I've never cut magnolias to bring inside before but love their fragrance and decided to see how long they'll last. A glass vase by a Seattle artist seemed appropriate for the season. Because of the way the blooms are arranged, these might be good candidates for a sparse, ikebana-like arrangement. Perhaps that'll happen next week but for now they're just plunked into a vase.
A few hours after being inside, they're opening up nicely.
Peter Rabbit decided to investigate.
There are always flowers at the church where I work but on Easter, they're so numerous that folks are asked to take some home to enjoy. Orange/red and yellow parrot tulips and this one with very frayed edges caught my fancy.
The valley where the church is located has fabulous fertile soil and was once filled with farms, quite a few of which produced daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs. It's appropriate, then, that these reminders of the past grace the church on Easter. Alas, the last of the bulb farms has been sold and growing fields are increasingly being replaced by industrial buildings and parking lots. It's sad to think of loosing so much incredibly deep and fertile soil.
The orange made me think of this vase by the same artist as the first but the oranges aren't quite a match. Oops. The tulips do have a bit of a lavender cast to them which the flash washed out so they kind of go with that part of the vase.
Oh well, just keep throwing things at it and maybe it'll work out. Let's see, what else that has orange in it is lurking around the house? How about some pysanky eggs? Oh great, introduce yet another shade of orange and why not throw in some fluorescent pink while you're at it? A cute duck vase and some Easter grass will make it all better, right?
Sometimes, it's better to stop, rethink, and redo the whole thing but I tried thinking once and it hurt my head so here it'll stay for this week.
Love both your arrangements, but especially the many shades of orange, well done!
ReplyDeleteSo much spring/Easter joy in your vases....love the church flowers and my that first vase is stunning....I would have to investigate much like Peter did!
ReplyDeleteI saw a few pots of that fringed orange tulip at Windmill a few weeks ago, they're so gorgeously opulent. The magnolia branch is fun, but I love everything you threw at the orange-themed arrangement. Sometimes thinking is over-rated.
ReplyDeleteWhat luxury to cut magnolia branches! And to have such lovely eggs. The pattern and color in these eggs are endlessly fascinating.
ReplyDeleteOur magnolia tree is getting so big I can hardly reach the blooms but I have done so in the past. Your vase shows them off perfectly. The orange tulips go well with the yellow daffodils. I am glad you had a good Easter. I actually made up a vase this week too. Happy IAVOM.
ReplyDeleteThe Magnolia works so well in that vase. Such a find those vases and the eggs. It's quite poignant to see the world covered with concrete buildings etc... I get the feeling that it has now gone too far. I would rather have cultivation.
ReplyDeleteBoth vases are lovely tributes to spring, complete with their supporting cast. It's sad to think of fertile land like that you described going to developers up your way. I'd like to think that other areas of the country can avoid becoming paved heat sinks like Los Angeles County.
ReplyDeleteLovely Easter arrangements. The tulips are a gorgeous colour. You are well ahead of us, how wonderful to have your magnolia in bloom, I am waiting for mine with great excitement. I have never tried picking it either,do let us know how long it lasts.
ReplyDeleteIt is incredibly sad that bulb farms are being sold off for non-agricultural purposes. Your vases are very happy though!
ReplyDeleteLove those magnolias. The vase artist is quite talented.
ReplyDeleteI like your vases, and all the thought you put into them. Could you smell the Magnolia once it opened? Sad to think of all those farms buried under concrete and asphalt... My rare vase contribution was a random quickie, mostly devoid of thought...
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful splash of color and texture!
ReplyDeleteThe actual vase (vases?) is a stunning creation in itself--and your additions and arrangements are lovely. The ending combination with the grass, eggs, and duck is so festive. Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteYour Magnolia in that vase is lovely Peter. They are always in danger of being caught by a late frost here so I have resisted planting one. The second vase is a bright and cheerful nod to spring! :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is good to be bold with color - I like it. Gorgeous glass!
ReplyDeleteOh two contrasting but lovely arrangements Peter. Our next door neighbour's magnolia is slowly unfurling - such a beauty. Are the eggs your handicraft?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anna. This magnolia is one we inherited with the garden twenty years ago. It had been planted only a few years before but is perfectly sited for us to view from our kitchen windows. The eggs came from someone in the Ukraine selling on ebay several years ago. I wish I had the talent and patience to create such intricate designs.
DeleteThat last photo could easily be a magazine spread...exquisite!
ReplyDeleteI love the vase that you have the magnolias in. So pretty!
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