In a vase on Monday

Knowing the weather was about to change dramatically, I actually put these vases together on Friday morning. Then I went off to meet friends for lunch. By the time we left the restaurant the wind was practically gale force, the temperature had dropped at least twenty degrees and the sky was filled with dark clouds that made it look like it was about to snow. It is hard to complain when typical November weather arrives after three weeks of above normal temps. 

When I was out in the garden looking for vase material, I picked anything that was still looking good despite a couple of frosty nights. I created four arrangements which are now spread out around the house: in both bathrooms, on the kitchen windowsill and on the table where we eat most of our meals. They are all still looking nice with the exception of the Hellebore flowers (above) which are most definitely fading at this point.

The last foliage on an annual Hibiscus plant that I grew in a container by the front door along with a few stems of Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta.

The ferns and Arum italicum are holding up really well, much better than I anticipated.

This little bouquet is the type of grouping I aways try to make at this point in the year. All sorts of foliage that should last a couple of weeks at the very least so I can enjoy greenery until December arrives.

The arrangement includes leaves from three varieties of Geranium, assorted Epimedium foliage along with Heuchera, Heucherella, Vancouveria hexandra, Hibiscus and Jacob's Ladder.

Visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden to see what other gardeners have put in a vase this morning. 

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I am amazed that you could find material for 4 vases at this time of year. I looked at all of my hellebores for signs of some sort of bloom. None must be this type of hellebore. I will have to wait until late winter for some blooms of hellebore. They all look so cheery. Happy Monday.

[Susie]

These are all lovely. I especially like the last one, but they are all similar and reflect your unique aesthetic.

[Cathy]

Just look at those different shades in the last vase - delightful, and such a pretty shape of vase too! It seems strange to see your hellebore blooms - is it H niger and is this when they usually flower? You have found such interesting things to fill your vases, despite what you thought. Thanks for sharing

[Linda from Each Little World]

Lisa and Cathy — This is a fall blooming Hellebore: H. niger. We need a warm fall for it to ever manage to flower.​ I got this a long time ago from Seneca Hill Perennials and she called it a "Thanksgiving" Hellebore, meaning that's when it bloomed. My other Hellebores all bloom in the spring.​

[Loree / danger garden]

I love all of these! That vase with the hellebore blooms is fabulous (the vase and the blooms with it) and then the foliage gathered in the other vases is all so perfect together.

[Eliza Waters]

Love that moon vase, Linda - so cool. The portrait lighting on the middle two lift them to art - beautiful!

[Linda from Each Little World]

​Loree — The vase with the Hellebores has a bird in a pale blue circle on the other side so it's a fun one to switch back and forth.

[Linda from Each Little World]

Eliza — My husband took these photos which is why they turned out so beautifully!

[Amelia Grant]

Well done!amazing what you can find if you keep looking around. I love the contrasting foliage colors and textures and the Calamintha which is unfamiliar to me.
I like all the vases, especially the first one, do Hellebores usually flower in the fall?

[Kris P]

All four arrangements are beautiful, Linda. I don't think I can pick a favorite, although I LOVE that first vase with the face. Your foliage creations are exceptional- the colors are perfectly balanced in the last one and I'm surprised at how much I like the ferns with Arum leaves.

[Linda from Each Little World]

Kris — Quite a few of the hardy ferns I grow stay good looking until they get buried by the snow. Despite the frosts my Autumn Fern looks fabulous.

[Peter/Outlaw]

Lots of vase-worthy treasures for the end of November in your neck of the woods! Great foliage/vase pairings & I especially liked the moon vase with hellebore coiffure (moonbeams?)

[Cathy]

All lovely, but that last arrangement is absolutely stunning - love it!

[Barbara H.]

Your foliage arrangements are lovely. You always have such lovely pottery and you show it off to the best advantage of the pottery and the foliage. Great photos, Mark!