On Monday I planned to join Cathy with a vase of flowers but I could not find anything suitable. I had pruned a plum tree and decided to bring a few twigs in the house. Daughter Dorris demanded an explanation for the ‘sticks’ in the kitchen. Not wishing to be a laughing stock or accused of the kings new clothes I kept my sticks to myself.
Now on Friday these sticks have rewarded me with their rather understated blossom. 
On closer inspection each blossom is a cluster of individual flowers
And the twigs are covered in tiny lichens
These are so much more than sticks and I like how the colour blends with the jug they are plonked in.
Have a super day. D.
digwithdorris.com 
“D”, that’s my signature write off Doris, when did yiu nick that? Nice blooms though!
Used it here always
Snap!
Very minimalist! xx
Ha that’s me!
A sign of hope! This is so beautiful – I like the simplicity of your arrangement. We’re due to get Siberian temperatures, I’ve just seen my poor Iris unguicularis: Flowered for the first time and killed by frost. Oh dear. Keep warm and enjoy your spring blossom 🙂
Forecast looks a return to Winter here too. Hate it when new growth gets hit like your poor iris.
Logs at the ready!
Although flowering cherries have always been very popular in Japantown in San Jose, and purple leaf plums were common, I do not remember anyone in our neighborhood in the Western side of the Santa Clara Valley bringing flowering stems in. Instead, people would bring in blooming stems from the apricot trees in the orchards.
Definitely twigs rather than just sticks, Dorris – and as you say, with the lichen they blend beautifully with the colour of the jug. They would be very welcome at IAVOM any week so never fear being ridiculed 😉
Thanks Cathy!
Charming blossoms! Makes me think about forcing some forsythia.
Give it a go