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Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Monday, October 23, 2017

In a Vase on Monday

It's easy to become addicted to throwing something from the garden or found nearby in a vase each Monday thanks to the talented and dedicated Cathy of Rambling in the Garden who hosts this habit-forming meme.  Click on the link to see what she's found to put in a vase this week and to find links to the vases of other participating bloggers.

Many years ago, at the Glass Eye Studio sidewalk sale, this vase made it's way into my bag.  It's colors are perfect for this time of year although the back usually gets covered up unless it's just holding a single bloom.

 
Euonymus europaeus 'Red Ace' is showing off it's vibrant berries in the parking strip.  This was the last plant I purchased from Steamboat Island Nursery run by Duane and Laine who both now live only in our memories. The autumn glory of this plant brings sweet thoughts of these kind people and their wonderful nursery.

Also now in berry is Phytolacca americana (Pokeweed,) which some consider a weed.  I let a few grow for these berries borne on vibrant fuschia stems.

This bird flew down to check out the snacks.

Joining the arrangement is this unidentified rock found on a sale table.

And a couple of aperitif glasses, another gift from neighbor, Sandy.

Also in the vase are Cupressus arizonica and a bird-planted Cotoneaster franchetii.  



13 comments:

  1. What a stunning arrangement. The pokeweed berries almost look fake with those colors.

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  2. Peter I think you have the most amazing containers to fill with flowers....each one a work of art and then transformed with your stunning arrangements....these are no exceptions! Extraordinary!

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  3. It is fortunate you kept some Pokeweed as they really punctuate the display with the contrast of the dark berries. I love everything about it, including the bird (is it stone? wood?)
    A small weeping succulent would be a good choice for of this vase and not hide the fabulous back. Where do all your vases go after IAVOM?

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    1. The bird is an old bone or ivory piece that had been my father's. I love the idea of a weeping succulent in that vase. I've been collecting vases of a long time but rarely put anything in them as flowers last so much longer outside. IAVOM has been a fun way to put them to use. Some vases stay as part of my collection but many are part of a thrift store game. Find something really inexpensive, use it once or twice and then donate it back.

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  4. Oh my goodness Peter, that looks really professional and so elegant. You have an eye for a lovely container. I would never have thought of using the pokeweed but it is just perfect.

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  5. That's a stunning arrangement Mr. Outlaw. Interestingly I ran across a business card from Steamboat Island Nursery yesterday and spent a few minutes thinking about what nice people they were, sadly I never made it to the nursery. Also...I saw a bunch of pokeweed in a vase on Saturday and now I'm on a mission to track some down. There was some growing just up the street in a hell-strip but it was pulled.

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  6. Wow! What an explosion of color that arrangement is!

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  7. What a fantastic collection of plant in your amazing vase, it looks like a bejewelled nest. They look very exotic though they are not. I love the addition of the smaller glasses.

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  8. That's fabulous! The vase was an incredible find and it, the pokeweed, and that wonderful bird make the arrangement for me. I tried planting pokeweed here once - it promptly died.

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  9. I am sure the bird appreciates your berry presence in the arrangement. The vase is the right color for the season. Those little glasses are perfect fit with your house.

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  10. FABULOUS arrangement, Peter. The pokeweed berries are an inspired choice, the colors, the props...An absolute wow. How do you do it? :)

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  11. Amazing vase and you’ve done it full justice with your arrangement and tableau.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.