Today's vase is a bit unexpected even for me. I had been wondering what to use in it as July is, of course, a bit thin on flowers here. But I came to realize that I have two plants which are proving invaluable at all seasons: Russelia equisetiformis and lantana. In addition, I have slipped in several hesperaloe stems with still-green seedpods. A little more greenery is supplied by rosemary.
The group went into a pot I haven't used before. This is a smallish earthenware pot which I made last year, inspired by my friend Aggeliki, who suggested a form based on the (open) hesperaloe seedpods. I thought it a wonderful idea, and this little vase is one result. I would like to explore the form a little further... It seemed very appropriate to use hesperaloe pods in it today!
The whole combination makes for a very bright effect. They seemed like good colours for July.
The lantana flowers come from a large plant growing under one of two palm trees that are now incorporated into the Rose Border. And I have to admit that a well-grown lantana is trouble-free, reliable, and simply wonderful at providing midsummer bloom in this dry, hot climate. So I am ignoring the scent (which I don't notice in the cut flowers anyway) and using it freely in this vase.
As for the Russelia, I love it! Its relaxed growth habit needs to be taken into account when siting it; otherwise it's a gem of a plant, providing vases with some taller stems and a delicate texture as well as brilliant scarlet colour.
And the Hesperaloe seedpods are a beautifully soft aqua green right now.
I am linking with Cathy's lovely meme at
Rambling in the Garden, and her vase is at least as bright!
Happy Monday!
Weather Diary: Fair; High: 106 F (41 C)/Low: 84 F (29 C)
ΤΕΧΝΗ!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteευχομαι μια ομορφη τριτη!!!
Many thanks, dear Aggeliki! And thank you also for the inspiration for this particular pot, derived from the idea of seedpods...!!
DeleteAmy that is a stunning vase you have put together this week! Everything about it is right for me. It is great to have a collection of vessels just waiting for the right time to shine.
ReplyDeleteI admit I was very pleased with the way the different components worked together on this one; so glad you enjoyed it :)
DeleteI am growing to love this lantana which I have seen in various US blogger's vases - I have just googled it and apparently a hardy variety is now available in the UK so I must look out for it. The seedpods are gorgeous too - so stylish and, I guess, tactile. I know I can be creative in other ways but it is a joy to see the pots you have made yourself and read about the thinking behind their creation. Thanks for sharing, Amy.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Cathy! You're quite right about those seedpods being tactile; they're soft like skin just now - quite pretty, I think! Lantana is a terrific plant in so many ways, but I must say that the smell of the foliage bothers me, which is why I am only using flowers from plants inherited with the house. In fact, I started to buy one this afternoon, but just couldn't do it after running my fingers through the foliage a few times. (Am I the only person who does that, I wonder?)... A second Crape Myrtle came home with me instead ;-)
DeleteI love it, Amy! Hot weather can encourage creativity (as well as sweat).
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Kris ;-) I thought I was going to make a wildflower bouquet, but this worked much better... Thanks!
DeleteIt is a bright vase but just right for July, Amy. My late sister in law was a potter we have a view of her pieces in the house which is a lovely reminder. The email subscription has worked.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much - and thanks for letting me know about the subscription working! I still have a lot to learn... So sorry about the loss of your sister in law; it's wonderful she had created things that left good memories.
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