Every Monday Cathy at Rambling In The Garden encourages us to share a vase highlighting what is growing in our gardens. Although the early varieties have faded, there are still plenty of daffodils in full bloom, with a few still yet to open. The dwarf narcissus ‘Hawera’ is approaching its peak and I thought it would look great in my little ikebana vase. Fun fact: the Missouri Botanical Garden tells me that this little daff was “…bred in New Zealand, and was given the name of Hawera which is a small New Zealand town on the North Island.” Although the yellow is naturally pale and muted, I still wanted to tone it down a bit so added some white Muscari.
Well that’s interesting, I’d wondered if the name related to that town but hadn’t checked on the history of the plant .. thanks Chris 🙂
Have you been? Hawera seems to have lovely beaches, gardens, plus a giant cow – you likely get your milk from there. (The internet is a wonderful way to travel when you can’t travel!)
I’ve been through Hawera long ago and no doubt it’s changed a lot since then. The region has much natural beauty but also many challenges, therefore for me a place to visit rather than live. There are indeed fabulous gardens in that region. We’re awash in dairy farms and dairy processors where I live too!
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What a pretty combination they make, Chris, and it’s good to see your ikebana dish again!
Thank you! I had no idea they would be so diminutive when I planted them…they really need to be in an eye level spot, or a bit of gravel, maybe, where a few will stand out.
Lots of family living near Hawera, and amazing gardens there that participate in the annual Taranaki Rhododendron Festival. Not just just about rhododendrons, but a fortnight of amazing gardens, from small city gardens to multi hectare country estates. Its held about November each year if you wanted to check it out online.
Thanks – I will check it out!
Lots of family living near Hawera, and amazing gardens there that participate in the annual Taranaki Rhododendron Festival. Not just just about rhododendrons, but a fortnight of amazing gardens, from small city gardens to multi hectare country estates. Its held about November each year if you wanted to check it out online.
Very geometric Chris almost like a sculpture, I like this.
Thank you!
Those are cool in white! I probably already mentioned that grape hyacinth is getting more attention this year than last. I still prefer the common weedy blue sort, but have considered growing ‘Album’ as well. It seems to be the simplest of the white cultivars, and also resembles the common blue sort that I like so much in all aspects except only for color.
It is simple, but it’s also shorter, and the flower head smaller, than the common blue variety. Keeps coming back though!
Are they ‘Album’ though, or another cultivar?
Oh golly, I have no idea. Whatever comes in the pots of forced bulbs you can buy here every winter. I plant daffs and Muscari in the garden in spring and they come back every year.
Oh, that could be ‘Album’. Well, even if they are different from the common blue sort, I will grow them anyway.
You do very well with ikebana, Chris. I love the birds on the vase.
Thanks very much Kris! I really enjoy playing with it.