At this time of year, the options seem endless for floral arrangements. It's such a dramatic contrast to midwinter; although the slim pickings of midwinter help me appreciate the plenty of July. The flowering annuals I started from seed are great companions to perennial offerings.
In the arrangement at the start of this post, I used Hosta flowers at the top and back to help frame the collection. I don't know the variety; all Hostas in the garden were here when we moved in more than two decades ago, and they weren't marked.
Also framing the arrangement are Glads (Gladiolus grandiflora hybrids). I planted the corms in the garden after the last frost in early May.
Foliage from Hosta and Hydrangea (H. macrophylla) anchor the background of the arrangement.
Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) add beautiful structure.
A couple of 'May Night' Sage sprouts (Salvia x sylvestris) dot the sides.
Perhaps the stars of the grouping are the various Zinnias (Z. elegans) from the cutting garden, which I grew from seeds started in the sunroom in March.
The Zinnias shown here are 'State Fair Mix,' although I also have 'Zowie Yellow Flame' and 'Giant Purple' in the garden.
The Cosmos (C. bipinnatus 'Sensation Mix') flowers are so very plentiful and delightful. Their seeds were planted directly in the garden in early May.
I also added some Hosta flowers and Cosmos foliage to this second vase.
Finally, I've continuously placed single, tall Glads in this slender vase, which seems perfect for their regal stature.
I'm linking in with Cathy's In a Vase on Monday meme over at Rambling in the Garden. Head on over to see some amazing arrangements.
The middle gladiolus is nearly the same colour as my dahlia! What an iteresting mix of blooms in your vase - and well done for remembering to use some hosta flowers, as I tend to forget their potential. It's lovely to see zinnia appearing in vases now - I have some I will be able to use soon too. And I do love a slim vase with a single bloom - so elegant! Thanks for sharing, Beth
ReplyDeleteI noticed that about some of our color similarities. :) I rarely use Hosta flowers for some reason, but they're good framing and filling elements, so I need to use them more often. The Gladiolas continue to bloom since their plantings were staggered. :)
DeleteWow Beth all are really gorgeous. So much color and the shape of each is unique. I wish my cutting flowers were ready.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. :) It's always a thrill when the Zinnias and Cosmos are ready, because I have so many, and they keep blooming until frost.
DeleteA lovely and colorful arrangement, Beth, and I love your coffee pot vase. Is it vintage or made to look that way? And I think your single glad looks very elegant... that vase is perfect for it! Eliza
ReplyDeleteThanks, Eliza. The container is actually a watering pitcher. I can't remember where I got it, but it's not an heirloom or "expensive." Thanks for your kind comments. :)
DeleteThe quality of the blooms is super, and what magnificent gladioli.
ReplyDeleteHi Noelle: Yes, the Glads have been very healthy and expansive this year. I'm glad I remembered the tall vase to showcase some of them.
DeleteHi Beth, this looks so joyful. I like the way you've arranged the different flowers/heights. Times of plenty indeed, so let's keep enjoying it. 😊
ReplyDeleteThanks, Annette. Agreed: I love this time of year. :)
DeleteOh yes, I love it all. Gladiola have always been a summer favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteCarla
I love working with Glads, too. I used to plant them every year for organizational floral arrangements. I quit for a few years, and now I'm back for several. They're just so easy, and great additions to add height and drama to arrangements. :)
DeleteWhat a beautifully arranged collection of summer flowers Beth! I do love those Gladioli, and the single vase for them is such a great idea. The sage and the hosta flower are also very eye-catching.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. :) It certainly is fun to work with plentiful elements direct from the garden. I so enjoy your garden arrangements, too!
DeleteA beautiful arrangement, Beth! I particularly appreciate the glads. My own were very disappointing this year, with none making their way into a vase. I've no IAVOM contribution this week as I'm still trying to catch my breath after returning from the Puget Sound Fling.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kris. I'll look forward to your coverage of the Fling, since I couldn't make it this year. <3
DeleteOh, so pretty! I love gladiolas, and these really make the whole arrangement even better!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, I love the Gladiolas, too. I can't believe I took a long break from growing them--they're such perfect cut flowers.
DeleteThe single gladiola in the crystal vase doesn't need any framing. It is majestic all by itself and doesn't need any distractions. It is perfect.
ReplyDeleteJeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
I'm loving the single Gladiolas in the vase. The one in this post was one of the tallest I've ever harvested.
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