It's time for "In a Vase on Monday," the meme hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden. I'd intended to use pink and purple and other cool-colored blooms, but the first-blooming Gladiolas were a warm red. This called for warm companion elements. The photo above shows the selections.
As mentioned, these Glads (Gladiolus grandiflora hybrids) are dramatic. They're the first I've cut for the season. They're healthy, and full, and ready for display.
I used three large Hosta leaves to frame the bouquet.
Next, I added False Sunflowers (Heliopsis helianthoides) as accents throughout the arrangement.
And ivory Asiatic Lillies (Lilium asiatica) added grace and structure.
While most of the Zinnias (Z. elegans) currently blooming in the garden are cool colors, there were a few warm ones, including this large 'State Fair Mix' red bloom: a nice companion to the Gladiolas.
Also, I included some 'Zowie' Yellow Flame Zinnias, full of bright, warm colors.
Finally, graceful 'Invincibelle Lace' Hydrangea (H. arborescens subsp. radiata) blooms added elegance and more structure.
Tee hee: Notice how tall the Gladiolas are? I'll have to clip the stems every few days as the blooms on the bottom fade.
Thanks to Cathy for hosting In a Vase on Monday! Head on over to her blog to see more vase arrangements from around the blogosphere.
I love the hosta backdrop - sets off the hot colors so well. Pretty zinnias, I like the Yellow Flame - that one is new to me. I think I need some! Amelia, theshrubqueen.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend both varieties of Zinnias: They are prolific and so hardy and colorful! 'Zowies' are about 2-3 feet tall, and 'State Fair Mix' Zinnias are about 3-4 feet tall.
DeleteThe hosta leaves make a great backdrop to your lovely hot colours - when I was married the first time round I had red gladioli for my bouquet, but I can't remember why I went down that route at the time! Your zinnias are lovely and I must try harder with mine
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. The Zinnias seem to like the spot where I have them here. I know you've had success with several plants that I need to try again. :)
DeleteWhat a lovely composition, Beth! The ivory lilies offer a nice contrast to the red tones and the warm colors fit the summer season. My dwarf gladiolas seem to have thrown in the towel already, even though we haven't had any searing temperatures yet - hopefully, they'll return next year and put on a better display.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kris. :) You're fortunate to be able to keep them in the ground year-round. Some people keep them in the ground here and they have mixed success as our climate warms. But I still dig up the bulbs, dry them, store them for winter, and replant them in the spring. This summer, we've had many days in the mid-80s and low 90s, but with plenty of rain, the Glads seem happy.
Delete'Warm colors' is right! That's a fabulous arrangement in form and color. Love those creamy lilies in the center of all that color action. Tina
ReplyDeleteHi Tina: Thank you. :) I really love the Glads for arrangements, so I'm looking forward to more combos with other plants as they continue to bloom.
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