Dahlia 'Sellwood Glory' didn't quite make it to the gate in time to be featured on "In a Vase on Monday," the popular meme hosted by Cathy of
Rambling in the Garden but I'll be surprised if it doesn't bloom within the next few days.
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Photo taken Sunday afternoon
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Meanwhile, 'Mr Optimist' is sprinting, followed closely by 'Enchantress', 'Labyrinth' and 'Loverboy'. The rest of my dahlias currently seem content to produce more and more leaves but I'm reasonably sure they'll come through eventually. The first of Zinnias I pinched back are finally budding up too, a self-seeded Amaranthus has made an unexpected appearance, and more than half a dozen Gladiolas have bloom spikes so things are looking up in my cutting garden. However, this week I once again made do with what my larger garden had to offer.
My first vase was inspired by the light pink Scabiosa in the front garden.
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While the pink Amaryllis belladonna are still dominating my backyard border, a few white specimens finally showed up. At the same time a few white Lisianthus blushed with pink also popped up in different areas of the garden. Serendipity!
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I dressed up the back of the vase with stems of Abelia 'Edward Goucher', Ammi majus, and Salvia canariensis. The Salvia is more bracts than flowers now.
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Top view
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Clockwise from the upper left: Amaryllis belladonna (aka naked lady), Abelia grandiflora 'Edward Goucher', Eustoma grandiflorum (aka Lisianthus), Scabiosa columbaria 'Flutter Rose Pink', Ammi majus 'Dara', and Salvia canariensis var candidissima
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The second vase is comprised of more foliage than flowers but includes stems of some of the Leucadendrons with bracts that mimic flowers.
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There are no actual flowers visible in this front view. I used two stems of Caladium to pull the colors together.
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The back view offers just two real flowers, those of a white-flowered Crassula pubescens and a red-flowered Penstemon mexicali
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Top view
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Clockwise from the upper left: Leucadendron 'Devil's Blush', Crassula pubescens ssp radicans (aka red carpet stonecrop), Helichrysum petiolare 'Licorice Splash', Caladium 'Creamsickle, Penstemon mexicali 'Red Bells', and Prunus caroliniana (I also used Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset', not shown in close-up)
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All material © 2012-2020 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
I have a difficult time picking favorites when it comes to arrangements; I love all flowers. But if I must, I'd say maybe the second. There is something less complex about it, and I love the use of the Caladium foliage. BTW, is the white Amaryllis fragrant? (it reminds me of the amazingly scented oriental white lily).
ReplyDeleteYes, both the pink and white Amaryllis belladonna are fragrant. The scent is immediately noticeable inside but not overwhelming.
DeleteSo many colours, textures and tones in your two vases Kris! I can't possibly choose between pastel and full on colour! I had an art tutor once who was also an artist and I remember her saying that colour was her oxygen. I know exactly what she means and I love colour that really packs a punch, clashes, complements and sings, but I also love the softness and delicacy of pastels. Your two vases are both just lovely! Amanda https://therunningwave.blogspot.com/2020/08/in-herby-vase-on-monday.html
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda. I actually veered away from bold colors in my former tiny garden because I felt they easily overwhelmed the space but I'm open to everything and anything in my current larger space.
DeleteI would not be able to chose between the two because I enjoy them both! I was surprised to see the Amaryllis belladonna appear more white than pink but they are beautiful. I also like how Salvia canariensis with Abelia ‘Edward Goucher’ complement each other in this vase. You have long convinced me the impact Leucodendrons and other foliage plants can have in a garden! The chosen vase with the selection of foliage is absolutely outstanding!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kay. The white Amaryllis is truly white. Both the pink and the white varieties were sent to me by a fellow blogger years ago because they didn't do well her her climate. As I recall, she got them from Easy to Grow Bulbs dot com. They still list the bulbs albeit just as White Belladonna Lilies.
DeleteAt what point do you pinch out your zinnias, Kris? I am never sure if I ought to or not... You have got such a lovely varied selection in your first case but I am drawn to the simplicity and striking contrasts of the second
ReplyDeleteGuidance on when to pinch back zinnias seems to vary a little but usually falls between when the plant is 6 and 9 inches tall. I usually pinch (or actually cut, as I use clippers) when there's a span of an inch or two between the first and second set of leaves.
DeleteGlad that your cutting garden is coming along - looking forward to your future stars. :)
ReplyDeleteNice pair this week - the standouts are the white belladonna, pink scabiosa and purple salvia. That caladium is simply terrific! I haven't had much luck with caladiums, but I always admire them in others' gardens.
How's your weather - it looked like you were in for more HOT weather.
Last year, I grew Caladiums in pots in my shade house. This year, I moved the bulbs into partially shaded garden beds. So far, so good.
DeleteWe were on the warm side last week, straying into the low 90s. This week we're expecting a slow cool down. It was in the mid 80s today but, toward the end of the week, it's predicted to drop down below average for this time of year, into the 70s. We're still getting a morning marine layer. It usually breaks up before 9am but here along the coast it helps to keep our temperature from soaring in the afternoon. The inland valleys are far warmer, in the 90s, and there's an awful wildfire affecting the Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Two lovely vases, this week if I had to choose one it would be your second vase. However I do also admire those scabious. It is a form that I find attractive, and saw them growing in the wild last week, close to here. Your dahlias will be much admired when they arrive.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to the "arrival" of the dahlias myself, Noelle. Based on photos, I though 'Sellwood Glory' was going to lean red but it's looking as though it'll be more purple but no less welcome!
DeleteI usually go for the darker colors but this lighter one has my vote this week. I love that white naked lady. I have many but have never had an anomalie like this. She is a real beauty in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteTammy of Casa Mariposa sent me the pink and white Amaryllis bulbs years ago when she found they weren't happy in her Virginia garden. The white ones do seem to be relatively uncommon. San Marcos Growers refers to the white cultivar simply as 'Alba'.
DeleteI'm much more a fan of lighter colours and pastels in the garden, while when it comes to other things, like clothing, the darker the better! I love scabiosa - am hoping to get the perennial variety into my garden at some point soon.
ReplyDeleteScabiosa columbaria is technically perennial in my climate, although the plants are generally sold here as annuals. I planted some Scabiosa caucasica here as well but I've discovered those are at best short-lived perennials. Both species need more water than I provide on average.
DeleteMy preference is always pastels. I'm not much of a bright flower person, although I do have some. As always, your vases are unique and lovely Kris, full of flowers I've never seen before.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy!
DeleteI've been having lots of fun with my arrangements this year. I have been experimenting with chicken wire and excelsior as my 'mechanics' and have been mixing hot and cool with abandon. It doesn't always work but the Saturday morning floral hour-or two hours, has become an important part of my week. And I keep buying more vintage vases.
ReplyDeleteYou need to post photos of these creations, Kathy!!!
DeleteOh I love that soft pink blush on the Lisianthus. What a pretty thing. The second vase is awesome. Vase choice suits the materials perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThe pink-ringed white Lisianthus were returnees from last year, Susie. I wish I had more of them.
DeleteBold all the way baby! I love your non flower arrangement, but I'm sure you could guess that.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think I could have laid odds on that response, Loree! ;)
DeleteI can't resist leaves in 'wine dark sea' The second is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it, Diana.
DeleteI'm looking forward to seeing that dahlia in full bloom :)
ReplyDeleteIt's in bloom today, Nikki, with 'Mr Optimist' right behind it. Pictures will follow soon.
DeleteWow, white Amaryllis belladonna--want! Lovely bouquets, once again. And next week, Dahlias--oooh!
ReplyDeleteEasy to Grow bulbs dot com has the white Amaryllis, HB, although they have it listed as "White Belladonna Lily".
DeleteHi Kris, I always read these on Monday and have to rigamarole to comment. Anyway, love both color types and Naked Ladies in the south are Lycoris squamingeria - ? Also read your later posts and have similar issues with Firesticks Pencil Cactus. Cut back, dry and leave at the street!!
ReplyDeleteI did leave the firestick cuttings on the street, Amelia. I didn't count them but I'd estimate there were around 50. They were all gone within 2 hours!
DeleteLove it...Firesticks everywhere. I bet there are 10 in my garden now..
DeleteIt occurred to me that firesticks might make a good fence. They can grow to roof height and one could post a "beware of sap" message to put off any would-be intruders that might try pushing through. If someone ignored the signs, we could also tell the police to look for criminals with severe skin rashes!
DeleteBeautiful vases as always Kris. I think that my favourite is the first one with the pink scabious. I must grow 'Dara' again - so pretty. In answer to the question you pose I usually come down on the side of pastels but there is definitely room for a bit of bold too ��
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna. 'Dara' is definitely worth growing. It's a little powerhouse in the garden.
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