I’m joining Cathy, of Rambling in the Garden fame, this week showcasing small things from my spring garden for In a Vase, on Monday. ‘Small things’ because, a few days ago, I happened to notice while mowing out back that my small patch of Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) has been slowly expanding despite inhospitable conditions there and were, in fact, fully in bloom and exuding a delicious fragrance.
Daffodils are all but gone from the garden now, hard to believe that just a few weeks ago the various beds were swimmingin yellow! But as I walked back from the Convallaria patch I began to notice other small flowers that might be happy joining them. There’s a spray of our native Columbine – Aquilegia canadensis – and to match its bits of yellow a tall buttercup, a Ranunculus of some type. I spotted some non-native honeysuckle, likely Lonicera tatarica, and added a small Allium karataviense for more pink.
I originally thought a good prop might be either a tin of beach stones or this Coleus, name tag quickly lost in the flurry of spring planting, because of its interesting, deeply cut leaf shape:
But then I realized the Ikebana vase already has beach stones in it, holding in place the kenzan, and the Coleus pot was too large. So here’s the final vase. Have a great week everyone!
The buttercup looks like one of our large species, the so-called bristly buttercup. All that business in the center and the larger size are what brought ours to mind. I didn’t know the term kenzan. When I looked it up, I had an “Oh. That.” experience. We called them flower frogs when I was growing up.
Valley culture begin here in the Santa Clara Valley before it became famous in the San Fernando Valley. Ironically though, lily of the Valley does not grow well here. I think that it dislikes the aridity.
Lovely ikebana arrangement.
I am glad you decided against the coleus as the stylish ikebana dish is perfect on its own with the simple and homely blooms – you have used such a gentle touch today for this vase, Chris
Beautifully done!
Oh that is lovely with all the delicate flowers. I do adore lily of the valley, and what a delight to see one expand and showcase its fragrance.
My favorite columbine… wish I could smell the convallaria, mine passed by while I was away.