Today's vase is part yesterday's weeding activities - a collection of just bluebells which we inherited with the garden, some bulbs more suitably sited than others. As far as I can these are native English bluebells as opposed to Spanish bluebells, the difference between which is described here. These would have been deadheaded sooner than later to prevent them spreading further into an area which is already host to the thug that is lamium galeobdolon 'Variegatum' aka the yellow archangel. The common name seems most inappropriate as this plant is far from angelic in behaviour. The variegated leaves are visible in the above photo but none of the yellow flowers. I have mentioned before now that I innocently looked out for this plant and welcomed it with open arms before I knew of its tendency to run everywhere. I've come to the conclusion that I will never be rid.
The vase is a recent purchase from eBay - a James Keiller & Son Ltd. marmalade jar. Keillers was established in 1797 and made a number of different flavoured marmalades until it ceased to be in 1992. The descendants of the Keiller family include the gardening writer and broadcaster Monty Don amongst their numbers.
"Enter the wood with care, my love
Lest you are pulled down by the hue,
Lost in the depths, drowned in blue"
Words by Robert Macfarlane from 'The Lost Words'
With thanks as ever to Cathy over at 'Rambling In The Garden' for her steadfast hosting. Do take a peek in what is other vases this week.
On I do love everything about your post today Anna. From the closing poem, up to the vase and link with Monty. And what lovely bluebells too.
ReplyDeleteA pot like this of bluebells is a real joy, Anna, so thanks for sharing it. I aam wondering why the marmalade pot refers to 'sugar syrup'and if you know when your pot dates to? I need to wage war on the devilish lamium soon, as it creeping through the woodland again, although I do find it is easy to pull out. Intersting to hear the connection with Keiller and Monty Don - and read that snippet from Robert Macfarlane which I shall investigarte further
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, I thought those bluebells were Agapanthus, albeit with shorter stems! They're lovely. I had Spanish bluebells here once but they disappeared entirely within a few years. I also tried growing your devil plant, the Lamium, once in my former garden but it didn't survive there, even though the climate there was nominally cooler and damper than my current garden.
ReplyDeleteI love your post too, Anna, and it actually just reminded me that I wanted to read a McFarlane book for ages. The bluebells sit very happily in this pretty and unusual vase. Pity they don't make containers like this anymore. I have English and Spanish bluebells in the garden and have recently found a huge patch of Italian bluebells (featured in my latest YT video). I planted lots of English bluebells along with poet's daffodils but most of them never came up. I wonder if voles like them too? Have a lovely week xx
ReplyDeleteLove your bluebells in the nostalgic jar, Anna. I keep admiring lamium, but am afraid to plant it as so many other aggressive plants are already in the garden. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteHow absolutely stunning....I adore these flowers....wish I could grow them.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! And I know exactly how you feel about the Lamium! I had it in my old garden and gave up on it!
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