This week's vase chose itself before the flowers were even picked. It was bought just over five years ago when I met up with one of many nieces. She had just obtained her degree result and I treated her to lunch in Liverpool to celebrate her success. Afterwards we pottered about calling into various shops including a small arts and crafts centre where she persuaded me to buy this vase. A few days ago my niece and her partner finally set off on a grand adventure that was originally planned to commence in the spring of 2020 when the pandemic abruptly halted many people's plans and dreams. They have finally set off to spend a year working in Japan and no doubt fitting in some travel too. I shall miss her occasional visits, the odd day out together and her lively company. Over the last year she ventured into allotment gardening and would regularly ask for advice and reassurance. More recently she was sending me impressive photos of her crops and has come to the conclusion that when she returns that buying a house with a garden will be a priority. I'm really looking forward to keeping up with her travels and experiences and she has promised photos of horticultural interest especially at cherry blossom time.
In this Monday's vase are :
- A head of the lovely 'Lady Emma Hamilton' rose which has the most delicious scent, attractive flowers and rather lovely newly emerging leaves.
- Larkspur 'Misty Lavender' grown from seed. I finally hit the jackpot this year when it came to germination having a surplus to my requirements seedlings. They have been neighbours to cosmos which most conveniently props them up. I shall have to remember this next year.
- Some achillea 'Summer Berries' - this perennial was again grown from seed sown in September 2020.
- Didiscus caeruleus - also known as the 'Blue Lace' flower. This is half hardy annual and was grown from seed by a friend and given to me when we swapped some seedlings. I like the flowers but am not really sure about the foliage.
- Phlox which I thought was 'Cherry Caramel' although I have serious doubts as to their identity the cherry eyes are conspicous by their absence. This is another half hardy annual which I sowed in the greenhouse in March. It was a second sowing as the first didn't germinate and I think that I might have at that point accidentally selected a packet of phlox paniculata 'Isabellina', which was lurking in close proximity in my seed box. Never matter as I still like them just as much.
- Some grassy foliage interest from panicum capillare 'Sparkling Fountain' which was sown in spring from seeds collected from last year's plants. I've planted them in pots with companions.
- So nearly not appearing in any vase this year is a stem of the half hardy annual molluccella laevis commonly known as 'Bells of Ireland'. I have grown these before but not for many years. They were still in a seed tray when I tucked them at the back of the cold frame some time ago and then forgot about them! Two plants managed to flower despite my neglect - the actual flowers are the tiny pinky white whorls you can see in the close up photo above. I intend to do better next year as they are an excellent foliage plant and also dry well.
What ana mazing time your neice and your partner will have, Anna. I know you will miss her as you have mentioned meeting up with her a number of times, and I remember when she bought you this vase. What a lovely mix of things you have in it today, prompting reminders about sowing. I have late summer spwing of larkspur on my ist already, but should perhaps have another go at molucella, which was a complete no show last time, and Sparlking Fountain which had a similar result... The phlox is a really unusual colour - shame you are unsure which phlox it is! A short but sharp shpwer here too, but of cousrse not long enoi=ugh, although we are hoping for a bit more later this evening
ReplyDeleteIntending no criticism of your beautiful flowers (especially 'Lady Emma Hamilton' despite the fact that she obviously hates my garden), my favorite element in this week's arrangement is the Panicum. It lends a lively feeling to the whole arrangement. It amazes me that you have larkspur growing at this time of year but then I remember that you also have sweet peas in summer - both are very much spring flowers here. I'm sure your niece's experience living in Japan will add a whole new aspect to your relationship in the long run :)
ReplyDeleteLots of treasures in your beautiful vase, Anna, such a harmonious, delicate bunch. Isn't it great to have memories connected to things. Are the Bells of Ireland easy to grow? Probably not very drought-tolerant though. I hope your niece has a great time in Japan. Wishing you a relaxing, colourful Indian summer, we all need a break. :)
ReplyDeleteA year in Japan - sounds wonderful! Such an inspirational vase, the colour and the memories.
ReplyDelete