The base of the arrangement - Blue Chalksticks. I've long ago forgotten if these are Senecio mandraliscae or Senecio serpens. Whichever it is I've kept a 4" plant purchased years ago going and going. I simply take cuttings each autumn, plant them up indoors and then plant them out each spring. That one plant has now morphed into multiple flats like what you see below.
If I lived in the warm parts of California that Senecio could take over my garden in no time. And I'd probably have Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'/aka Fox Tail Fern growing right along with it. So working with my "California Dreaming" theme I cut a few of those "tails"...after all mid 20's were expected...who knew if it would live?
And since I needed a third element, Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea'. Another sure-fire plant in Zone 9, not so much here in Zone 8.
The end result is exactly what I was hoping for. Something that takes me away to warmer points south...
I'm sure it's too much to hope for but what the heck, maybe the fragrant flowers of the Acacia might open?
Those with eagle-eyes may have noticed (from the first photo, above), I've re-purposed the Echeveria cuttings that were used in the orange bowl a few weeks ago.
It was time to take it apart, and look...they were already rooting! They are starting to etiolate however - no matter what I do I cannot keep Echeveria happy over the winter, just not enough light. So you know what, I don't worry about it! I just enjoy them while I can.
I also reused the Kalanchoe pumila cuttings from the orange bowl.
And here's a little tip. The Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' and Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' both need water to stay looking their best. However I was afraid the Senecio (Blue Chalksticks) would rot in water. My solution was to use a wooden chopstick, embedded in the bottom of the Chalkstick cutting, to keep them above the waterline.
It worked! No rotting.
Here's a close up of the vase I used this week. Another ancient thrift store find that I know nothing about, other than that I love it.
As you probably know by now - the invitation to share stems from your garden on Monday is the creation of Cathy at Rambling in the Garden. There you will find links to all the bloggers participating this week.
With our cold weather I am indeed California Dreaming...while also preparing for a Christmas makeover. Details of the Poinsettia Challenge will be posted tomorrow!
All material © 2009-2015 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Another stunning arrangement, Loree! Love that it takes us to sunny California! Wouldn't mind actually being there about now. Brr. Your chopstick idea is great!
ReplyDeleteIt was COLD yesterday. Having just come from Eastern Washington where it was in the 20's for high's it felt so much colder here. Maybe because the sun was gone?
DeleteReally nice combination! Strange that you can't overwinter Echeveria, as mine are dead simple to keep going even in the terrarium where they're shaded for months and months by other plants.
ReplyDeleteI elaborated on my statement in a comment on your post. It's not all Echeveria, it's the glaucous ones (like E. elegans and E. imbricata). And it's not that they die, they become etiolated to the point that that I no longer like the look of them. I do realize I could cut off the tip (or leaves) and start a new plant, sometimes I do, but usually space is at a premium and they just get tossed.
DeleteDespite the Californian nature of the contents that first photograph gives your vase a frosty appearance - as if that blast of frigid air has left its mark on it. Most effective
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Cathy! I think I was subconsciously aware of the frosty-ness but kept looking at it with sunny warm eyes.
DeleteThe chopstick is such a clever work-around. This arrangement is so very you! I'm having a go at rooting lots of blue chalksticks this winter out in the greenhouse. So far, so good.
ReplyDeleteA couple will probably not make it (there are always one or two that turn mushy for me) but soon you'll have a forest on your hands! (well, maybe a river...since they're short and blue).
DeleteOh my god that vase !
ReplyDeleteI was secretly hoping you had one and could tell me about it.
DeleteSo subtle and timeless with that gray-green color scheme. And is that a Chilwich mat the vase is on?! Plus last time I noted you have that wonderful book stand/holder which I love. Great toothpick idea. I will have to remember it for future creations. I have to come up with some new concepts to keep posting on this meme as my garden is gone till spring.
ReplyDeleteClose! It's an imitation Chilwich mat, from Pier One.
DeleteIt's 35 degrees right now as I look out on my garden...I agree. Things have definitely taken a turn. In my book December, January and February constitute winter...thus we've arrived.
Beautiful. I don't think one of the arrangements would be unspectacular alone, but they're amazing together. Do you know which Disporum (?) is growing with the asparagus fern in the garden shot?
ReplyDeleteGood eye! It's D. cantoniense 'Moonlight'. They were "swag" during the 2014 Garden Bloggers Fling here in Portland. The company sent so many we had leftovers and I planted 4 or 5 of them in my garden (4" pots), that's the only one that's really taken off. Looks like I should go cut that solid green stem!
DeleteIt is a really nice arrangement!! You must have had a great Thanksgiving with all your family!!
ReplyDeleteI did! It had been to long since I'd seen my little people! (niece and nephews)
DeleteFabulous foliage and succulents...none of these would be found in my garden. I love to see new and interesting plants. Beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna!
DeleteThe two containers make lovely companions, Loree. You're right that all those plants have no problem surviving winter in my area of SoCal but just over the hill in the San Fernando Valley (where I grew up and my brother and a few friends still live), the temperatures often turn cold enough to turn succulents to mush so California isn't altogether hospitable in winter. Those of us living along the southern coast are admittedly very lucky, except when it comes to rain that is.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about this (the size and different growing conditions of your state) as I wrote "California Dreaming"...for me the Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' represents the Bay Area, the Senecio is from Venice - since I will never forget the look of it as fills tiny front gardens there. And the Acacia is LA area, Denise's garden specifically.
DeleteI like your tips and tricks. Very helpful--thanks! I remember seeing Foxtail Ferns growing as perennials when I was in Florida last February/March. Cool plants, and they look fabulous in your arrangement.
ReplyDeleteDid you see this post? I love them!
Deletehttp://www.thedangergarden.com/2014/12/the-garden-of-snakes.html
Your vases and Kris' succulents give me a case of California dreaming for sure. It's great you can take cuttings and keep some going over the winter. The lovely tall white vase with the leaves on it is a treasure.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely helps the spring plant budget!
DeleteThis is my favorite of yours, so far. Love, love.
ReplyDeleteReally? Thank you...I was kind of on the fence about it.
DeleteVery pretty, Loree. I love the smell of acacia. Sometimes we can get it at the florist's, but generally in mid-winter/spring. I have a blue chalksticks plant that I've had for years, they last forever, don't they? When it gets lanky I just hack it back. So easy!
ReplyDeleteAh yes...that smell! When mine has bloomed in an enclose space (the shade pavilion greenhouse) it's intoxicating.
Delete