I practically squealed with delight when I spotted this tiki mug at my local Crate & Barrel back in May — I knew it would make a great summer vase. Then the first time I went to use it, I broke it. Before stopping to pick up the pieces I was online ordering a replacement, but it was not to be. There were no more available online and my store was sold out. However, thanks to the magic of online inventory, I could see the Seattle store had them in stock and as luck would have it I happen to have a blogging friend who lives near by...and she agreed to pick one up for me! So thanks to a village — Emily to buy the mug, Peter to bring it to Portland (THANKS GUYS!) — I now have a replacement...
But what to put in it? Well the Chasmanthium latifolium (aka Northern Sea Oats) were begging to be used, those fabulous dangling blooms moving in the slightest breeze.
Then there is the horsetail rush (Equisetum hyemale). Known to strike fear in anyone who's ever had to battle it, mine grows in a large stock tank. I love this plant. For a long time it loved me back. However as the plants around it have grown it's getting more and more shaded out and not looking so good. I've been staring at it a lot lately, trying to decide if it's time to let it go (I think it is). I decided to pay tribute by including it in the vase.
Finally I needed a flower...or did I? This poor tortured Agave lophantha 'Splendida' has been putting out pups at an amazing rate. What if I used them instead?
This one was too small to cut so I left it to grow on a bit.
It's a beautiful Agave!
I wanted the horsetail to stand straight at the center of the vase, so they got a rubber band around the bunch.
After that I just tucked in the other bits and the vase was done...
I love it!
And I think the pups make great flower substitutes.
Working with the horsetail had me falling in love with it all over again. I think when I dig it out a chunk will be potted on for use elsewhere in the garden.
The rear-view...
And another from the front.
So much detail to appreciate, even if there's not a lot of color.
Monday "garden vases" are hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden. Click on over to see how she, and other participating bloggers, are marking this, the first Monday of September.
And if you're a fellow American I hope you're enjoying the holiday!
All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Your rage is beautifully channeled into this creation! Love the use of agave pups as "flowers!" Thanks for the inspiration to look more closely at foliage for vases as my garden has very few blooms at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteOkay in all fairness I'm not feeling the rage yet, that comes later...although the last few mornings have been rather dark. Time to replace all the 3-way bulbs that have burned out to just one setting (and why is it always the lowest one that sticks around???). And Peter, while you have a zillion flowers you're also a kick-ass foliage gardener, so you shouldn't have to look too far!
DeleteYour combinations are always so fantastic and inspiring. Love this!
ReplyDeleteAh thank you LeLo!
DeleteReally nice, but I must know: did you give Peter the pieces of the broken one? That's his new thing. :D Second question is also off-topic: what material is that great placemat (?) made of? It looks fabulous but I wonder how outdoor friendly it is..
ReplyDeleteNope, it broke months ago...I didn't know about Peter's new talent! The place-mat is one of a set of 12 that a dear friend gave me, thus I am not worried about ruining a couple of them - and since we don't get summer rain it really hasn't been an issue except for a little color bleaching. The material is a dyed natural fiber of some sort.
DeleteThat turned out great, Chasmanthium works so well in a vase! I still have dried ones sitting in vases from 3 or 4 years ago. I'm wondering if the Agave pups will eventually be potted on (for the swap?) I also couldn't help noticing the plant next to it in the circular metal pot. I bought one just like it without a tag, and had to go looking online for an ID. I think it's a Medusa-head Euphorbia. Do you know if that's what yours is?
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison! The pups will be potted on, but I've got plans for them. I will definitely keep my eyes open for more and put your name on the first one of size, if you like. The plant you ask about is indeed a Euphorbia flanaganii, aka Medusa-head Euphorbia. I never liked them much but this one was stressed and purple when I bought it. Clearly I've been too nice to it since it's turned green.
DeleteIf you can spare an Agave pup at some point in the future, I'd love one!
DeleteWhy do I always think that table is three times the length? Love the vases, and happy Labor Day -- a holiday which doesn't signify the end of anything to me either!
ReplyDeleteI don't know! It's rare that we need a table of that size, so I suppose it's good that its just square.
DeleteIt's a fantastic creation - from the vessel to its contents - and so distinctly you, Loree. Your post sent me outside to check whether my lazy Agave lopantha quadricolor have produced any pups and, to my great surprise, there is one popping up several inches from the largest of my three plants. Yay! Have a happy Labor Day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kris, and yay for Agave pups! Hope you've enjoyed the holiday.
DeleteJust beautiful. You're right about Equisetum. I've never grown it due to its reputation, but would love having it. susie
ReplyDeleteIt is really good in a container. Mine has been happy for years...up until the shade situation.
DeleteThat's pretty fab, and what a fun story about how you got a replacement vase. Don't you generally have nice, summery weather through October in Portland? Hopefully you have plenty more patio weather in store, and if not, you can always come visit Austin.
ReplyDeleteYes we can generally count on a lovely September and even October. The year we built the patio we worked outside every weekend until Thanksgiving! There's been a little hiccup (70's, cloudy mornings and even .60" of rain last week) but the forecast after Tuesday is calling for warming temps and sun (!!!!).
DeleteThat is a beautiful arrangement! But I had to shudder at the Equisetum and Sea Oats. I knew not to plant the rush in my pond but I spent a couple of years getting rid of all the sea oat seedlings. Such a gorgeous plant but went wild in my garden's soil. Just came in from working in the garden and now it's time for coffee and cookies on the deck!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason your comment ended up in the spam filter...I've heard of so many people fighting Sea Oat seedlings, I've been lucky.
DeleteOh blogging friends are such lovely people! What a great mug - and I am sure you will be extra careful with this one! The horsetail is beautiful, and if you can contain it I know I would be tempted keep a small piece for its stauesque beauty. The contents of your mug are such a great choice in terms of both colour and shape. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI feel so lucky to have so many great blogging friends...like you!
DeleteFunny thing... when I saw the Tiki mug in the C & B catalog last spring I immediately thought of your cool vases! Ha! I adore horsetail and you have given me the thought of placing it in a container next year, I learned my lesson the hard way. Agave pups as flowers...brilliant!
ReplyDeleteA friend said when he saw my post on FB even without seeing who it was he thought of me. I guess my style is rather obvious eh? Hope you get a chance to try horsetail in a container.
DeleteOh yes, I always feel the same way. I'll celebrate the Zinnias, Cosmos, and bright sunny flowers until the first frost. I never look forward to short, dark days. Love the tiki mug--great plant combinations!
ReplyDeleteThanks PP, and it's always good to know I'm not alone.
DeleteI love this - especially those fabulous oats!
ReplyDeleteThey're a cause for pain in some gardens (reseeding) but I've never had a problem.
DeleteHere's to many patio days ahead!
ReplyDeleteSplendid. Love them pups!
ReplyDelete