We received yet another blow to the gut last week when news came that the Notorious RBG, the esteemed US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, passed away on Friday. As the news was reported, I literally stood up and shouted "NO!" at the TV as if I could stop what had already happened. She had a difficult climb to reach the pinnacle of the nation's judicial system, only the second woman to be appointed to that station, and she spent her 27 years there pursuing the cause of equal justice under the law. Everyone knew she was ill as she'd fought various forms of cancer over the past decade but she was a fighter who seldom lost a day of testimony before the court throughout those battles. Many, myself included, hoped and prayed that she'd outlast the current administration but that was not to be. We owe her much and can only hope that we can channel some of the courage, strength, and dedication to the causes she pursued on our behalf. Anyone unfamiliar with her history or achievements can find a summary here.
Flowers are a traditional form of remembrance and, other than tears and a commitment to pursue the battles she fought using my vote in the coming and future elections and whatever my pocketbook can spare, flowers are the best I have to offer today.
Vase #1:
 |
Dahlia 'Belle of Barmera', larger than the span of my hand, was the inspiration for this vase
|
 |
Back view, featuring assorted Zinnias and Grevillea foliage
|
 |
Top view
|
 |
Top row: Alstroemeria 'Inca Sunshine', Amaranthus, Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Mocha Mint', and Zinnia elegans
Second row:Dahlias 'Belle of Barmera' and 'Labyrinth'
Third row: Grevillea foliage and Grevilleas 'Ned Kelly', 'Peaches & Cream' and 'Superb' |
Vase #2:
 |
An unplanned combination of Dahlias 'Candlelight' and 'Enchantress'
|
 |
Plectranthus scutellariodies 'Florida Sun' (coleus) dresses up the back view
|
 |
Top view
|
 |
Clockwise from upper left: Dahlia 'Candlelight', Agonis flexuosa 'Nana', Gomphrena 'Itsy Bitsy', Dahlia 'Enchantress', Leucanthemum x superbum, and Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Florida Sun'
|
Vase #3:
 |
A last minute creation for the kitchen island
|
 |
Back view
|
 |
Top view
|
 |
Clockwise from the upper left: Cosmos bipinnatus, Leucophyllum laevigatum, Salvia leucantha, and Vitex trifolia
|
For other IAVOM creations, visit our host, Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
The political fight over RBG's replacement is already gearing up and it threatens to eclipse our mourning of her loss as hypocrites in the Senate (who refused former President Obama a vote on his Supreme Court candidate's nomination 7 months before the last election because the selection was "too close" to the next presidential election) now rush to fill her seat before this November's election. I think they may underestimate the response if they pursue that goal - I believe that the backlash may cost them much more than they realize in the long run. VOTE!!!
All material © 2012-2020 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
Beautiful vases dedicated to a remarkable lady. I am deeply sorry for your country's loss because such people are few and far between. Your tributes are so considered and lovely, and I especially love the first one. The trailing flower of amaranthus is maybe an indicator that RBG's work and resolve will 'trickle' on always. And, hooray, my favourite in your garden - Itsy Bitsy!! Thank you for your wonderful words. There will be many ladies who will be reading them today, all over the world, and I am sure they will all click on the link you have given to find out more. I certainly will. Amanda https://therunningwave.blogspot.com/2020/09/blog-post.html
ReplyDeleteI was thinking that the word 'trickle' is completely the wrong one because it sounds rather ineffectual. It's not what I meant at all but was struggling to find a word that fitted the trailing habit of the amaranths. Seeing it trail across the table just made me think that something was left in her wake - do see what I am getting at? Sorry, I know what I mean but I doubt anyone else will! A
DeleteYes, I took your meaning, Amanda. I thought of pulling elements of these vases out for emphasis vis-a-vis RBG but decided to let readers draw their own messages. She was an incredible woman and it is my fervent hope that the justice she pursued will be picked up in the efforts of all of us still able to push the messages conveyed in the cases she supported and the opinions she offered from the bench.
DeleteYour creations are lovely and a fitting farewll gift of remembrance to a wonderful strong lady.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elaine.
DeleteI had heard of her death but hadn't realised what a huge contribution she had made. Last election was the first time I had really taken any notice of US politics, perhaps brought home by the contact with Us blogging friends - I suspect I shall be taking even more notice this time! Thanks for giving us three vases again, with detailed information about the contents - and those views from above, which always help to explain how they come together
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you learned something more about RBG, Cathy, as she's someone everybody, regardless of country, can respect as a symbol of what one dedicated person can achieve. I haven't missed a national election since I became eligible to vote at age 18 and this election truly feels like the most important one yet.
DeleteThank you for your RBG tribute. As always, you summarize so well. I am literally moved into tears. The vases are gorgeous, and I especially like the first with Dahlias 'Belle of Barmera' and 'Labyrinth,' the Grevilleas, as well as the Amaranth! I also love how you put together the 3rd vase!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kay. RBG has really been on my mind since last Friday when I first heard the news. I hope everyone who respected her feels even more driven to vote in the upcoming election.
DeleteHard to pick a fav but maybe peachy Labyrinth. The shifting excuses for justifying nominating her replacement now and not giving Garland a vote...with behavior like that, the antiscience rhetoric, disinformation, I am continually amazed the election is this close.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing, isn't it, Denise?! Deluged by the relentless rhetoric, it seems that a lot of people have just shut down and stopped accepting new input. The occupant of the White House trivialized the virus dating back to early February and has repeated the assertion that it will magically disappear 20 or more times since - and now the US has just hit 200,000 deaths with no end in sight. The US represents something like 4% of the world's population yet it accounts for on the order of 20% of the deaths due to Covid. Pardon the rant but the numbers speak loudly if people would just listen.
DeleteA beautiful floral tribute to a most strong, intelligent and determined woman Kris. I must admit that despite having studied politics at degree level mainly focusing on the U.K, the U.S, Russia and China I still can't get my head round all the complexities of your electoral system. I hope that people use their votes wisely in the forthcoming elections. My sister sent me some dahlias as a birthday present including 'Belle Of Barmera' - it has been fun to watch her open but she is a bit too huge and top heavy for my liking but oh what a presence in the border.
ReplyDeleteOur electoral college system has long been in need of an overhaul, Anna, but, as with everything else, it's been difficult to get any rational discussion on the subject, much less positive movement on a change.
DeleteRBG would have loved your floral tribute. Strong flowers with just the right whimsy and sass. Happy IAVOM.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. I'd like to think that would be the case even if her head was usually focused on bigger things.
DeleteRBG's passing has weighed heavily upon me as well. Just when you think things couldn't get any worse... It feels like we are living in the worse nightmare ever.
ReplyDeleteYet, our garden heals us every time we step into it. So seeing your vases this week lifts the spirit greatly. Loving all your many dahlias, the various color combos, and grevilleas especially. Hope you have as good a week ahead as possible, with more garden time.
I've been having difficulty regaining perspective even when I'm in the garden of late, Eliza, but then the heat and poor air quality kept me inside more than I'd have liked up until yesterday. I hope an immersion in the garden will provide that healing effect this week.
DeleteKris, your floral tributes to RBG are touching and strong. I really came to admire and appreciate all she accomplished. Dahlia 'Belle of Barmera' seems a fitting representative for honoring such a larger than life woman.
ReplyDeleteYes, 'Belle' is a huge, multi-faceted bloom. I had the same thought, Susie.
DeleteHuge loss, huge mess, beyond belief. No respect. Thanks you for your beautiful tributes.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I wasn't surprised by McConnell's position. He has an odd view of his legacy, in my opinion. I don't think history will treat him kindly. I fully expect a monumental backlash if he pushes the current President's agenda.
DeleteYes, yes. And when you vote, say her name.
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteLovely floral tributes to someone who was clearly a very special lady. It seems the trend in politics today is not even pretend to have any sort of moral compass or integrity. Keep on hanging in there and hope for better days. The whole world must hope with you.
ReplyDeleteI always love your peachy arangements and Labyrinth is perfect for them. The arrangements are all lovely.
Thanks Chloris. The harm the current occupant of the White House has done to the profile of the US in the world with his "America First" refrain is truly awful, and his support for the worst authoritarian regimes is worse still. He wants to be viewed as powerful but, if anything, he appears pitiful whenever he appears on the world stage.
DeleteHi Kris, heard about it too, what a loss. It'll be interesting to see what happens next...in every way that is. I've been reading a lot about what's happening at your end and find it rather scary. Here is no better of course, so thankfully we have our flowers to cheer us up a little! Love your vases especially the first one which is just stunning, oh those colours, like a rainbow. Keep your chin up and have a lovely autumn, Annette
ReplyDeleteA lot of us here are scared too, Annette - and sad, anxious, and furious by turns. I'm looking forward to the arrival of autumn here but even though the calendar says a new season, it won't really feel like fall has arrived until sometime in November.
DeleteYour Vase #1 is gorgeous! As for RBG, she was amazing wasn't she?
ReplyDeleteRBG was incredible, a person for every little girl out there to emulate - and I hope many of them grow up with the same strength and drive. That'll be her best legacy.
DeleteBeautiful vases Kris, especially that first one. Those colours are simply gorgeous. A great tribute to a strong lady.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cathy.
DeleteI can understand your dismay. Three great arrangements..my favourite this week is #2 if I may vote on your arrangements, but there is room for all three.
ReplyDeleteThanks Noelle. I was pleased with all 3 arrangements this week, which isn't always the case.
DeleteYour arrangements are inspired. For good reason, we lost a diminutive giant.I think I love the first the most with the Chenille plant draping over and that Grevillea foliage is cool - I never noticed the foliage until today!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was about time I highlighted that Grevillea foliage, Amelia! It's a great element all by itself.
Delete