Bountiful blooms haven't suddenly appeared in the past week. I initially focused on my ever-dependable Grevillea 'Superb' to fill this week's vase. When I noticed that the bracts of the Leucadendon 'Safari Sunset' in the front garden were more coral and pink than red like those in the back garden, I decided to add them to the mix. They complemented the Grevillea flowers well, ending up in a co-starring role.
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| Like poinsettias, the bracts of Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset' are modified leaves surrounding the plant's true flowers, which are much less flashy |
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| The back view was dressed up with stems of Cotoneaster berries |
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| Top view |
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| Clockwise from the upper left: noID Cotoneaster, Grevillea 'Superb', Leucadendron laxum, and L. 'Safari Sunset' |
Is the arrangement suitably Christmas-y? It'll have to do regardless. The rain that was predicted to arrive on Sunday night has been pushed further into the week. Some light rain may arrive late Monday/early Tuesday but a solid rainstorm isn't expected until Wednesday and Thursday. I'm looking forward to it, although I'm not yet ready to count my chickens.
For more IAVOM creations, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
All material © 2012-2023 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
The Cotoneaster berries definitely make this offering festive and Christmas'y. The still-unopened Grevillea flower spikes are a nice touch too: hadn't seen them in a vase previously, but I like it. And since the next two Mondays fall on holidays, I'll take this opportunity to wish you and your husband Merry Christmas and a Grand New Year.
ReplyDeleteChavli
Thanks Chavli. Best wishes to you too! I may squeeze in another IAVOM creation vase next Sunday , although I've no idea what I can use.
DeleteDefinitely Christmasy! Beautiful arrangement, Kris! Eliza
ReplyDeleteThanks Eliza!
DeleteIt sure feels Christmasy to me, beautiful! I hope you get a nice shower of rain.
ReplyDeleteWe got spit at earlier today but real rain is still in the near-term forecast, Tracy.
DeleteThe cotoneaster berries are such a nice touch, Kris, and really lift the vase, bringing with them a hint of Christmas. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI started off with orange Auranticarpa berries but they definitely didn't fit the season; however, the red Cotoneaster berries were just the ticket!
DeleteDefinitely suitably Christmassy, I'd be thrilled to work it into my Christmas decorations.
ReplyDeleteThe Leucadendron stems will almost certainly make it to Christmas but it's unlikely that the Grevillea flowers will.
DeleteAnother beautiful festive vase using those gorgeous Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset' . They are so cool.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to limit myself to just 2 or 3 Leucadendrons, 'Safari Sunset' would be one of them, Donna.
DeleteBeautifully festive! Love how the feathery leucadendron foliage stands in for pine...
ReplyDeleteThat Leucadendron laxum has been in my garden only about a year and I've let to see it bloom but I do love the foliage.
DeleteI like it for Christmas, especially with the berries. I haven't seen any cotoneaster in years, but it looks like willowleaf to me. Wishing you rain for Christmas! Amelia
ReplyDeleteThanks Amelia. Best wishes to you too! The Cotoneaster planted itself here years ago. I'm usually glad I let it stay but it does want to take over the front slope.
DeleteThis is absolutely beautiful, Kris, and I think it's perfect for Christmas. The Grevillea and Leucadendon are such interesting forms and have great color.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susie. I was surprised at how well the Grevillea and Leucadendron meshed together.
DeleteIt's Christmas California style. The half moon ornament in behind is the perfect accompaniment.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elaine. I've had that half-moon forever. I comes out every Christmas.
DeleteIt's definitely a seasonal vase Kris - red and green are the colours of Christmas 😀 My cotoneaster berries have long since gone. I hope that you get that predicted rain 🤞
ReplyDeleteWe're still waiting on the rain, Anna. All we got was spit yesterday, nothing that registered on our weather station as rain, but the forecasters keep saying it's coming!
DeleteStunning, as always, Kris. I love the Grevillea and the Leucadendron, as I've mentioned before. And these samples are so complimentary in color and form, along with the other elements. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth.
DeleteWonderful warm colors--who needs a fire to feel cozy when there is 'Safari Sunset' and 'Superb'? --hb
ReplyDeleteAnd we've got rain!
DeleteOh yes, very festive Kris. I really love the Grevillea and Leucadendron - two of my favourites you sometimes use - and the berries go so well with them. Interesting to see you grow Cotoneaster, which is quite common here as a hedgerow shrub, small tree or even ground cover.
ReplyDelete