After visiting a private garden on Sauvie Island last Monday evening I knew I had to write an "On a tree on Monday" post to share what I saw. The title is, of course, a play on the much loved "In a vase on Monday" blogger's meme hosted by Cathy at
Rambling in the Garden.
So instead of flowers in a vase, these flowers are (beautifully) hung on a dead tree.
Why? Well, the weekend before the open garden, the owners,
Linda and Chet, hosted an evening wedding. Chet's daughter got married in the garden and this is where the ceremony took place—at the end of a long and winding path through the garden. The backstory makes this display all the more wonderful.
I couldn't resist taking several close-ups of the wilting flowers, still so beautiful as they fade.
Here's a piece of the hidden magic keeping them in place.
Linda is a very creative lady and there are lots of beautiful flowers in the garden (more from the garden on Wednesday), so naturally I figured she was the one who put this all together. Nope, not her work.
I couldn't help but photograph it from every angle, I was smitten.
Back when I participated in the "In a vase..." meme I frequently shared photos of our mantel and the decorative elements I'd pulled together there. Since I haven't done that in a long time, I thought I'd share a couple photos just to let you know I'm still filling vases and changing things up.
Currently in the vase (part of my Royal Copley collection) are pieces I've trimmed from the garden; a Dioon Edule leaf (the tall number), Rhododendron 'Ebony Pearl' branches, and bits of Lomatia tinctoria. That perky Begonia erythrophylla leaf was a gift from a garden visitor and it's rooted quite nicely, perhaps it's time to plant it up.
The bright colorful bromeliad is a Guzmania I picked up for a song (by one at $5 get one free,
the other is out in the garden).
And the small seeds in this little vase have been there so long I've forgotten where they came from.
So, that's a peek at a non-traditional Monday floral arrangement and what's on the mantel these days...
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The use of the dead tree to support a multitude of wedding flowers was both inspired and impressive. I've no doubt that Cathy at Rambling in the Garden will be impressed as she encourages the use of out-of-the-ordinary vessels. I always love seeing your magazine/book worthy mantelscapes and it's been awhile so thanks for including that in this post too.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't planned to comment on Cathy's post, but went ahead and did so after reading your comment. Thanks!
DeleteA unique "vase"!
ReplyDeleteYour mantle always looks wonderful. Mine is always the same: in need of dusting.
Well chances are you'd find some dust on mine too!
DeleteHey Loree! It's been a while, glad to catch your post over at Cathy's IAVOM. Love the tree arrangement, a creative way to cover a snag (I guess the bride didn't want to have a dead tree in her wedding photos?) Best to you, Eliza Waters
ReplyDeleteNice to see your name in the comments section Eliza, it has been awhile! Actually it turns out another wedding in the garden used that same dead tree as the destination for the ceremony! Since it's a large garden they could have chose anywhere so they must have wanted the tree as a backdrop.
DeleteA peek at your mantle is a lovely surprise. The black and white vases are very elegant. Are they new in your collection? The Dioon leaf is divine. Such a slow grower, you are bold to cut it off.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the plant on the floor, bottom right?
Chavli
Oh gosh no, I've had a few of the b&w vases/pots for at least 25 years. Andrew has added a couple to the collection recently though. That Dioon leaf had to go to create a new flush of growth... it worked as now there are new leaves on the plant. The plant you're asking about is Siderasis fuscata, aka brown spiderwort.
DeleteStrangely, I was recalling your mantlepiece just the other day, although I couldn't remember the name of the blog, nor yours, sorry Loree! It is good to see it again and a treat to see your flowers on a tree - what a great idea! And how lovely that the owner of the garden's daughter wanted to get married in it. I was always intrigued to see your mantlepiece and the (mostly, to me) curiosities you have there
ReplyDeleteWow, it's good to know my mantel designs are thought of!
DeleteThe dead tree is very creative, but your mantel is even more so!
ReplyDeleteWell heck, that's very kind Nancy.
DeleteThe flower covered tree is perfect, especially for a wedding. Your mantel display is fantastic, I love when you do these indoor shots. The Dioon leaf is so dramatic, makes me think of Madame Ganna Walska. Even tho I haven't managed to see Lotusland yet.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many fabulous cycads at Lotusland, I don't think I've ever spent enough time looking at them though, as there are so many other things to see too!
DeleteI so enjoy your vignettes!
ReplyDelete