It's a time of transition from spring to summer, including for garden plants and blooms. The elements for arrangements are plentiful, and will continue to expand in the weeks ahead. Thanks to Cathy for hosting In a Vase on Monday.
For this week's vase, after a little research, I've included some blooms and foliage I haven't used much in the past, along with some reliable standards.
I've used Cranberrybush Viburnum (V. trilobum), but perhaps not enough. It's a perky bloomer that brightens the bouquet, and its Maple-shaped foliage adds visual interest, too. The vase life is somewhat short (four to seven days), but that's long enough to make it worthwhile.
I don't recall cutting Wild Geraniums (G. maculatum) previously. They're beautiful flowers and currently very plentiful, in nature and in the back garden. I was surprised to learn they have a long vase life, so I'll likely use them more in the future.
Another native wildflower I included is Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum). While it apparently has a short vase life, it adds some nice filler to the arrangement for a few days.
Moving on to standbys I've frequently used for arrangements: Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) adds structure and brilliance to any arrangement.
Angelonia (A. angustifolia 'AngelDance') is somewhat understated, but lovely as a spiky companion in the grouping. It has a short vase life but, again, worth it for a few days of beauty.
Hosta leaves add structure, depth, and visual interest. I don't know what species or variety this is. So many Hostas were here when we moved in more than two decades ago, and I've never purchased any new ones.
The combination of elements seems to work, and most of the cuttings even perked up after several hours in the vase. Yay.
I'm cheating a bit, including this little vase of Lilies of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). They're finished blooming now, and this vase was from a few days ago, but I enjoyed the simplicity.
I've used Cranberrybush Viburnum (V. trilobum), but perhaps not enough. It's a perky bloomer that brightens the bouquet, and its Maple-shaped foliage adds visual interest, too. The vase life is somewhat short (four to seven days), but that's long enough to make it worthwhile.
I don't recall cutting Wild Geraniums (G. maculatum) previously. They're beautiful flowers and currently very plentiful, in nature and in the back garden. I was surprised to learn they have a long vase life, so I'll likely use them more in the future.
Another native wildflower I included is Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum). While it apparently has a short vase life, it adds some nice filler to the arrangement for a few days.
Moving on to standbys I've frequently used for arrangements: Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) adds structure and brilliance to any arrangement.
Angelonia (A. angustifolia 'AngelDance') is somewhat understated, but lovely as a spiky companion in the grouping. It has a short vase life but, again, worth it for a few days of beauty.
Hosta leaves add structure, depth, and visual interest. I don't know what species or variety this is. So many Hostas were here when we moved in more than two decades ago, and I've never purchased any new ones.
The combination of elements seems to work, and most of the cuttings even perked up after several hours in the vase. Yay.
I'm cheating a bit, including this little vase of Lilies of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). They're finished blooming now, and this vase was from a few days ago, but I enjoyed the simplicity.
Finally, I share some blooms I wish I could include in the arrangement...
We have two Korean Lilac shrubs (Syringa meyeri), which, because of unseasonably cool May weather have been blooming much longer than "normal." Experience has taught me that, sadly, their blooms only last a couple of days in a vase. But their beauty, scent, and form make them the current stars of the garden.
We have two Korean Lilac shrubs (Syringa meyeri), which, because of unseasonably cool May weather have been blooming much longer than "normal." Experience has taught me that, sadly, their blooms only last a couple of days in a vase. But their beauty, scent, and form make them the current stars of the garden.
Head on over to Rambling in the Garden to share your garden arrangements, and to see others from around the world.
For those in the U.S., have a meaningful and blessed Memorial Day.
Ohhh, what lovelies this Monday. I remember that Viburnum, it looks wonderful in the vase and the Bleeding Hearts, divine. I wish I could smell the lilac! Happy Summer Amelia
ReplyDeleteHi Amelia: OMG, the Korean Lilacs have lasted so long this spring, and the scent is incredible. The Viburnum blooms are really holding up; I might have to cut some more. Happy summer to you!
DeleteThis is a real pretty one, I love the bleeding heart drama & the hosta leaves are nice. Lilac is one of the best scents. Your second arrangement of lily of the valley is so light and pretty!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Oh yes, the Lilac scent is incredible. I think the Syringa vulgaris blooms last a little longer as cut flowers, but when I've tried to use S. meyeri in the past, the blooms seemed to start drooping the next day. They're amazing out in the garden, though!
DeleteI love how the green outline of the vase echoes the shape of the viburnum leaf! Eliza
ReplyDeleteHi Eliza: Interesting: I hadn't noticed the shadows, but you're right. I should try to use the Viburnum foliage in vases, even after the flowers have faded.
DeleteHi Beth, these are absolutely stunning! Everything in your photos is so pretty and the colours are lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. It's an inspiring time of year, with so many plants fresh and full with new growth.
DeleteThat is so pretty. More interesting wild flowers.The viburnum is a new one to me. Your vase of lily of the valley is adorable, I find the scent quite magical.
ReplyDeleteThanks. A few of these are native: the Viburnum, the Wild Geraniums, and the Virginia Waterleaf. The LOVs aren't native, and they can be a bit aggressive, but I have them in a bordered area. I agree, re: their scent. It's strong but oh so pleasant.
DeleteThe lilac shrub is stunning, Beth! Your arrangement is very pretty too. Bleeding heart adds such grace to any arrangement.
ReplyDeleteHi Kris: The Lilacs are beautiful this time of year. We trim them back every year after blooming, to shape them for the next year and to keep them in check. Some years we do a better job of shaping than others. ;-)
DeleteOh that's interesting to read about geraniums in a vase, Beth - some stems can really surprise us with their longevity in a vase, although sadly the opposite is also true! Isn't it satisfying having a full vase of material like you have today, celebrating the bounty of our gardens? And I love the little white vase of lily of the valley - absolutely beautiful, so pure and simple
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely the opposite is often true. I used to think (based on experience with Syringa vulgaris) that S. meyeri would last a few days in a vase. But it seems to start wilting the next day. And, yes, it's a wonderful time of year for vase options. :)
DeleteThe bleeding heart looks adorable! I didn't k ow hardy geranium would last, the flowers look so delicate.
ReplyDeleteBleeding Heart is definitely reliable--in the garden and in a vase. The Wild Geraniums are a new element, for me, to include in vases.
DeleteBeth, that is a really nice, professional-looking arrangement. The bleeding heart really does add structure. It is fun to use a few different things now and then and see how they work out. I recently filled a small cream pitcher with candytuft and brunnera, and it's the sweetest thing ever! Your lilacs are beautiful -- one positive about this cool spring is that flowers are lasting longer.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kimberley. :) Candytuft and Brunnera would be pretty together. And yes, while the cool weather in May can be frustrating, many of the blooms last much longer than they "normally" would.
DeleteHi Beth, well done. I like it. Do the bleeding heart have long vase life?
ReplyDeleteI love bleeding heart, but I do not have any in my garden.
Carla
Thanks, Carla. Yes, the Bleeding Heart blooms generally last longer than a week for me. I need to cut some more before they're all faded in the garden.
DeleteSuch a beautiful vase Beth. The Viburnum is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. The Viburnum blooms are lasting longer than I thought they would--in the vase and on the shrubs. Re: the latter, I think it's partly because of our cool weather maintaining the blooms.
DeleteA beautiful collection and arrangement. I appreciate you telling us about vase longevity because I seem to make mistakes with some flowers every year, yanking them out after a couple of days. I do find a drop of bleach and tiny bit of sugar helps but not always!!
ReplyDeletehttps://zonethreegardenlife.blog/2025/05/26/in-a-vase-on-monday-may-26-2025/
Hi Jenny. Thanks, and it's always a learning process with new elements and different times of year and combinations of plants. Fun stuff, right? Sometimes I add bleach and/or sugar, but usually only for special occasions or for gifts to other folks. But I agree with you: Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't.
DeleteNeat idea for including the waterleaf in with the other flowers. I also really like the simplicity of the Lily-of-the-valley arrangement.
ReplyDelete