I had thought that the dahlias were winding down here but they surprised me last week by blooming like crazy, at least with the exception of
Dahlia 'Penhill Dark Monarch', which has yet to produce a single bud. I wasn't prepared to make up 5 separate vases (even I'm not that fanatical) but, after deadheading the flowers that were past their prime, I cut blooms for 2 vases.
Vase #1 contains both
Dahlia 'Punkin Spice' and
'Terracotta' but I arranged the flowers in such a way as to give each side what I think is a different look. You can be the judge as to whether I succeeded.
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| Side #1 highlighting 'Punkin Spice' |
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| Side #2 featuring 'Terracotta' |
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| The overhead view shows the vase's split personality |
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| Clockwise from the upper left: Dahlia 'Punkin Spice', D. 'Terracotta', Agonis flexuosa 'Nana', Leucadendron 'Wilson's Wonder', Leptospermum 'Copper Glow', Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum', and Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Salsa Verde' (coleus) |
Dahlia 'Loverboy' produced 6 blooms last week. I tossed 3 as past their prime but cut the other 3 for a second vase. There was no blue
Eustoma to pair with
'Loverboy' - it seems she's packed up and left town for the season. But there were plenty of other suitable companions.
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| A stem of 3 white Eustoma grandiflorum (lisianthus) blooms provided a nice counterpoint to the vivid 'Loverboy' |
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| The back view is dominated by Abelia 'Edward Goucher', which has proven to be an amiable mixer for a range of splashier flowers, and bubbly Gomphrena 'Itsy Bitsy', also a good mixer |
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| The overhead view reveals Leptospermum 'Pink Pearl'. 'Pink Pearl' had little influence over the group as a whole but then she's always been a bit prickly. |
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| Clockwise from the upper left: Dahlia 'Loverboy', Abelia x grandiflora 'Edward Goucher', Gomphrena decumbens 'Itsy Bitsy', Alternanthera 'Little Ruby (shown with Hebe 'Wiri Blush'), Eustoma grandiflorum (lisanthus), and Leptospermum scoparium 'Pink Pearl' |
The zinnias were clamoring for attention too but I ignored them this week. Maybe next week I'll be inspired to do something with them. In the meantime,
visit Cathy in Rambling in the Garden to discover what she and other gardeners have found to fill their vases this week.
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| The first vase on the dining table showing its 2 different faces |
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| The second vase in the front entry |
All material © 2012-2018 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
Oh the foliage in the first vase really show off the dahlias, Kris - and what fun having a vase with a split personality! The dark gomphrena is a real star in our second vase, complementing the other contents. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteYou've always liked Gomphrena 'Itsy Bitsy', Cathy - I wish I could send you some!
DeleteYour dahlias are wonderful this year Kris and I think you've effectively created multiple views in one vase. The Leucadendron really works well tying the front and back together. Your Gomphrena 'Itsy Bitsy' is pretty adorable too. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI was pretty pleased with just how different the 2 sides of that first vase looked, Susie. I hope you're well and that Hurricane Florence's after-effects aren't troubling in your area.
DeleteGorgeous,both..do you water the Dahlias a lot?
ReplyDeleteYes! The dahlias get watered deeply 2 to 3 times a week during the heat of summer. As temperatures cool, I can probably get away with 2x a week. More than likely, I'll have pulled up and stored the tubers before we see any rain here.
DeleteI love the pennisetum and abelia in with the dahlias. They make them look more lively. Pretty vases all.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa! I love both those plants.
DeleteYour vases are beautiful and I love how they have 2 sides/2 different looks. Great a great idea! Love the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy!
DeleteVase #1 looks like an exotic bird in full breeding plumage - I love it! Your dahlias have put on a great show this year, it's been grand to see them in your arrangements from week to week.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a unique compliment (and comparison), Eliza! ;)
DeleteAmazing how different the two sides look. Plus I like the fact you didn’t use two vases to make it happen.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot easier than preparing 2 separate vases too, Linda. I should try that approach more often!
DeleteKris, these vases look splendid, I love the contrast between the white Eustoma and the red Dahlia. I planted a Dahlia tuber (purple gem) last month and now has buds I didn't know they were such fast growers, I never planted them before.
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty fast, MDN. Dahlias must really like your climate!
DeleteLoverboy sure does get around. Guess he's just living up to his name. The shape of the first arrangement reminds me of outstretched wings. Love both sides. "Well, I may be promiscuous, but at least I'm not two faced like Punkin and Terracotta." - Loverboy
ReplyDeleteI should probably move to the PNW, Peter, if only because I think increased contact with you would make me laugh far more often.
DeleteLove the split personality vase! I’ve never seen this done elsewhere and you’re taking it to a new level.
ReplyDeleteThanks Loree!
DeleteLove the two sided arrangement. It would be perfect between two different rooms with different colors. Your dahlias are beautiful! wish mine didn't languish and die in July rather than bloom.
ReplyDeleteThey can take the heat of our summers but maybe not Texas heat, Rebecca! Actually, ours stood up to the 110F heat event we had so maybe it's your humidity that's an issue.
DeleteYou bring so much beauty into the house with your arrangements and I see that little gomphrena found its way into your arrangements.
ReplyDeleteThat particular Gomphrena blooms year-round here, Jenny, although I do have to hack it back at least once a year as otherwise it stretches over 5 feet tall. It's an incredible plant.
DeleteFabulous! It's good to be back seeing your vases Kris! I now have a kitchen counter where vases can be viewed from all angles, so your vases will provide me with inspiration as they always look good on all sides as well as from above!
ReplyDeleteOther than the vase on my dining table, most of my vases ed up in spots than can only be clearly viewed from one side but, for some reason, I dither with the back views even so.
Delete