Without a doubt the star of my 'In A Vase on Monday' has to be my first rose of the year. It's special to me having being given as a gift from my lovely sister last year and is named 'Luisa's Daughter' in memory of my mother. The flowers are very suffused with soft pink in bud but this gives way to a cream flower when open. I had no qualms about cutting the stem as the rose has a very lax habit and the flower was almost touching the earth. Yesterday's weather forecast had predicted thunderstorms and heavy rain so I had visions of this bloom being drenched and flattened to the ground if I didn't snip it. As it was the predicted wet stuff didn't reach here despite ominous skies at various intervals and some thunder rumbling in the distance come evening.
In the vase keeping it company are a few astrantias (long, long ago purchase - variety unknown), some shimmering briza maxima purloined from the community area at the allotment and a couple of stems of left over and still going strong from last week's vase.
My props are a bottle of 'Luisa' perfume which I saved from my mother's dressing table and have still to open and a photo of her when she was a young woman. I don't have the date when the photo was taken but imagine she was in her late twenties perhaps early thirties. It's one of my favourite photos of her and one that she liked herself as it also adorned her dressing table. The vase is one that I bought in the company of one of my nieces when out together for the day last year.
Thanks as always to the lovely Cathy over at 'Rambling In The Garden' who is the driving force behind 'In A Vase On Monday'. The lack of rain is calling me to the allotment, floppy sunhat and watering can at the ready, but I will sit later with a long cool drink (another hot Bank Holiday Monday predicted) and will enjoy some refreshing vase visiting.
Lovely to see your very special rose with such a lovely story attached. What a beautiful way to remember your Mother.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute vase graced with your lovely mother's image! And some great blooms in the background to make the rose stand out as it should.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to your mother. A very special vase today!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful and special rose! And a lovely picture of your mother! :)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful floral scene that complements the lovely picture of your mother!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful present from your sister and a lovely tribute to your Mum; with the props this makes for a very special and personal vase, so thanks for sharing it with us. Your mystery astrantia looks like 'Shaggy'
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely display, Anna! Planting a rose with your mother's name is a very special form of remembrance, made all the more wonderful as it's beautiful. I'm impressed by the Briza too. I planted some here but it hasn't been happy enough to flower.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a lovely rose and a lovely idea.
ReplyDeleteI love this post so much-- not only because of your arrangements but the sentiments about your mom. She was beautiful and this bloom is perfection. Thank you for sharing this little vignette.
ReplyDeletePlants with memories are always loved the best. It is a beautiful rose and is perfect with your choice of pale greens!
ReplyDeleteThis is a gorgeous still life, dear Anna, made all the more special with the connection to your mum. This rose is delightful and I hope it didn't suffer too much in the rain. We too had heavy rain and it's not over yet and my darlings are sulking this morning as most of them are out now. The rest of the garden is very appreciative of the rain though...can't please them all! ;) Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful rose, and your photo and perfume box go so well with it. I also love the Astrantia and the Briza. I planted some Briza a couple of years ago, but must have the wrong sort as it is much smaller than those I have seen elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I had to write this comment as 'Anonymous' as there was no 'wordpress' to select. (Cathy, WordsandHerbs)