I had ideas for 2 vases this week, each with a specific flower assuming a starring role. However, as is often the case (at least in my universe), my vision didn't materialize as planned. The first arrangement was constructed with
Pelargonium 'Oldbury Duet' in mind as the centerpiece.
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| The Pelargonium's variegated foliage is its principal attraction in my view but I enjoy the flowers too |
As pretty as
'Oldbury Duet' is, it was quickly put in its place by the blooms I selected to accompany it, creating a mix that can more accurately be described as an
ensemble cast.
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| 'Oldbury Duet' set the color palette but both the snapdragons and the burgundy ivy geranium are splashier |
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| Back view, showing off white Centranthus and the blooms of bolting cilantro, as well as some of my first sweet pea flowers |
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| Top view |
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| Clockwise from the upper left, the vase contains: Antirrhinum majus, Centranthus ruber 'Albus', Coriandrum sativum (aka cilantro), Helleborus 'Anna's Red', lilac and violet Lathyrus odoratus, burgundy Pelargonium peltatum (aka ivy geranium), and, in the center, Pelargonium 'Oldbury Duet' |
The second arrangement was intended to feature the tall bearded Iris on the back slope. The back slope is invisible to all but the most intrepid visitors and even my husband and I only visit the space a couple of times a week on average.
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| I took this photo last Thursday, thinking one or both of the Iris stems shown here would be flowering by Sunday; however, only one very small stem (not shown) had an open flower |
As the 2 taller Iris stems failed to bloom on my schedule, I ended up with another ensemble case.
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| Blue and purple flowers are abundant in my garden at the moment and I made liberal use of them in putting together this arrangement, adding a few white flowers for sparkle. If I'd found more unblemished Matilija poppies on the back slope, I'd have given them the starring role. Ditto for the silvery Dutch Iris. |
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| Back view, featuring white breath of heaven and borage |
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| Top view |
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| Clockwise from the upper left, the vase contains: Borago officinalis, Bulbine frutescens, Coleonema album, Consolida ajacis (aka Delphinium ambiguum), Echium webbii, Iris hollandica 'Silvery Beauty', noID Iris germanica, Lathyrus odoratus, Osteospermum '3D Silver', Scabiosa 'Fama Blue', and, in the middle, Romneya coulteri |
With the exception of the arrangement in the clasped hands vase, last week's arrangements were relegated to the compost bin. Before I tossed the one containing the white Delphinium, though, I snapped a photo showing how that pristine white flower evolved during the course of the week.
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| As the week progressed, the formerly white Delphinium slowly turned a medium blue, starting at the bottom and gradually extending upwards. Is that normal for Delphiniums? I've had little prior experience with them. |
All material © 2012-2018 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
