Monday, December 5, 2016

In a Vase on Monday: I'm dreaming of a Cryptomeria Christmas

And not just any Cryptomeria, but C. japonica 'Rasen'...

I first learned of this fabulous conifer while researching a story I was writing for the OAN's Digger Magazine. My work took me to Youngblood Nursery, just outside of Salem, that's when I saw this awkward tree next to their office.

The way the needles twist around the already twisting branches is captivating. Lucky me, I was given a small tree that day, one that was a little too misshapen for shipping out to a customer, but would be just fine in my garden of misfit plants.

I still remember the words Chris Steinke, sales manager at Youngblood, said when he offered it to me. "If you have room for another tree, in your garden..." Ha! Since when has that stopped me? Seriously though, just look at that photo above, of the plant outside their office, who couldn't squeeze that in just about anywhere? Here it is now, two years after being planted...

I would love the opportunity to use this as a Christmas tree, but since it's in the ground that's not going to happen (well, unless it gets really big and needs to be cut down...).

However there's plenty of lower growth that I needed to prune, and that's what I've used in my vase today.

Along with the silverest plant in my garden, Lupinus albifrons.

And  Leucadendron 'Silvan Red' — for those red stems, and the fact this plant isn't really hardy here in Portland. Gotta enjoy it while I can!

In case you're wondering — I'm not one of those people that goes all-out at Christmas time, it's just a few targeted spots for me. The living room gets the tree (whatever form it may take each year), of course the mantle is "done," the dining table gets a Christmasy centerpiece, and there's a wreath on the front door. That's it, besides this...

The shelf in the bathroom gets a touch of Christmas too.

That's where I decided to use my Cryptomeria bits...

The Lupine doesn't read quite as silver indoors, but its still pretty shiny.

The holly pick is one I inherited with some ornaments from my grandparents. It seemed more appropriate than the severed elf head, another passed-down treasure.

That little framed tree print has been with me for 20 or so years. It makes me happy to see it each year.

And the new clock begged for a few shiny silver ornaments.

Another cherished part of the scene, this aluminum print from Gerhard, although it's here year-round.

And finally a few red Nandina berries for color (foraged nearby).

It's beginning to look like Christmas!

What greens can you cut from your garden to bring indoors for the season? Fill a vase and then join the "In a Vase on Monday" fun, links over on Cathy's site, Rambling in the Garden.

All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

20 comments:

  1. That Cryptomeria tree is gorgeous. What a treasure. I have a Canadian Hemlock that the folks at Klehm gave me when I was on a buying spree with WHPS. It was the last one and too sad looking to sell so they just told me to take it if I wanted it. It has settled in nicely and is getting more swan-like by the year.

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    1. Gifted plants like that are indeed a special treasure!

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  2. One reason why I never decorate any more is because hauling out all my stuff is so much work, and then putting it all away again. And it's so depressing that it's just for me and Nigel. But maybe if I did something minimalist, like your approach to decorating for the holidays...it's worth thinking about. I love that twisty Cryptomeria, it reminds me of dreadlocks. And the tree standing outside the office door reminds me of an Agave flower stalk. Evergreens tend to be drought-tolerant, don't they? How has it been for you? Maybe something for me to hunt down next year in my search for more drought-tolerant shrubs/trees.

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    1. Even the smallest bits help one to get in the spirit Alison. No need to spend days decorating, unless that's your thing. I think you should try just a little centerpiece or something.

      As for watering the Cryptomeria, I haven't really much at all since it's first year in the ground. Then I was really watering the Cannas around it, but I'm sure it got some of that moisture.

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  3. Totally twisted. (The Cryptomeria, not what you did with it which is way cool although the severed head might be fun too.) Happy snowy Monday!

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    1. No snow here yesterday (yay!) but it sounds like I won't be so lucky tomorrow and Thursday. And just for you, perhaps I'll feature the severed elf head someday soon...

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  4. The Cryptomeria would make a very interesting Christmas tree, although I'd hate to see you cut it down - maybe you need another in a pot? I love that you decorate the bathroom so artfully (not that I'm at all surprised by this). The spread of Christmas is restricted in my house too, not so much due to restraint on my part but rather because my house-mate is Scrooge.

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    1. Does Scrooge become offended by Christmas music? Because I've found that's a great way to subtly enhance the mood.

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  5. What an intriguing plant - I wonder if there is a reason why the variety has developed with a twisted stem and twisted leaves? Your little bits of greenery tucked in amongst the shiny bits and pieces is so subtle and effective - such a good idea to take on board so thanks for sharing it

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    1. Well now you've got me wondering why it's all twisty...

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  6. My mate play-acted at being Scrooge, but one year when I had done nothing, he looked sorta glum and finally muttered "aren't you going to do something to make it Christmas?" Your approach is just right.

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  7. Why is it that your vision of beauty never fails to make my heart sing or bring in plants that make me think? Keep it coming!

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    1. Thank you Sheila, your comments do the same for me!

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  8. Cool Cryptomeria, and with it you made a beautiful vignette.

    Christmas starts out being about toys and presents, cookies and candy--more than we can handle--and evolves into being about memories.

    Gardens often start out being about memories, and evolve into being about more than we can handle!

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  9. I used to love decorating for Christmas, but got dragged down by the family's lack of enthusiasm. Maybe I could muster just a little touch of the holidays. I like your simple approach, though I find myself more intrigued by the severed elf head. I love the texture of the Cryptomeria.

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    1. You too could make your own severed elf head...

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  10. Yes, I'd like to see a Cryptomeria used as a Christmas tree--that would be awesome. Your arrangements are so creative, too. I need to get going with the decorations. Thanks for the inspiration!

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