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.
We call them frogs here too, most often, unless it’s in a Japanese Ikebana bowl…I have a clear glass frog that’s quite intriguing, and I’ve seen coloured glass versions as well.
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.
Yes I imagine so…I’m very surprised they’ve been quietly thriving i my back back yard – very wet in spring, very very dry in summer, shallow soil on top of limestone… although it’s an area shaded by tall pine trees.
They do not mind being very very dry for a while?
Apparently not…
Lovely ikebana arrangement.
Thanks Susie – (Susie ?) – It’s a bit of a challenge but also a bit more rewarding than a small vase/container would have been.
(Yes. It’s Susie.) I love Ikebana vases but haven’t studied the formal rules much.
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
Thanks Cathy – placing those tiny stems in the holder does require patience…
Beautifully done!
Thanks Kris!
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.
Thanks Donna!
My favorite columbine… wish I could smell the convallaria, mine passed by while I was away.
…next year….
…next year…
Very nice, Chris. I love the effect of the Lily of the Valley, it is tree like. I thought of you this morning – the miniature pineapple is producing pups..a lot of pups! on the pineapple.
Wow! Pictures or it isn’t true! LOL! We’ve finally had a few warm days so I think the one I bought is a bit happier – I imagine pineapples, miniature or not, don’t appreciate single digit (45 or 50 Fahrenheit) overnight temps!
I will take pictures! Oddly, we had 26F and the pineapples were fine. I forgot about them completely.
😶🌫️
A sweet little arrangement Chris. I hope the Lily of the Valley are perfuming your home!
Thanks Cathy! They are.
Lovely! I’m picturing Fairies building a little house near those stems 🧚
A lovely image…