-lit spaces, while lighting and hanging installations have more impact thanks to the early sunsets. This is also the season we prune our 200+ roses—meaning rosehips and winter branches can feature heavily if you’re into that.

Design notes

Winter encourages creativity. We love leaning into branches, berries, and sculptural elements that transform a space. Thoughtfully done, winter florals feel rich, modern, and deeply intentional.

Seasonal Bloom Chart: A Month-by-Month Guide

This visual guide offers a general idea of when key flowers are in season locally. Some flowers are only around for a month or two, while others can be sourced almost year-round.

Just remember: Even if it’s ‘in season’ it might not always be available—or affordable. Demand surges (especially for Pinterest darlings of the moment like calla lilies or phalaenopsis orchids) can drive up prices fast. Our advice? Love a trend, but don’t be ruled by it. Be open to a fresh take that still captures the feeling you’re after.

Seasonal Bloom Chart

Why Seasonal Matters

Working seasonally is about more than what’s blooming—it’s about attunement. It connects us to place, honours our local growers, and lets us create emotive, memorable work that belongs to your moment in time.

And if you fall in love with something out of season? Don’t worry. We’ll find a tonal or textural alternative that evokes the same feeling—often with even more impact.

Planning tips

Book early, generally 12 months out is an ideal game plan if you have that time.
Trust the process—our best work often comes from a little flexibility and a lot of creativity.
Let the season set the tone. You'll be surprised how much beauty lives in the unexpected.