July 'Vases' of Plenty

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.

Garden Miscellany in a Vase on Monday

Here we are at the start of July, and the garden is full of choices for vases. Just on a whim, I toured around and grabbed elements that caught my eye. They're not necessarily elements I'd usually pot together, but they seem to work.



The Lily hybrids (Lilium spp.) are beginning to bloom, including this magenta one that serves as an anchor for the arrangement.



The ivory Lilies are great fillers, and oh so healthy.



I added several foliage items. The mixed Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia spp.) are finished blooming for now, but the foliage is great for framing potted arrangements.



I inserted an Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) branch, but it didn't last long--I guess they aren't the best for cut arrangements. It worked for a few hours.



Also, a pot of Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) needed thinning and complimented the Calla Lily foliage, so the cut branches were perfect for the arrangement.



Hosta flowers are budding and beginning to bloom: I think this might just be my favorite stage with this genus.



Drumstick Alliums (A. sphaerocephalon) are dotting the potager garden, and I picked one for a quick focal point in the arrangement. Maybe I'll add a couple more on the sides.



False Sunflowers (Heliopsis helianthoides) add a golden touch and tie in some of the brighter elements.



Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), a pollinator favorite, are just starting their months-long display.



And, finally, 'Zowie! Yellow Flame' Zinnias (Z. elegans) carry over the bright gold and reddish highlights from some of the other blooms.

In different light and minus the fern frond...I expect this little composite will last a few days and brighten its little corner.

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.

A Wednesday Vignette to Celebrate Summer

Wednesday Vignettes

Wordless Wednesday

Garden Lessons and Life Parallels

Our youngest has officially moved out and on to her first post-college apartment. We're true empty-nesters now! Over the weekend, the kids and I watched old family videos of their early years. And the swift passage of time, once again, became brutally apparent.

As I reflect on "garden lessons learned" during the past season, my mind naturally strays toward parallels--lessons learned in parenting that can be applied to gardening, and vice versa. (For those new to this "lessons learned" meme, we invite gardeners to share things they've learned during the past season. This meme runs from the meteorological end of each season to the next equinox or solstice.)

So, I thought I'd try a little exercise. Whether you're a parent, a mentor, a teacher, a friend, or a neighbor, you've likely played an important role in the life of a child. What parallels do you find between their growth and development and the growth and development of your garden? Try substituting "child" or "young one" for the word "garden" in the following passages:

Savor your garden's magic--those rare moments when a scene or a sensory experience or an event captures your attention and makes you pause in wonder. Sometimes "savor" will mean taking a photo of your garden for remembrance or to share with others. Other times, it will mean simply sitting back, observing your garden, and reflecting on your blessings. These magical moments pass too quickly.

Your garden will never be perfect. How does one define "perfect," anyway? Some gardens are wild, some are tidy, and many more are between the extremes. Do the best with what you have and the natural attributes of your garden. Nurture your garden to support life in its many forms.

Ask your garden: "How would you like to change or improve, and how can I help you get there?" It's likely your garden will speak to you--responding with a vision for its improvement.

Sometimes messy, difficult, and painful things will happen to your garden. Other times, your garden will let you down. Don't give up. These challenges are usually transitions to a better, stronger, or different stage of development.

Try new things with your garden. Change builds character and strength. Plus, it's fun! Sometimes you'll wonder why it took you so long to explore these new adventures!

Don't take it personally. When your garden seems unruly and difficult, remind yourself that it's probably simply a stage. And if you put a little extra effort into it--or sometimes if you simply step away for a while--things will improve with time. Or, maybe time will help you accept the inevitable circumstances.

Be present. One day your garden will be young; the next, it will be mature. Observe what's happening with your garden now. Yes, reminisce a bit about how your garden looked in the past, and be hopeful for its future. But remember to be proud and grateful for where your garden is right now.

Focus on what is beautiful and fabulous; not on what is ugly about your garden. There is ugliness in every garden, but there are also many unique and incredible attributes worthy of recognition and praise.

These parallels are lifelong reflections, but top of mind for me lately. How about you? What garden inspirations and lessons have you learned or discovered during the past season?

To join in the "Garden Lessons Learned" meme, simply write a post or share one you've already written about lessons you've learned during the past season. Then share your links or observations in the comments. I'll keep this post up for a few days, and it will be available always under the "Lessons Learned" tab at the top of this blog. I'll share "lessons learned" posts on the PlantPostings Facebook Page closer to the equinox.

Please also join in Donna's Seasonal Celebrations at Gardens Eye View! Feel free to join in with a post that fits both memes, or separate posts for one or both of them.

Garden blessings to you!