Monday, May 11, 2026

In a Vase on Monday: A new color palette to work with

I had a hard time getting excited about my flower choices this week. I'd just about settled on a flashy purple gladiola, when I noticed new blooms on my Grevillea 'Moonlight'. 'Moonlight' hasn't flowered often since the shrub was planted several years ago, and I can't recall ever using it for an 'In a Vase on Monday' post. However, once I settled on that choice, I was off and running with an entirely different color scheme.

Although 'Moonglow' got me started, it was one member of an ensemble cast that included Alstroemeria, Leucadendrons, and even a Leucospermum among other plants

Back view

Overhead view

Clockwise from the upper left are: Alstroemeria 'Claire', Corokia x virgata 'Sunsplash', noID Leucanthemum superbum, Grevillea 'Moonlight', Leucadendron 'Jubilee Crown', L. 'Wilson's Wonder', Leucospermum 'California Sunshine', and Grevillea 'Peaches & Cream'

Arrangement in place


I may make use of the gladiolas next week when there are more of them in full bloom.  Then again, the lilies may be ready to take off by then so there could be a tug of war.  The dahlia tubers are moving forward, but slowly, so there's plenty of time left to enjoy the current season without dashing into summer.

For posts from other IAVOM contributors, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.


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

14 comments:

  1. Congrats on using Grevillea 'Moonlight' in a vase. Lovely color combination with a plethora of blooms. I love the symmetry of the design and the 'V' shape I see in the front view. You could have named it "Moonlight Serenade", a Glenn Miller favorite of mine!
    Chavli

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    1. Well, I didn't name that Grevillea but it is pretty, Chavli! I'm glad it's finally blooming more vigorously.

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  2. I wonder why Moonlight has been so shy, I've had more luck with a tiny one I planted than a more established 5 gallon?! Who knows. I love the bloom, it's outstanding. The alstroemeria is a great addition.

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    1. That Grevillea took it's time bulking up! Alstroemeria 'Claire' is putting on an especially good shot this year.

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  3. That arrangement in place is gorgeous!

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    1. It surprised me it came together so well, Loree ;)

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  4. Those grevillea blooms are such an asset for vases, Kris, and you seem to have a range of varieties. Today's vase is really well-balanced with the addition of the complementary material, and must be an absolutely joy to have in person to inspect close up

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    1. I do appreciate my Grevilleas, Cathy! Off hand, I couldn't even say how many varieties I have now.

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  5. Non vediamo l'ora di vedere chi vincerĂ  tra gigli e gladioli! Spero vivamente che tu stia bene e ti stia riprendendo bene!
    Sono rimasto colpito dal fiore di quella grevillea, non lo avevo mai visto di due colori!

    Un caro saluto!

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  6. I love the airyness of this, if that is a word and wish I could grow all of it! Beautiful! A.melia.

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  7. That Grevillea is something I don't see often so seeing it here was a surprise. It is stunning. I love how you always find the perfect flowers to complement each other. Fills me with flower joy weekly. I still want to walk your garden with you one day when I can travel again.

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  8. Ooh, I love this one, Kris. Always fond of grevillea, 'Moonlight' is a subtle beauty. Stunning!
    I planted my sad-looking dahlia tubers in the ground today. I have faith the little sprouts will grow, as warmer days are coming. Eliza

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  9. I was so surprised when you said Meeko was angry while you were away. I find that such an unexpected reaction. If we've been away for any extended time, Linny usually is so happy to see us upon our return that he just wants attention. Hoping she is a lot happier now. This is a very nice arrangement. I like the transition from white to yellow to orange, and then maroon.

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  10. Hi Kris, I love the colours, very cool, very elegant. I'm usually not a fan of Alstroemeria but this one is gorgeous. Grevillea I tried once, maybe I should give it another go. Just planted a Caesalpinia, very exciting. Last night I met a big toad outside, they're lovely creatures. Have a good week

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