I combined the Eustoma (aka Lisianthus) with some coral-toned flowers for a summery arrangement.
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| Front view |
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| Back view |
The back view almost looks like an entirely different arrangement, doesn't it? Here's what I included:
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| Clockwise from top left: Eustoma grandiflorum 'Echo Pink', Abelia x grandiflora 'Confetti', Agastache 'Sunset', Gomphrena 'Itsy Bitsy', Grevillea 'Superb' and a mix of pink Zinnias |
I'd planned to stop at just one vase this week (maybe I need to join flower arrangers anonymous) but the sunflowers called out for attention again. Although some secondary buds are developing here and there on stems I previously cut, the whole lot is starting to look sad so I cut most of what was in full bloom. I'm going to clear my raised planters to plant sweet pea seeds soon for early spring blooms anyway - as this year's sweet pea crop perished in a wave of extreme heat in March, planting for blooms very early next year seems my best bet.
You may note that the sunflowers this week are not the usual deep dark red my mix of "Drop Dead Red" seeds has previously produced. They're brown! Or, as my seriously color-blind husband surprisingly informed me, "rust." Although there are no clear signs of fall in my garden thus far, this bouquet does evoke the feeling of fall. Here's what I included:
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| Clockwise from upper left: Abelia 'Kaleidoscope', Helianthus annuus, Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' seedheads with stems of Leptospermum 'Copper Glow' and cream and orange Zinnias |
The two vases were consigned to distant areas of the house as they look awful near one another.
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| The summery pink-coral number sits on the dining table |
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| The rust and yellow mix sits in the living room |
For more floral displays, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden, the host of this increasingly popular meme.
All material © 2012-2015 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
It is hard to stop at one vase I agree Kris...the second vase really highlights those red sunflowers, but I ma partial to the first with the Agastache...one of my favorite plants that doesn't grow well here. And when I saw the back of the pink vase, I thought wow it is completely different, but I like that idea!
ReplyDeleteThat Agastache 'Sunset' was a bit wispy when I first planted it and I was afraid that it might go the same direction as other Agastache I've tried but I cut it back by half soon after I planted it and it came back stronger. In contrast, one of the 2 Agastache 'Summer Glow' I was so in love with withered and died. The second plant is still alive but it hasn't bloomed since June.
DeleteThose both look great. That 'Copper Glow' still beckons.
ReplyDeleteI love that Leptospermum 'Copper Glow'. My 2 plants have some girth to them now - I hope I can keep them to a manageable size.
DeleteTwo completely contrasting vases this week Kris - the first is so fresh and summery whilst the second really does evoke a feeling of the approaching autumn. They are both beautiful and look stunning in their different locations.
ReplyDeleteI've got a stone wall between the vases to keep them from clashing with one another, Julie.
DeleteThat is such a cool idea, two vases in one! I like the different color schemes of the two sides. The Eustoma is such a sumptous flower, like a peony-dahlia cross, they could make up for roses for me, though perhaps they are not fragrant. I haven't tried to grow them. The Abelias add such a nice touch with the variegated leaves, and the complex blooms of the Grevillea and coral of the Agastache add so much. The sunflower arrangement goes so well with the rust and gold colors in your livingroom, the Kaleidoscope Abelia is entrancing. My supposedly red sunflower is rust-colored too. But I'm growing them mostly for bird seeds anyway. I need to bag them soon. The second vase is so pretty, it looks like stone.
ReplyDeleteThere's no scent in the Eustoma (Lisianthus) that I can detect, Hannah. They perform much better for me than my roses, at least for the past 2 years of this drought.
DeleteRe the second vase, it is stone - green onyx, I think. I love the vase but it "sweats" so I have to be careful where I put it.
Yes, you wouldn't think front and back views were of the same vase! I shall miss your eustoma once it has finished - and I guess you have come to like your pink ones as much as the blue... The gaillardia seedheads are a great addition in the second vase along with the brown/rust/gorgeous sunflowers! Thanks for sharing both vases today
ReplyDeleteLast year, Cathy, the blue Eustoma hung on, blooming at intervals through November I think. I'm hoping that the pink will provide repeat bloom cycles in a similar fashion - and that the blue, yellow and white forms will also make comebacks.
DeleteI'm smiling at the thought of you at flower arrangers anonymous. Maybe we all need it but it feels ok! Your flowers always look so fresh and nice, with interesting textures. The rusty Helianthus is striking.
ReplyDeleteAt least only flowers are "harmed" in the exercise of our habit, Susie - and the flowers get to exit in a blaze of glory.
DeleteFlower Arrangers Annonomous, ha! I love it. I also love those Gaillardia seed heads, wow! You used them to maximum effect.
ReplyDeleteYou have to admit I have gone a bit crazy with the flower arrangements this year...
DeleteI think I may have to join flower arrangers anonymous too, it really is completely addictive! I've been searching for suppliers of seeds for several of the flowers you've used today so I may be able to use Estoma next year too; I've coveted it each time you've used it this year and last. I'm not very good about thinking of the back of my arrangements partly because I always put them against a wall; this time I did put more flowers at the back and that might be one reason why I liked the arrangement better because there was more depth to it. I learn so much from you, thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy dining table really needs a 2-sided arrangement, Christina, not that it always gets one. I hope you have luck with the Eustoma seeds - I've been surprised (and very pleased) with how well the plants do here.
DeleteNice duo, one soft and delicate, the other rich and deep!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteAll your vases made me smile too, even I, a complete beginner, have fives vases of flowers dotted around the house. It's getting to be almost as time-consuming as blogging! I love all your vases, all different but all beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMy flower foraging is becoming a time-consuming exercise, just like blogging. My husband claims I'm spending more time at the computer than I do in the garden, which may be true this time of year when the heat drives me out of the garden.
DeleteOh you've found perfect positions to display both vases Kris. My eyes are drawn to the variegated abelia. Must find out more about it! I picked a second vase this week too of sweet peas but did not include them in my post. It sounds as if you will be sowing your seeds soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's possible to have sweet peas blooming here as early as February, Anna - if the weather cooperates and the raccoons don't mess with my seedlings (as they've been prone to do in the past).
DeleteLovely vases Kris, I really like both and would of said 'rust' too. Its feeling a little Autumnal here already. Our village has finally had a faster broadband speed installed, so just enjoying seeing your photos at long last.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear your internet connection has improved! I lappreciate hearing from you again.
Deletethe pink vase is definitely my favourite - lovely summery coral tones and how clever to show a front and back view too!
ReplyDeleteArrangements for my dining table can be viewed from all sides so I try to give the back side some attention but it often isn't worth sharing, Ann.
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