Ample Options for Vases on Monday

I'm cheating again for this week's In a Vase on Monday: The arrangements in this post were from about a week ago. But all these species and varieties are still blooming here, and I had the photos, so...



For the main arrangement above, I included a few cuttings of Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta). They've been stalwarts in my tiny "sunny" garden for more than two decades.



A favorite for nearly as long as Rudbeckia is 'State Fair Mix' Zinnia (Z. elegans). Plants are so easy to start from seed in the sunroom in March, and transplant to the garden in May. And this particular variety is large and tall (3-5 feet).



I grew Gladioli (Gladiolus grandiflora hybrids) many years ago, and stopped for a while. I don't remember why, but I'm glad they're back in the garden because they're excellent cut flowers, and great frames for arrangements.



I planted the Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus 'Rocket Mix') from purchased seedlings, and while I love them, I might take a break from them next year. I have limited space and sun in that little garden, and they've underperformed (small blooms) and crowded out (too tall and floppy) other plants this year. 



I'll probably always make room for Cosmos (C. bipinnatus 'Sensation Mix').



Cosmos are so easy to grow from seed scattered right in the garden. And the flowers, buds, and foliage are delightful!



What can I say? Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are amazing native plants that must be in the garden--for so many reasons.

In addition to the main arrangement above, I potted up a few other cuttings for smaller pots:



My 'Stargazer' Lilies (Lilium orientalis) are just about finished blooming in the garden for the season. They're definitely the "stars" while they last, with their large, flamboyant blooms and lovely scent.



More Cosmos and mixed, sunny Zinnias make a great combo in a little pot.

Finally, a prematurely and accidentally broken Gladiolus bud and some 'Zowie! Yellow Flame' Zinnias are perfect toppers for this little vase. Little corner cuttings are the best.

For more floral arranging ideas from around the world, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.

A Vase Full of Warm Colors

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.

Berries on My Mind

 Common Yew (Taxus baccata)

Lately I've been noticing and thinking about berries, so I thought I'd reflect on them here on the blog. Some are poisonous and some are edible, but this post is simply about how beautiful they are and how they provide food for birds and other wildlife. For information on human edibility, check out this link. All berries shown here are in my garden.

Smooth Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)

Fuchsias (F. 'Marinka') (unripe berries above the flowers)

White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)

Cranberrybush Viburnum (V. trilobum)

Beautyberry (Callicarpa 'Pearl Glam')

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)

There are more, but this was a quick reflection. How are the berries doing in your garden? Happy autumn!

Austin's Awesome Container Plantings

Stock tank plant display area at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

At the Austin Garden Bloggers Fling last May, I learned that the soil in the Austin area varies widely, depending on the location of the garden. I also learned that Austin gardeners are incredibly creative with their container plantings--often dealing with soil challenges, but sometimes simply because they're talented folks.

Stock tanks, like those used at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to showcase native plant species, are a common vessel for plants in Austin.



Terra cotta pots set on gravel and surrounded by beautiful rocks are a great way to showcase a little corner of Jennifer Stocker's (Rock Rose) impressive plant collection--in this case, a sampling of succulents.



Metal planting beds edged along a stepped walkway with matching caging seem elegant, and blend well with the natural surroundings at this private garden.



Designer Colleen Jamison's whimsy with pots and plantings includes this delightful stacked display leading up to the door.



A colorful ceramic pot filled with blue marbles suggests water and floating succulents.



Creative window boxes always catch my eye, and the colors in this one are dramatic, but complementary to the structure's paint colors.



Pam Penick's (Digging) stock tank pond is really something special--it fits the surroundings, and the brick pavers framing it.



A totally different style and use of potted plants awaits at the garden of designer B. Jane.





The collections are expertly arranged around the foundations of the buildings and the pool.



Traditional designs are wonderful, too, like this one at a private garden. I love the look of this old-fashioned well-surround, planted with Daylilies, Daisies, and other plants, along with the Celtic cross.



Author/designer Lucinda Hutson certainly works magic with her colorful planters. I love the bright colors of this pair.



This little courtyard on her amazing property is filled with potted fun.



Her unique use of pastel beauty really makes a statement.



Another private garden makes a nice use of echoing potted succulents on the table with a complementary arrangement on the patio. The warm earth-tone colors of the pots set off the beautiful limestone brick.



Succulents spilling over the edge of a metal pot, framed by Salvias in the courtyard--very nice.



Talk about creative--I love everything about this grouping--from the face sculpture to the metal door/trellis to the bright blue pot.



Sometimes pots are so vibrant, the best plants for them are angular and green, like this Pencil Cactus Euphorbia.



Designer Diana Kirby has some unique planters, too, like this vertical planter with succulents, reminding us of the important things in life.



This vibrant blue pot with a tasteful collection of plants spilling out all sides is simply lovely.

The Garden Bloggers Fling is always inspirational and fun. This year we're meeting in Denver, Colorado, June 13-16. To learn more about The Fling visit this link: https://bit.ly/2I7l5ao.

Coming Soon to a Garden Near YouAfter the Polar Vortex