In a Vase on Monday: the latest arrivals

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anthriscus Ravenswing, Astrantia 'Roma', Geum Totally Tangerine, in a vase on Monday, May, persicaria affinis, Sweet cicely, trollius cheddar

I am feeling that spring is passing by far too quickly as lots of the early flowers are finished. Now the first of the Astrantia and Geum Totally Tangerine have appeared.

There are Persicaria affinis and bisorta. I love the little sprays of Trillium and the umbellifers Anthriscus Ravenswing and Sweet Cicely.

The latest addition is the pale yellow flower Trollius Cheddar a favourite of mine from Chelsea last year. Sorry but the colours in the pictures are not quite right as they are under electric light.

If you haven’t done so already please pop over to Cathy to see the vases today.

In a vase on Monday: rain forecast

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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: jewels

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anthriscus, anthriscus Ravenswing, Geum "Mrs Bradshaw", Geum Totally Tangerine, in a vase on Monday, jewels

• A swift skip around the borders before work gave me this little group of flowers. Picked  for my vase and of course to join Cathy and the rest of you who take part in her weekly meme. 

The colours are jewel like, especially thanks to the orange and red/orange  Geums. These were so successful last year that I would urge anyone with a space to fill to pop some in. Easy to look after, no staking or spraying required, on my heavy clay soil they reward me with flowers from now until October. 

Shorter lived is Persicaria bistorta. Candy pink, fluffy blooms appear in Spring lasting until early Summer,  lifting the look of what, it has to be said, otherwise resembles a dock leaf. 

A single smaller tulip is included, sorry I cannot recall which one this is but its rich orange shade caught my eye. Geranium phaeum is included as well as the Anthriscus. A cultivated form of cow parsley, Anthriscus has a doilie like divided leaf accompanying the white froth of flowers. Anthriscus Ravenswing the purple leaf variety favoured at Chelsea, was purchased on sale for £1.50 about two years ago. I do love a cheaply priced plant, and although short lived, it seeds around the border providing plants for elsewhere. 

I hope you have a good week.