My friend Hoover Boo (the handle she goes by on her blog, Piece of Eden) often says "rain is magic" and that seems to be the case this year. Our largely unirrigated back slope came with a plethora of calla lily bulbs, something I discovered our first spring living here. The plants go underground as soon as summer arrives, only to reappear with the rain. However, I had fewer plants and very few flowers last year. They seem committed to making a comeback this year.
 |
| I pulled 7 of the tall lily stems but cut them down to better fit with the other materials I collected |
 |
| Back view: the Lotus berthelotii (aka parrot's beak) is attempting to steal the show |
 |
| Overhead view |
 |
| Clockwise from the upper left: Agonis flexuosa 'Nana', Antirrhinum majus, Freesia, Grevillea 'Poorinda Leane', Lotus berthelotii, and Zantedeschia aethiopica |
I changed my mind a few times about a second arrangement, both about having one and what flowers I'd use if I did. In the end, I leaned into the blues, primarily because they're so readily available at present. The anemones and sea squill won't last long once the temperatures soar so I decided I'd best use them while I can.
 |
| I added a touch of yellow to break up the blues a bit |
 |
| Back view: I filled in with stems of Ageratina adenophora (aka Crofton weed), a plant native to Mexico and considered invasive in California, which I believe planted itself here a couple of years ago. I cut it back hard last year but decided not to pull it out. It hasn't spread (yet) but it has grown back to its former size. |
 |
| Overhead view |
 |
| Clockwise from the upper left: Ageratina adenophora, Narcissus papyraceus, Osteospermum '4D Pink', Anemone coronaria 'Azzurro', A. c. 'Lord Lieutenant', Hebe 'Grace Kelly' (which is gradually losing its variegated foliage), and Scilla peruviana |
We got over two inches of rain last week, which was great. Unfortunately, the additional rain originally forecast for later this week has all but completely evaporated. AccuWeather's longer-term forecasts show the possibility of more rain in mid-to-late March but the chances they've floated are nothing to lay bets on. Meanwhile, I'm all too aware that our rainy season typically comes to an end in April.
For more IAVOM creations, check in with Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
All material © 2012-2026 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
The callas with lotus berthelotii is a great combo, I wouldn't have thought to put those together. The fluffy hebe looking like a cat's tail is my favorite in the blue. It will be interesting to follow along with what differences this year brings (with your rainfall) compared to last.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about pairing the Lotus with the calla lilies either until I noticed that the parrot's beak was suddenly flowering more heavily - it couldn't be ignored! That Hebe has never looked that good and I'm wondering if the fact that it's losing the variegation in its foliage has somehow had a positive effect on the vigor of its flowers.
DeleteAs long as I've been following your IAVOM, I don't remember calla lily in your vase. Of course there's a good chance I'm mistaken. I find them to be a very elegant addition to any vase. They came with my garden too, look grand all summer and melt with the first sign of frost.
ReplyDeleteChavli
I've used calla lilies before, although probably not all that often. They are indeed elegant flowers. In retrospect, I wish I'd left their stems longer but, if it doesn't get too warm too fast, maybe I'll give them another chance this season. They're cool season flowers here, like the snapdragons and the sweet peas.
DeleteOh those calla lilies are lovely, and the yellow freesias pick put the their yellow centres beautifully, with the red parrot's beak providing a great contrast. Love the blue and white second vase too. Hurrah for your two inches of rain!
ReplyDeleteIf only that didn't feel as if it's the last of the rain we can realistically expect this "water year" (i.e., prior to October 1, 2026)!
DeleteIt is interesting to hear that your lilies disappear during the heat of the summer, here during the winter they are severely damaged by frost, but I hope they make a come back. You have a wide range of fabulous plants and thank you for sharing two beautiful vases.
ReplyDeleteThanks Noelle. Calla lilies, like many of the flowers that bloom in summer in the UK and cooler parts of the US (sweet peas, snapdragons, etc.) are cool season flowers here. Luckily, we don't get frost, much less snow, here along the southern coast of California.
DeleteThe view from above really shows off the calla lilies!
ReplyDeleteI cut only the most pristine calla lily blooms. Some look fine from a distance but besmirched when viewed in closeup.
DeleteVery pretty arrangements, Kris. I love the creamy softness to white callas. My hubs brought home burgundy callas from TJs, which are a difference species, without that thick texture, but they are so pretty. Love the blue one, too, great combos. The croft weed is pretty... I guess the secret is to dead head it to keep it from reseeding. ;) Eliza
ReplyDeleteThat shrub has made an effort to reseed but I've caught it out - thus far at least ;)
DeleteDo you think the recent rains rejuvenated the Callas ? they are beautiful! I am always so pleased to find surprises like that and the blues are fantastic? Ame.lia..
ReplyDeleteThe rain - both the amount and its timing - definitely makes a difference, Ame! I only saw 2 calla lily flowers last year as I recall.
Delete