Fall branch arrangements are a simple and effective way to bring the colorful fruits and leaves of autumn into the home.

Tools and Materials
Vase
Bleach
Flower food
Branches with good shape and color
Sharp pruner

Branch Arrangement How-To
1. Begin by choosing a seasonal, sturdy vase and filling it with lukewarm water. Mix flower food into water. Add a teaspoon of bleach to help keep the water clean, and be sure to change the water every few days.

2. Select branches with good shape and color. Snip off twigs that cross, remove damaged or unsightly leaves, and cut branch at bottom with sharp pruner. Place branch in vase. Repeat with other branches until arranged as desired.

Resources
The branches used on today's show to create a fall arrangement are American persimmon (diospyros virginiana), quince (chaenomeles), rose hips (rosa rugosa), American bittersweet (celastrus scandens), crabapple (malus) and burning bush (euonymus alatus).

Oriental bittersweet (celastrus orbiculatus) is a highly invasive weed in the northeast. Our native bittersweet (celastrus scandens) should be used instead. If purchasing oriental bittersweet for arrangements, make sure none of the fruits are dropped outside because they will germinate.