Monday, May 1, 2017

In a Vase on Monday, where oh where has my inspiration gone?

I blame winter. Oh and our miserably cold and wet spring. Maybe you've noticed, I just can't get inspired to put together a Monday vase. Initially I thought it was because so much of my garden was in distress, but thinking it through further, and running out between showers to cut for this vase, I think it's because it has been so wet. We had more rainy days this winter than ever before, and when it comes to spring? Well..."Since Mar. 1 — the start of meteorological spring — Portland has seen rain 47 of 57 days"... so when there is a freak dry day who wants to spend it cutting and putting together a vase? I've got REAL gardening to do.

So I made myself pick a vase, grab some clippers, and make it happen...

This gifted NOID Lewisia has been blooming its hot-pink (impossible to photograph) flowers for a few days now. I do see them when returning from a dog walk, but still thought it would be nice to admire them "up-close"...

There are acid-green Euphorbia blooms all over the place, I cut a few of them. And then washed them to get the icky aphids off.

The new growth on on the Mahonia x media 'Charity' is outstanding.

I cut a couple of leaves that were a little further along.

I also cut stems of Ceanothus 'Dark Star'...

Persicaria runcinata 'Purple Majesty'

Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop'

And Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum 'Hindwarf'

The naked stems of Sophora prostrata 'Little Baby’ (hopefully leaves will reappear soon...) were going to provide structural interest, but I couldn't quite make that happen. Instead they became a natural "chicken wire" to hold everything in position in the vase.

So much color! It's a little unnerving actually.

But I like it.

It's good to flex the "vase" muscle again.

The Ajuga didn't make it into the main vase, so I pulled out my green "frog" and did a secondary arrangement with just those stems.

Both small vases are on the dining table...

Our weather has been playing much nicer the last few days. I've actually spent back to back days working in the garden. Hopefully I can get back to putting together, and sharing, inspired vases again. In the mean time you can always find them over on Rambling in the Garden, where Cathy hosts all those who post about their vases on Monday. Play with your plants!

Weather Diary, April 30: Hi 60, Low 45/ Precip .01"

All material © 2009-2017 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

22 comments:

  1. I could barely dare to look at another vase of flowers after having come from looking at those California vases- but I was brave and did. Even with all your rain you were able to select some beauties and do your usual creative vase. Your flowers must like the rain. I think one time I need to challenge myself to create something from my garden. I hope your rain dries up soon. You could always send it our way.

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    1. I would love to see a vase culled from your garden contents, please do it!

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  2. Those are quite brightly colored for you. I had noticed that you took a break from doing IAVOM posts. I keep telling myself "tomorrow will be warm and sunny." One of these days it will actually come true.

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    1. We did have a sunny couple of days, but back to the grey yesterday and today.

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  3. I sometimes feel like that in late summer, when it seems that everything in the garden is hanging on by a thread. I'm glad you found a way to look at all the positives in your garden. I thought the Lewisia was Calandrinia at first - or whatever it's called now.

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    1. I can understand that! To go from the overwhelming riches you've been experiencing, to a tired end-of-summer garden would be quite the change.

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  4. I'm depressed after a week of rain and very cold temps, so I can hardly imagine what you all have been going through. Whoops, I can hear it starting to pour down again! Looks like we may see sun by Wed. and I can't wait to do some work. I like the concept of "flexing the vase muscle." Sometimes it's hard to do when you haven't been able to really garden.

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    1. I think Instagram is the one thing that's kept me connected to my garden. Being able to snap a single photo of a plant "in its moment" and then share it, well it's been good therapy.

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  5. AnonymousMay 01, 2017

    Oh welcome back, and I do so hope your mood lifts as the season progresses. I have not seen that persicaria before so have enjoyed seeing it as part of your arrangement. The euphorbia is a great element of this vase, isn't it?

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    1. A friend shared that Persicaria with me a few years ago, it's a good one.

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  6. This weather has a lot of us depressed... hard to get inspired about any projects at all.

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    1. I noticed the plastic was pulled back on your PVC covers the other day when I drove by. Hopefully you'll be able to take them all the way off soon...

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  7. I feel your pain but my lack of motivation has been about not getting out into the garden as much as I should. Throwing on a coat to garden is something for January gardening, not for April. Your bright and bold creation breathes hope for better days.

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  8. That's a nice May Day bouquet. Now we just need some typical May weather with which to enjoy the rest of the garden. Happy May Day!

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    1. Yes we do. The extended forecast looks promising, then again I think they just put that out there to play with us.

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  9. Even with a lack of inspiration you still came up with a beautiful arrangement! Love your photography as always. Inspiration will come back soon the moment sunny weather arrives :)

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    1. Thanks guys, you're right about the sun and the inspiration. I just hope the sun does return!

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  10. It sounds as though you've had all our rain, if only it could be shared fairly. Your vase is very colourful and interesting and I'm sure you'll enjoy it now you've created it. I hope you get some gardening weather soon.

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    1. You have no idea how much I wish I could share!

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  11. I can't imagine you'd ever lose your mojo, Loree. Some days we just need a little mo-mojo.

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  12. It's a regular fiesta on your dining room table!

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