Even though our daytime temperatures are back in the mid-50sF (that's cold for us!), I can feel spring advancing its pace. I've already found buds on some species tulips. I thought that seemed early but, when I looked back at my records, I discovered that the 'Lady Jane' tulips flowered in late March in 2023 and mid-March in 2022 so it appears my plants are right on target despite our rainy season's slow start.
In spring, I'm often tempted to cut everything in sight; however, I'm trying to slow down a bit and enjoy the season as it unfolds. My first arrangement this week celebrates the red and white anemones in my cutting garden.
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| Catching Anemone coronaria 'Rosa Tigrato' at the right time has been a challenge. Two of the flowers included in this arrangement are a bit past their prime whereas 2 others may have been cut too soon. |
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| I used 3 stems of Calliandra haematocephala (aka red powder puff) to dress up the back of the vase |
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| Top view |
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| Top row: Alstroemeria 'Inca Lucky' and 2 Anemone coronaria 'Rosa Tigrato' at different stages of bloom Middle: Calliandra haematocephala, Coprosma repens 'Plum Hussey', and red Freesia Bottom: white Freesia, Grevillea 'Scarlet Sprite', and Lobelia laxiflora |
The white and yellow Freesias are blooming in large numbers at present so I decided to focus an arrangement around them rather than using them as accessories to other, bolder flowers for a change.
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| The flowers are all Freesias and Narcissi |
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| Back view |
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| Top view |
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| Clockwise from the upper left: Acacia cognata 'Cousin Itt', white Freesia, yellow Freesia, noID Narcissus, and noID tazetta-type Narcissus |
I cut flowers for a third tiny vase to enjoy at my desk just because I couldn't help myself.
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| Deep blue Anemone coronaria and noID purplish sweet peas. I planted 5 different varieties of Lathyrus odoratus, 2 of which were mixes. My guess is that this is one cultivar from one or another of the 2 mixes but I can't put a name to it. Nor can I explain why none of the other cultivars within the mix are blooming. |
We had low expectations for last week's storm but we received more rain than was forecast. Another storm is on the horizon for mid-week and I'm hoping for a little more than is forecast there too, although not so much as to cause any more flooding or landslides in California.
For more IAVOM posts, check in with Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
All material © 2012-2024 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party