This week's 'In A Vase On Monday' ingredients are all from the allotment and with the exception of the marjoram have all come from seed. In my vase are :
- A couple of heads of a pale orange dahlia, which I think originated from a 'Bishop's Children' mix grown a couple of years ago. They flowers suffered slightly in transit. Note to self - must clutch flowers in my hands on return from allotment rather than cram them into the top of my bag.
- An orange cosmos - either 'Diablo' or 'Tango'.
- Tagetes - possibly 'Cinnibar'.
- Sweet pea 'Eclipse' - now a regular in my sweet pea sowings. In the photo they look more pink than their true colour which is a purple/mauve shade.
- Centaurea 'Black Ball'. I didn't sow any cornflowers this year as I noticed some self-seeders appearing. I had too many plants last summer so somewhat ruthlessly culled the seedlings down to just five, not knowing whether they would produce blue or black flowers or a mix. I would have been happy with any combination. They were showing signs of making sturdy plants, when they were given a brutal 'Chelsea Chop' by the rabbits that are now unfortunately regular visitors to the allotment site. Only one plant went on to flower. I'm now planning to sow some cornflowers directly at the allotment this month, in the hope that they will make for tougher plants before the rabbits get hungry next spring. We are also planning to supplement our rabbit defences over the next few months to try to keep them out.
- Marjoram - which is not only has sweetly scented foliage but bears flowers which attract the pollinators.
The little glittery elephant is there just because I think that it goes well with the flowers and the vase. It was a charity shop purchase made locally earlier this year.
Oh I see that our hostess Cathy from 'Rambling In The Garden' is sharing a delicious looking coffee and cake combination this week. Now who could resist popping in to see to see her and all the other vases that she will be generously sharing.
Oh I see that our hostess Cathy from 'Rambling In The Garden' is sharing a delicious looking coffee and cake combination this week. Now who could resist popping in to see to see her and all the other vases that she will be generously sharing.
I wouldn't be without cornflowers and sowing some last September I have had flowers since may and they have been alive with bees. Lovely coloured dahlia.
ReplyDeleteLovely! I must plant cornflowers - mine don't self sow, I think my soil is a bit acid for them to be really happy. I mostly transport my flowers in milk bottles but they are still prone to damage on the way :)
ReplyDeleteLove the colors in this arrangement.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have growing space for flowers in your allotment. I too love marjorams...they bees and other pollinators do too! Just by chance I put one in my arrangement too this week.
ReplyDeleteLove the colors and have not seen Marjoram flowers before, very pretty.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I love the color of that dahlia, soft and lovely with a dark eye.
ReplyDeleteA lovely collection and a timely reminder so so those hardy annuals.
ReplyDeleteThe pale orange dahlia and the glittery elephant make ideal companions, Anna. I hope you get the rabbits under control!
ReplyDeleteThe dahlia is very pretty, and the colour goes surprisingly well with pink too. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the colour combination in your pretty bouquet and the little jewelled elephant suits the atmosphere perfectly. I sympathise with your rabbit problem. They are continuously eating all the flowers forming on my gomphrena.
ReplyDeleteCharming and delightful! :)
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss reading this, Anna? :( Big, big apologies.... Very pretty, and the elephant is perfect
ReplyDelete