In a vase on Monday: rain forecast

Tags

Alchemilla mollis, anthriscus Ravenswing, Astrantia 'Roma', bank holiday monday, in a vase on Monday, Sweet cicely

This time of year the garden is galloping along, yes galloping.  I took a couple of days away last week to see the Flower Show and then a couple of days in Bath to visit family and walking around the garden today so much has happened. Alchemilla mollis has begun to open its frothy lime flowers, edging the driveway they will soften the hard lines and give me arms full of flowers to add to roses once they begin to open.  (The roses are in bud and beginning to open but I am saving them for June.)

The other froth is from the Anthriscus Ravenswing and Sweet Cicely.  Ravenswing has deeply divided leaves in a dark, or raven colour whilst its soft flowers are white tinged very slightly with a hint of raven; possibly this could make a good name for those rather wonderful colours made by Farrow and Ball. Sweet Cicely also offers a froth of flowers above deeply divided leaves but these are a purer white with green leaves.

alchemilla and sweet cicely

Last time I looked, the Astrantias were forming mounds of green foliage, now they are full of pin cushion flowers which will bloom all Summer long. I have picked Roma and Shaggy for this posy.

Astrantia Roma and Anthriscus Ravenswing, left, Sweet Cicely, right.

I have some daisy looking chrysanthemums and strawberry flowers which are actually a perennial called ho hum, I cannot remember.  Must be that Bank Holiday brain.  Anyway it likes heavier soil, flowers from late Spring to early Summer before disappearing.  It is fresh as a daisy and I do like its tiny flowers.  

When I recall the name I shall update this post.  In the meantime I need to wish you all a good day and encourage you to take a look at other vases hosted by Cathy. Do take a look.

 

In a vase on Monday: seeking shade

Tags

Achillea, Alchemilla mollis, Cosmos, Dahlia mignon.mixed, Dahlias, David Austin Roses, in a vase on Monday, poppy seed heads, Rose The Pilgrim, turquoise milk glass

 

 

All sorts

The heat is building up over the next couple of days and already the dog is flaked out on the cool flagstone floor.

I grabbed a few of the last roses, this one is The Pilgrim from David Austin. A buttery yellow old style rose with a strong rose fragrance I do like it but find that the weight of the blooms cause it to flop over. A chop to shorten the stem ensures the heads are supported by the sides of the glass. To the rose I have added yellow/ lime coloured Alchemilla mollis and Achillea which fades from dark to pale pink. 

In a turquoise glass jug I have put the strong pink coloured Cosmos with more of the Alchemilla mollis and Achillea.  I have also added the seed heads of a few poppies.

More Alchemilla has been added to the small Dahlia mignon.  This overwintered in the cutting bed which I am very pleased about.  Finally I have a few of the tiniest Dahlia which I chose because I do love the look of a daisy.

 

So there you have it folks my vases for Monday.  Do take a look at Cathys lovely blog https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com to see some more Monday vases, certainly more cheerful than world news.

In a vase on Monday and 52 week photo challenge: Heat

Tags

52 Week Photo Challenge, Alchemilla mollis, Cosmos, Dahlia mignon.mixed, Geranium 'Ann folkard', Geum "Mrs Bradshaw", Geum Totally Tangerine, heat, in a vase on Monday, Katie Swan, Lily, Rose "Lark Ascending", Rose Morning Mist, Verbena bonariensis, wibledon championship, wildcard

Where is the heat to this Summer? The weather pattern is unsettled  but to me it seems to be very settled, settled into a routine of much rain followed by a few warm hours each day.  The weeds are growing well, not unlike Jacks beanstalk.
Today is more of the same so to join Cathys ‘in a vase’ and Sandra ’52 week photo challenge’ of last week, my vase is full of hot colours.

The vase is an old earthenware pickle pot, and this arrangement is in a bit of a pickle with stuff all over the place.

I like it like this with lots of movement and hot colour. No real reds but plenty of oranges and hot pinks.

So two birds with one stone today. Last weeks late entry to https://daffodilwild.wordpress.com and Mondays vase to https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com

Take a minute to have a look at other entries they are usually diverse and always lovely.

Have a great week.
Wimbledon has started today so that usually means more mixed weather. I shall be keeping my fingers crossed for wild card entry Katie Swan on Tuesday. Ranked 437 she won for GB in the Fed cup in Israel earlier this year and is the youngest British player to have won a Fed Cup game. Swan will play Timea Babos (44).
Let’s cheer her on, go Katie!

In a vase on Monday: Summertime

Tags

a shropshire Lad, Alchemilla mollis, David Austin Roses, Gertrude Jekyll, in a vase on Monday, madd in france, made in france, roses, vase Churolles

Greetings, to you this Monday.
I am joining Cathy at Ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2015/10/12/in-a-vase-on-monday-
The weather forecast I heard is for colder, dry weather, with a risk of frost overnight. As I looked at the flowers in my garden I decided to pick some of my roses. Once the frost touches them, their soft delicate petals will turn brown as if bruised and they will fail to open. Not wishing to waste them, I decided to bring them indoors.

Once cut and arranged I realised quite how brilliant it is to have roses, right here, right now, in mid October.

The colours of the roses, unashamedly pink, mixed with a sprig of fresh lime Alchemilla mollis is so summery. They smell of summer too.

So whilst the shops and magazines are full of tweeds, woollens and long boots, the garden is holding on to Summer. Bonkers, not conkers.

Great Colour Combinations

Tags

Alchemilla mollis, Sambucus Nigra

I love this combination of the dark purple/black Sambucus Nigra under-planted with the lime tones of the leaves of Alchemilla mollis/ Lady’s mantle. Not only are the colours a pleasing combination, to my mind, the downy leaves of the Alchemilla contrast  fabulously with the deeply cut leaves of the elder. I am easily pleased.