Monday, December 14, 2015

In a Vase on Monday: Floral Flotsam

There are only a few plants in my garden producing flowers in significant numbers but, for this week's "In a Vase on Monday" post, I decided to use bits and pieces that haven't received much attention lately.  Carol of May Dreams Gardens, the host of Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, once referred to the flowers present in small numbers as the "flotsam and jetsam" of her garden, which I thought was an apt description of the materials I selected this week.  I started off with a 'California Dreamin' rose.  The shrub recently produced a couple of beautiful blooms but the first shriveled when we got a tiny bit of rain (0.24 inches/6.1 mm) early last week so I clipped the newest bloom on Sunday in advance of the weather system that passed through last night, then went hunting for other blooms to accent its yellowish pink and cream colors.

Front view

Back view

Top view


Here's what I included:

Top: Rosa 'California Dreamin', said to have a strong citrus scent but it's perfume seemed light to my nose
Bottom, left to right: Abelia 'Kaleidoscope', Achillea 'Moonshine', Correa pulchella 'Pink Eyre', and Leucadendron 'Pisa'


I cut a few flowers that I didn't use in my featured vase so I popped these stems into the tiny blue vase that sits near my kitchen sink, where it complements the ceramic pig that holds my tea bags (alas, not cookies).

The 3-inch vase holds Argyranthemum frutescens 'Angelic Giant Pink' and Leptospermum scoparium 'Pink Pearl'


For more floral and foliage concoctions, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.

P.S. For those of you who expressed interest in how long last week's Bauhinia x blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree) blooms last in the vase, the answer is 2 days.  Beautiful as they are, they aren't particularly good subjects for a vase.   The buds don't open once the stem is cut either.


All material © 2012-2015 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party

24 comments:

  1. What gorgeous coloration in that rose!

    When I read flotsam in the title I immediately thought you picked up what was on the ground. I don't think there is a loose leaf on a tree or shrub left anywhere here, the wind has blowing so strong after the front.

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    1. The wind last night was brutal here too, Jane. I spent as little time outside as possible today - I know that people in colder climes will probably think me a wimp but daytime temperatures below 60F here are a shock to the system!

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  2. I think these can be the best vases...creative in how we use the variety of blooms as you did....and the little blue vase is gorgeous!

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    1. I think I can put just about anything into that blue vase and have it come off well. It's like the little black dress of vases.

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  3. I was absolutely enchanted by the back view of your first vase - the view without the rose, which took me completely off guard. I really like the way the pops of yellow from the back are in the background as supporting players to the delicate pink blooms of the pulchella. Fact is, I love roses with color gradations like the one you rescued. I took it to mean seasonal decor overload has me longing for smaller simpler displays. Happy Holidays!

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    1. That Correa pulchella is a subtle beauty, Deb. The flowers all seem to be evenly spaced on the plant and hang down like earrings. I think it'd look even better with long stems in a taller vase but I don't have the heart to cut that much of it.

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  4. A fun description, Kris, but I'd say that is some very elegant "flotsam and jetsam" you grow. Lovely rose. Glad you rescued it in time. Even 2 days of enjoyment for that Hong Kong orchid seems worth it, although I guess you can enjoy it outside too. How long is its blooming period?

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    1. In general, the Bauhinia blooms from fall to spring but severe heat spells and Santa Ana wind events can strip the tree of flowers for a period, creating the sense that it has multiple bloom periods. When heat/winds abate, the flowers reappear.

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  5. I always think of 'flotsam and jetsam' as looking rather sad and dejected Chris - certainly not like the lovely fresh pickings for your vase this week. That correa is so pretty and elegant. I'm not sure whether it's hardy here but maybe it might grow under cover. Food for thought :)

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    1. Correas are Australian natives, Anna, so I expect they'd need some winter protection in your climate. Most aren't flashy but they are very attractive plants, both in an out of bloom.

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  6. Yes, I agree with Anna in the inappropriateness of the flotsam and jetsam description! The colours of yours are so delightfully fresh - more like Easter colours - and remind me of sugared almonds... ;)

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    1. Perhaps I should have stuck with the "California Dreaming on a Winter's Day" title I briefly considered, Cathy. It does feel like winter here right now, at least to a southern California native like me, but I expect those of you used to considerably colder weather would think it more like early spring!

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  7. I like the little bitty arrangement, it's so sweet!

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    1. The simple, tiny vases are often my own favorites as they give individual flowers a better chance to shine.

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  8. That rose and the Leucadendron are a match made in heaven.

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    1. The Leucadendron's silver foliage makes a pretty pairing with a lot of plants, Loree. I have to watch myself to ensure I don't cut it too frequently!

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  9. Whatever flowers you have available you always create an interesting pretty vase. Interestingly several people found an Achillea, I had one too but didn't use it.

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    1. All the blooming stems on my Achillea are short, Christina, but so was this vase.

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  10. so fresh and pretty and what a star that rose is!

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    1. It's a glorious rose but not a heavy bloomer, Ann. Of course, all my roses have been relatively stingy in the bloom department this year - that's what comes of withholding water but we've no choice under current drought conditions.

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  11. Love the little vase in pink - it is delightful! I'm a fan of leptospermum and daisies are always so cheerful. It's been gray for days now and that little number definitely is a lift. The correa is another lovely plant. I'm glad you name all the varieties as I'm unfamiliar with most of your zone's plants. :-)

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    1. I adore daisies and I've had a shortage of them this year that I've tried to remedy by planting several Argyrantemum this fall. The plants generally last a few years here but they eventually get ratty looking and need replacing.

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  12. Love the way the yellow Achillea brings out the yellow tinge to your rose. A beautiful vase as always, and the second one too!

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    1. Thanks Cathy! I was rather surprised - but pleased! - to find Achillea in bloom this time of year.

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