It was hot yesterday, but I clipped a few blooms for some simple vases. I like to participate in the In a Vase on Monday meme--especially when I have homegrown flowers to share. As I gathered the lot and assessed, I realized I had two simple collections: one warm and one cool. I used a small Dutch-themed vase for the warm group, with the deep blue complementary to orange on the color wheel.
Rocket Ligularia (L. stenocephala) has been in this garden longer than I have (nearly 20 years), but I never thought to use it as a cut flower. That's embarrassing and too bad, because it works quite well, and some research told me it has a decent vase life. The flowers mature from the bottom up, and I've never liked the browning lower ones. So, I simply stripped them off before placing the stem in the water.
I always plant Zinnias for cut flowers, and my favorites are 'State Fair Mix' and 'Zowie! Yellow Flame.' The former give me large and tall blooms in a great mix of colors, while the latter are just delightful with their bright, hot colors. I also added Cosmos foliage to both vases.
The nice thing about Cosmos (C. bipinnatus 'Sensation Mix') is that the foliage is as fun as the flowers. Actually, there are many nice things about Cosmos: long vase life, pretty flowers, buds for continuous blooms, foliage that holds up under water, plants that grow and rebloom very fast...so many things....
As the Cosmos buds open, they'll fill this arrangement with more blooms. Maybe I'll find some more "fillers," too. Companions in this vase are Blazing Star Liatris (L. spicata) and a Tall Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus 'Rocket Mix') that was standing upright after a couple hours in cool water.
Oh, and some cool pink Zinnias.
Earlier in the week, I'd picked some Stargazer Lilies (Lilium orientalis). I cheated with the background here, but they served out their time in a simple, single-stem glass vase.
In a Vase on Monday is hosted by Cathy at "Rambling in the Garden."
Great vases. I am growing that same Ligularia and have never used it in a vase either. Amazing that I've never thought to do so.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I'm still not totally sold on it, but it was worth a try. I think maybe if I cut them a little earlier in the season they might last a little longer. But I really like the Ligularia flowers from a distance in the garden--they really make a statement.
DeleteThe two vases are very different but both nonetheless sing of summer, Beth. I got a single 'Stargazer' lily bloom in my garden so I'm very envious of yours.
ReplyDeleteThey are very simple, Kris, but I'm struggling with time this summer. ;-) I've always enjoyed the 'Stargazer,' and some years it really looks healthy and lush. If I can clip the flowers or buds before the rabbits eat them, I'm golden.
DeleteBeautiful, I love what you did with the blazing star. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carla. Liatris is one of my favorites for summer floral arrangements, and it works well with colorful annuals.
DeleteYour two vases are gorgeous filled with some of summers bounty. I can't even get ligularia to grow in my garden let alone use flowers for a vase.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa! I can't take any credit for the Ligularia--the previous owners planted it, and it reappears every year. I'm pretty shady here, so I have to celebrate every plant that blooms and adds color to the backyard. The other flowers in this post grow in my tiny patch of bright sun on the side of the house. :)
DeleteAS you said, the ligularia looks good in a vase and s perfect with those bright zinnias. I love cosmos foliage in vases too and am envious of the liatris as I have yet to get it as far as flowering here - I have the start of a flowerhead now though... Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteOh, that's good news about the Liatris! The butterflies love them. Yes, I was surprised to read about the Ligularia, and now I'll have to use it in summer vases in the future. The Cosmos are awesome, aren't they?! You cut them, and they just keep coming...until the cold weather hits.
DeleteBeautiful flowers. X
ReplyDeleteThank you, Amanda. I so enjoy having cut flowers available. I'm envious of folks who have longer growing seasons.
Delete"quick" and "simple" perhaps, but so lovely! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hollis. I usually do floral arrangements for church and they're quite a bit more elaborate, but this year has been a crazy one, so I don't have as much time. You are kind.
DeleteCosmos and Zinnias! What could be better? So do Cosmos flowers last very long after being cut?
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, the Cosmos have a very long vase life. I often clip them in bud stage, and that extends the time even longer.
DeleteBoth vases are beautiful, but I like the 'warm colors' best!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit to my blog. In answer to your question about purple-hull peas - they are a southern pea similar to black-eyed peas, and traditionally cooked with ham or with ham flavoring added. I have never seen them canned (like black-eyed peas), but you might find them in the freezer section of the grocery store. And the taste is different from green peas, but I don't know how to describe it.
Hope you are having a great week!
Thanks, Lea. And thanks about the info on the purple-hull peas. They sound delicious!
DeleteSo lovely! I'm especially partial to the zinnias, of course ;) Over the past couple of years, I've discovered so many plants to include in a vase that I had not considered before, including hosta leaves and Queen Anne's lace. Can't wait until our kitty gets older so that I can once again do some arrangements.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret! I know--there are so many options. I'm with you on the Zinnias...and the challenge of having a young pet running around. It makes everyday activities more challenging, but so fun, too. ;-)
DeleteLovely. Zinnias and cosmos are both fabulous for vases.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do love both of them--in the garden and in vases! I need to cut some more to encourage more blooms!
DeleteYour lilies are beautiful! Mine finished blooming almost over a month ago. I do miss them.
ReplyDeleteJeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
Thanks, Jeannie. Mine are done now, too, sadly. I wish they would last a little longer. :(
DeleteHi Beth, I love the orange blooms in your blue and white Dutch vase; what a pretty combination. Then I saw your second vase - just as gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb. It's fun to have a variety of flowers to cut. I like to use the perennials that have a long vase life, along with the annuals that I grow from seed.
DeleteDeux jolis bouquets toniques !
ReplyDeleteI prefer the second : it's my colours...
Good journey
You know, there is nothing quite like a vase of flowers to brighten up a home and the spirits of those who live in it.
ReplyDelete