In a Vase on Monday: Twisted

None of the dahlia tubers I planted in April and May are blooming yet, but two of the foxgloves I planted late last year have finally produced flowers so they kicked off today's "In a Vase on Monday" creation. They don't account for the title of the post, however. That was prompted by the unusual Pelargonium 'Colocho' I added to the mix, primarily as my foliage accent. It has twisted leaves with a delicious scent. I've had this plant in my garden for many years and I've propagated it from cuttings too but this is the first year it's developed a real presence there. It deserved the distinction of a starring role in this week's post.

The foxgloves and other flowers added rich colors

That included Centranthus ruber (aka red valerian), as shown at the back view of the vase.  It's essentially a weed here.  It was in full bloom earlier in the year but it's fading fast now.
 

Overhead view

Clockwise from the upper left, the vase contains:  Centranthus ruber, Cuphea 'Starfire Pink', Digitalis purpurea, Leucanthemum x superbum, Pelargonium peltatum 'Lavender Blizzard', and P. 'Colocho'

This is the arrangement in place in the front entry

It looks as though our afternoon temperatures will remain on the mild side (72F/22C) for awhile yet but we may finally get more sun each day starting mid-week as the marine layer backs off.  As I finally sowed some zinnia seeds, I hope that means some summer flowers by July or August!

Check in with Cathy at Rambling in the Garden to see what she and other IAVOM contributors are sharing thus week.

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

In a Vase on Monday: They look like flowers anyway

There are lots of flowers in bloom in my garden but there isn't much that's new at present. The Agapanthus are at their peak but I've used them more than once "In a Vase on Monday" post already this year. I pulled out my sweet peas last week as they were looking sad, and the larkspur are well on their out way out the door too. So I decided to use three of my Leucadendrons as the centerpieces of this week's arrangement. One of these does a particularly good job of imitating flowers.

 

The dark red rose-like "buds" are stems of Leucadendron 'Blush'

The back view of the vase shown here highlights sprays of the white flowers of Leptospermum 'Copper Glow'.  It's blooming well this year.  The shrubs are large but the flowers themselves are quite dainty.

Overhead view

Clockwise from the upper left are:  Leucadendron salignum 'Blush', L. 'Jester', L. 'Jubilee Crown, Leptospermum 'Copper Glow', and Leucanthemum x superbum (a noID Shasta daisy)

Arrangement in place on the dining room table

It's been sunnier the past week but thankfully it hasn't gotten hot yet.  All but three of my dahlia tubers have sprouted; however, none of those look anywhere near reaching bloom stage yet.  And I have scads of Zinnia seed packets I haven't opened much less planted.  My nearly continuous therapy sessions and doctor visits give me much less time for gardening than I'd like!

Check in with Cathy at Rambling in the Garden for more IAVOM posts.

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