The atmospheric river came through as predicted last week, delivering nearly two inches of rain here. Our total for the 2025 "water year" (counted from October 1, 2024) now stands at 4.81 inches. That's not great given that our rainy season usually ends in April but at least it already tops our totals in 2018 and 2021. After colder-than-usual temperatures last week, it warmed up this past weekend and it's feeling more like spring. The garden's showing more of what I'd characterize as spring flowers too, which those of you in colder areas of the Northern Hemisphere may appreciate as a prelude to the change of seasons.
 |
| The first of the fragrant Freesias opened over the weekend. The first of the Calendulas I sowed from seed in November also popped up and I tucked a short stem up front. |
 |
| Back view |
 |
| Top view |
 |
| Clockwise from the upper left: Agonis flexuosa 'Nana', Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer', Calendula officianalis ' Cantaloupe Mix', noID Freesia, Grevillea alpina x rosmarinifolia, Leucadendron salignum 'Blush', Narcissus papyraceus, and Leucospermum 'Sunrise' |
Two hellebores also made their initial appearance this week. Cutting a stem of one of them inspired a second, smaller arrangement.
 |
| The Camellia stem was a last minute addition. It probably won't hold up for long as a cut flower but, as many of the blooms hit the ground during the storm, I wanted a little time to enjoy one up close. |
 |
| Back view |
 |
| top view |
 |
| Clockwise from the upper left: Anemone coronaria 'Bianco Centro Nero', Helleborus 'Anna's Red', Alstroemeria 'Inca Vienna', Camellia williamsii 'Taylor's Perfection', and Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold' |
For more IAVOM creations,
visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
All material © 2012-2025 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
I love the first vase, glowing with its saturated orange and yellow from your first Freesia and Leucospermum 'Sunrise'... stunning.
ReplyDeleteThe second arrangement is very sweet. You may be correct about its longevity though. The vase itself is cute but unfamiliar. You either not use it often, or my memory cells are melting away :-D
Seattle had less than an inch of rain so far this month, but looking at the forecast, there's a good chance it would double by month's end.
Chavli
The open Camellia flower dropped in less than a day but there's a bud that just might come through, Chavli. The vase isn't one I've used often.
DeleteI hope you get that rain! I understand that parts of the PNW received snow but I gather Seattle hasn't received that either.
Love the fiery combination, so much variety! The second is lovely - I like the Camellia addition, why not enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteDuring the rainstorm I cringed every time I walked by that Camellia and saw flowers scattered at its base, Tracy - but at least my compost pile looks pretty at the moment!
DeleteI'll be interested to hear if the hellebore stem holds up long. I've resorted to the hellebore "float" rather than watch the stems go limp.
ReplyDeleteAs I recall, the 'Anna's Red' hellebore actually held up pretty well in a vase when I used it in a vase last year but we shall see if that was just a fluke. It has a stiffer stem than most. I'm using "flower food" in my vases now too, which has made a difference in other cases - my Grevillea 'Superb' flowers now last a good week more often than not!
DeleteWhat a gardener you are, choosing then cultivating such a wonderful variety of plants. Both the arrangements are stunning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Noelle. As out climate is endlessly changing, I continue to try out new species.
DeleteYou must have been thrilled with the 2"! Were you able to store much of it? Your first vase is so springlike, and those custard powder yellow freesias are such a glorious burst of colour! Such a contrast to the soft pastels of your second one
ReplyDeleteI was thrilled about the recent rain, Cathy! My tanks were all full (with 475 gallons of rainwater) before the most powerful storm moved through on Thursday but I still saved and distributed some of the "extra" in trugs and distributed it throughout the drier areas of my garden once the storm ended.
DeleteNice, Kris. That sounds like a nice amount of rain with no drama attached. I may be able to grow zinnias but always kill the Calendulas -looking good. Amelia
ReplyDeleteThere were more mud and debris flows in the burn areas but nothing catastrophic from the sound of it. I'm looking forward to more Calendula blooms, hopefully with taller stems!
DeleteKris, I really like the first vase with that gorgeous Leucospermum 'Sunrise'. You picked great companions to keep it company.
ReplyDeleteI realize I use that color mix a lot but then that's because I have lots of plants in those colors in my garden. I did hold off on throwing Grevillea 'Superb' into the mix this time, though ;)
DeleteThe exuberance of the 1st arrangement looks like a celebration of rain to these SoCal eyes. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still celebrating the rainfall we got while already hoping we get more before the season comes to its end, HB!
DeleteI especially like the pink hellebores. They are so pretty and delicate. Have a great weekend. Take care.
ReplyDeleteMy hellebores are unpredictable but usually arrive closer to spring so I was somewhat surprised to find a couple stems in bloom. 'Anna's Red' is the most reliable, and also the prettiest in my small collection ;)
DeleteThese are both so beautiful to see. I must admit I am drawn to the pink which I have become very fond of in recent years. The Camellia is sweet. I tried forcing Fresias this year to satisfy my craving for them. They don't ship well so I never see them up here. I have two blooms coming and am very excited!! Glad you have received some rain to top up reservoirs! Hope there were no landslides in your vicinity. You will laugh at my offering. Competing with Cathy for teeny!!
ReplyDeletehttps://zonethreegardenlife.blog/2025/02/17/in-a-vase-monday-february-17-2025/
https://zonethreegardenlife.blog/2025/02/17/in-a-vase-monday-february-17-2025/
I just viewed you vase and I think you win the prize on teeny arrangements, Jenny! Congratulations on encouraging your Freesia bulbs to bloom stage in a climate that doesn't make that easy!
DeleteWhen I looked at your first vase the Leucospermum caught my eye and my immediate thought was 'sunrise', so I was happy to see that it was viven that name! Love the whole vase Kris. The Freesia is a lovely colour. The second vase looks almost summery to me. Good to hear you got all that rain!
ReplyDeleteThe rain gave both the garden and me a major boost, Cathy. The yellow Freesias are always the first of that species to bloom, and generally the most vigorous, but I'm looking forward to seeing those in other colors soon as well.
DeleteLovely arrangements, Kris! So glad you are enjoying a spell of nice weather. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a few more generous 'rivers' to up your rainfall totals before April. 🤞🏼🤞🏼 Eliza
ReplyDeleteThanks Eliza. I don't expect us to reach our "average" level of seasonal rainfall, which is 14-15 inches depending on the source, but doubling up on what we've already got to 8-10 inches would make me very happy.
DeleteThese are both beautiful vases in their own special ways. Great combinations and artful arrangements. Yum. The Leucadendrons and Camellias are personal favorites because I can't grow them here. Thanks for sharing the beauty!
ReplyDeleteEarlier today, my husband and I had a preliminary discussion about modifying our (my) garden to lessen the fire risk to our property in the event of a wildfire here. A question was raised about keeping Camellia 'Taylor's Perfection' among other plants. I'm afraid there may be some sad decisions ahead :(
Delete