Spring-like weather has finally arrived in the Pacific Northwest in a big way. Just last week we had lows well below freezing and this week, highs in the 70's are predicted. Most of the time in the last few months, gathering something for Monday's vase has been a quick dash out into the rainy or frozen garden but this week it was a joy to be outside in the warmth. Got a little sidetracked and cut some Stachyurus praecox that was hanging over the greenhouse roof. Too pretty to throw away, the branches got put in a vase. I've learned that they dry nicely and still have some from last winter sitting around.
Maybe these will be part of an arrangement later but for now they're just hanging out alone.
One of the benefits of having such cold weather is that the Galanthus have lasted much longer than usual. They're joined by some crocus and a couple of blooms of Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' and some fronds of Adiantum venustum.
A few pussywillows make everything better.
A tiny bit of spring cheer to welcome the new season starting on Thursday. In a Vase on Monday is the brainchild of the amazing and dedicated Cathy at Rambling in the Garden. To see Cathy's vase and those of other participating bloggers, click
here.
Your post sings Spring!!
ReplyDeleteIn February it seemed like spring would never arrive.
DeleteMaidenhair fern fronds? Must be a greenhouse resident. A very cheerful display indeed.
ReplyDeleteActually, these are hardy, evergreen, and tough as nails even though they look delicate. Perfect for shady spots and they can handle being a bit dry once established.
DeleteTwo vases at once, you spoil us!! The Stachyurus praecox is a real eyecatcher. I saw a couple of specimen plants for sale at the Rare Plant Sale at the Bishop's Palace on Sunday and much admired it. It may find a way on my wish list! Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteIf you have a choice, there is a variety with beautifully variegated foliage, Stachyurus chinensis ‘Joy Forever’ which extends the beauty of the plant into summer. Stachyurus salicifolius has arching twigs and evergreen willow-like foliage but I prefer the blooms on bare branches.
DeleteI have never come across the Stachyurus praecox before although from what Noelle says it must be available in the UK. The stems look stunning, but is it a pretty plant to look at? Your spring vase is, of course, so sweet and here we had the opposite as our snowdrops finished quite suddenly because it was too warm! Not up to 70 degrees as is forecast for you though ;)
ReplyDeleteToday it felt like summer driving home from work with my windows down and the car thermometer reading 75 degrees. Stachyurus praecox is a rather dull plant in the summer but there is a variety with beautifully variegated foliage, Stachyurus chinensis ‘Joy Forever’ which is, as the name says, a joy in at least three seasons. Stachyurus salicifolius has arching twigs and evergreen willow-like foliage but I prefer the blooms on bare branches.
DeleteYay, Spring has reached you! Both the spare stems of the Stachyurus and the pretty bulbs celebrate its arrival. The pussywillow (yet another plant I covet but can't grow) is a nice touch too.
ReplyDeleteSuddenly summer. The pussywillows outside have already grown out and have yellow dangly thingies hanging from them. I don't have space for a pussy willow in my garden but can find them at nurseries or growing by the side of the road, dry them and keep them from year to year.
DeleteLove the bulbs,but, the Stachyurus is awesome. Never seen it. Love it, almost architectural and simple display is perfect.
ReplyDeleteStachyurus is wonderful. The blooms hang down from the branches of the shrub but stay rigidly in that position so using them in an arrangement can be tricky.
DeleteThe sculptural Stachyurus praecox looks very exotic, another plant that is out of my zone, alas. The spring flowers are lovely in that (vintage?) vase. You have a wide collection, it seems!
ReplyDeleteThat tiny vase is something that I found over 40 years ago in a box of garbage left at a rental house my parents owned. It's some sort of metal and has a handle making it a miniature version of those old wicker blower baskets that used to be used for weddings and funerals.
DeleteA sweet little bouquet of Spring!
ReplyDeleteHooray for warmer weather!
DeleteWasn’t this weather glorious!?! Heaven. I rather love the Stachyurus praecox all alone in their tall vase, all the better to appreciate their beauty.
ReplyDeleteOh I wish my stachyurus was big enough to make arrangements with. This is fabulous. I'd like to wear it as jewellry too. Your weather changes quickly, nice that you still have snowdrops but it won't be for long.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, lots of spring cheer in that vase Peter! My crocus always tend to be too short-stemmed for vases.
ReplyDelete