Monday, March 2, 2026

IAVOM: Everything Everywhere All at Once

I haven't actually seen anything but clips of the movie, 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', but that was my reaction when I stepped into my own garden yesterday morning.  It'd be easier to list what isn't blooming than what is at the moment.  Even the new species tulip bulbs I planted in December, Tulipa linifolia 'Honky Tonk', have burst into bloom, although I didn't end up including any of them in the two vases I created this week.  However, I did stop myself from putting together more than two arrangements.

This is Tulipa 'Honky Tonk'.  It's cute and, by my count, the majority of the 25 bulbs I planted are already blooming or in bud but the stems are still relatively short for inclusion in a vase.



My first arrangement stars the blue Dutch Irises that appeared last week.  Two other Dutch Iris cultivars are also already in bloom.

The 'Sapphire Beauty' Iris are fewer in number this year, probably because many of the bulbs surrounding our backyard fountain were damaged or consumed by gophers along with the yellow Freesia in the same area

Back view

Overhead view

Clockwise from the upper left: Acacia cognata 'Cousin Itt', Ageratina adenophora, Anemone coronaria 'Lord Lieutenant', Iris x hollandica 'Sapphire Beauty', white and yellow Freesias, white Ranunculus, and Leucospermum 'High Gold'


I used another Leucospermum as the centerpiece of my second arrangement.

'Royal Hawaiian Brandi' is the most flamboyant of my Leucospermums
 
Back view

Overhead view

Clockwise from the upper left: Agonis flexuosa 'Nana', Leucadendron 'Jester', yellow Freesia, Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer', A. 'Inca Sundance', Gladiolus nanus 'Las Vegas, and Leucospermum 'Royal Hawaiian Brandi'


Our temperatures steadily climbed last week, peaking at 90F/32C on Friday before coming slowly down to the low 80sF/28C yesterday.  I suspect that the warmer conditions may be responsible for the floral explosion.  The marine layer is expected to bring temperatures down a bit further during the next few days before they creep up again as we head into the weekend.  I'm laying odds that my sweet peas will bloom sometime in March this year, as opposed to May, which is when they showed up last year.

For more 'In a Vase on Monday' posts, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.


All material © 2012-2026 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party

23 comments:

  1. Ha ha, what a flamboyant show you must have going on outside (and inside)! I like honky tonk, better than the pink variety I have. 'Royal Hawaiian Brandi' is fantastic, I have a sudden desire for some mangoes.

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    1. 'Brandi' certainly isn't demure, is she?! That shrub is visible from my office window and I just couldn't ignore the blooms any longer.

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  2. I saw the movie, wasn't inthralled, but it's absolutely an excellent title for what is happening in your garden now.
    I thought you couldn't outdo the first vase, but OMG, you did. That second vase is one riotous explosion of orange wonder. I love it!
    Our climates are oh so different... while your gladiola is blooming in your vase, I only yesterday popped 8 glad bulbs into the ground!
    Chavli

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    1. It's so funny you mentioned planting glad bulbs, Chavli. It triggered my realization that I hadn't received the order for more 'Las Vegas' Gladiolus bulbs I place in early February. That sent me to my PC for the online order receipt so I could make an inquiry. Coincidentally, I found a notice from the seller in today's email stating that my order is on its way! Hopefully, the bulbs will be okay even though conditions are definitely getting warm here already!

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    2. I wouldn't now how else to reach you: not seeing new posts is concerning... I hope all is well!
      Chavli

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  3. I am always amazed at the abundance you share with us week after week, Kris, and the seeming longevitity of some of your plants, like the Leucospermums which seem to have been in flower for ages. Both vases are so striking - thanks for sharing them

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    1. The Leucospermum blooms are all great for longevity both on the plants and when cut for a vase. If only my Grevillea flowers did as well when cut!

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  4. Oh that warm orange arrangement speaks to me! L. 'Royal Hawaiian Brandi' is rather unusual, I'm not sure I'd love them on the plant, but they look fantastic in a vase.

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    1. I actually like 'Brandi's' flowers better on the shrub than in a vase as they stand out against the green backdrop of the foliage, whereas they can fight with other flowers in a vase. There are some Leucospermums with even larger flowers than those but 'Brandi' is flashy enough for my taste.

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  5. Wowee, I LOVE those Iris. The vase is gorgeous as well. I think I agree with the danger gardener. The warm tones are wonderful. Do you credit the rain for this fantastic abundance? Ame.lia

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    1. That last stretch of rain, followed by some very warm temperatures, combined to create the sudden abundance of flowers, Ame. My sweet peas look to be 2 months ahead of last year's "crop," too! They're not blooming quite yet but there are already buds.

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  6. Glorious. Like a great operatic chorus, the colour bursts forth. In contrast,
    https://zonethreegardenlife.blog/2026/03/02/in-a-vase-monday-march-2-26/

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  7. The iris and golden freesia combination is stunning Kris! My first little Iris reticulata opened today and I am hoping spring will not fly by in a rush like it usually does!

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  8. Gasp-worthy, stunning arrangements, Kris! Loving those rich colors ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ ๐Ÿ˜ Warm temps make a big difference. ๐Ÿคฉ Eliza

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  9. That was a pretty good movie. I can't pick a favorite from your arrangements--both are colorful eye candy. Just lovely! (Hi, 'Honky-Tonk'!)

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  10. I'm all for maximalism, as you know. More is more. I like both arrangements, but Im partial to #2. Leucospermum, enough said!

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  11. So gorgeous! Holding out hope for my picasso dutch iris but have mad gopher infiltration so bulbs are always questionable. The autumn crocus and Amaryllis belladonna are my faithfuls; have you noticed any others that are impervious?

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  12. The blues and golds in your 'Sapphire Beauty' Iris vase is spectacular. A little birdie mentioned you and I want to send you special loving thoughts.

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  13. Hoping that you've got some bouquets nearby this week to help cheer you on! I love these color combinations. The orange/yellow vibes look so cheery as I sit here on a cloudy Oregon day.

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  14. All so gorgeous, Kris! Drool worthy - and priceless.

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  15. Sei davvero brava nelle composizioni. Il blu degli iris unito al giallo mi รจ sempre piaciuto! Ti auguro molte fioriture nel prossimo futuro!

    Un caro saluto e a risentirci presto.

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