In defense of the garden, there are some lovely flowers in bloom today. Lagerstroemia, rose William Shakespeare 2000, miniature roses, lantana, Catharanthus roseus, even Dianthus, could each have supplied material for a vase. However, I decided to use dried flowers for today's vase. There are two reasons why. One, I picked the material months ago and have been saving it back for midsummer, so why not go ahead and feature it? Two, frankly I did not feel like merrily touring the garden, clippers in hand.
It's hard to feel like doing anything in the heat.
Yes, 118 F/48 C yesterday. Last night we could just see the blaze of a 40 acre brush fire, fortunately extinguished during the night. This morning the smell of smoke drifted over us on the hot wind. Today is officially not so bad with a maximum so far of 115 F/46 C. But I've spent my outdoors time caring for my horse, watering plants, and keeping water available for the wild birds. It is not a day to just enjoy being out in the grand outdoors!
So I decided to make the most of having dried material already on hand for the Monday Vase.
If I had been more forward with picking earlier in the year, I could now have had a lot more; but as it is, here are Ozothamnus diosmifolius (the pink flowers were picked at an earlier stage than the white, which were fully bloomed out when cut)...
...seedpods of Nigella damascena "Persian Jewels Mixed"...
...lavender, and a single stem of Pennisetum setaceum rubrum. I almost went out to pick more grass stems; but when I started to the door, I could see one of our Mourning Doves getting a drink on the patio. Mourning Doves are much more timid than Rock Pigeons or Ring-neck Pigeons, both of which also reside around our home, so I was doubly hesitant to disturb her. I decided to use just the single previously cut stem.
There is also a clump of Artemesia "Powis Castle" from a vase two weeks ago. It has lasted very well, but in water. We shall see what becomes of it dry, as I know it can wilt down badly. So far, though, it is holding up well.
I used a vase I made specifically for Monday flowers, handthrown last year but only recently glazed with a very dark brown glaze and fired.
So here is hoping for some cooler weather! Meantime, it will be good to see what everyone is doing for Monday Vases around the world. Here is the link at
Rambling in the Garden.
Weather Diary: Sunny and hot; High: 115 F/46 C; Low: 95 F/35 C; Humidity: 6%-16%
beautiful textures and soft hues, Amy! I must remember to save some flowers for drying to provide arrangements later in the year. Gosh, what temperatures and so sad about the bush fires.
ReplyDeleteI've so enjoyed having the dried material available, Ann; I was careless about saving and wish now that I had cut more to dry -- perhaps next year! Thanks so much!
DeleteThe dried flowers make a very nice display, Amy. However, it's a concern that you had to use your flower reserves on day #1 of summer! We were melting in 105F heat yesterday so I can't begin to imagine what 118F felt like. Despite emergency water rations on late Sunday and more when I got home from jury duty late yesterday, flowers shriveled and I think I may have permanently lost some plants. This summer looks like it could be more than a little tough. Our June gloom was back today and the temperature has dropped about 30F from yesterday's high. I hope you got some relief too.
ReplyDeleteI could actually have cut some nice material, Kris; I've been very happy with the way some plants have continued to bloom. Hamelia patens has been fantastic though requiring a bit of extra water (it's in a spot with very fast drainage). In fact, I was the one that was wilting in the heat ;-) I will certainly be losing some plants; but I am beginning to be philosophical about it, remembering that in my former garden there would be losses over winter, which won't be such a problem here. So glad you've had a break and hope the Sherpa fire is contained soon! It's cooler here, which still means 110 F; we could really use an early start to monsoon season!
DeleteThese are some really beautiful dried flowers Amy and the choice of vase is perfect for them! Goodness I am so sorry about this excessive heat and also the threat of wildfires. Hoping that you don't get anymore of those nearby. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kate! I am wishing I had cut more of the Nigella seedpods when they were still fresh. I grew it for the blooms, but I'm coming to the conclusion that it's equally valuable for dried material. The heat has dropped a bit, but it's still pretty uncomfortable; this is definitely the worst summer we've had since moving here. Waiting for rain... though that brings its own difficulties, of course ;-)
DeleteComing to your vase very late Amy... Certainly can't imagine what that sort of heat must feel like and I hope it has eased off since then. The nigella seed pod photo is brilliant, and it looks lovely in your vase with the Ozothamnus and the pennisetum - and I always love your handthrown vases!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am replying so late, I hope you get to read it... ;-) This vase was one of several that I threw a little while after starting IaVoM, when I decided I wanted to arrange the flowers in a different shape of vase. Having had some setbacks with my glaze, it took me a long time to get my courage up to glaze and fire; but I'm very pleased with the results, and I'm sure you'll be seeing more of these... I'm also trying to study up on saving everlastings as they're often such lovely flowers!
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