My first contribution to In a Vase on Monday was six and a half years ago, and featured Hyacinth, Narcissus, Leucojum and tulips. (Can’t wait until those spring beauties poke through the ground again!) Cathy, in her blog Rambling in the Garden, started the whole thing twice as far back. Today is her 13th Vase-O-Versary — CONGRATULATIONS Cathy!!!
As is her tradition, Cathy asked that today’s contribution be a bit different than usual – and feature material, flowers or otherwise, that have been “popped into something other than a vase.” Hmmm… I was bereft of ideas for several days, until mid-week, while splitting wood to keep the house warm and cozy in the coming winter, I came across a large branch from an Ash tree (one of the many Fraxinus that succumbed to the dreaded Emerald Ash Borer in recent years) that was completely hollow. And thus was born today’s wooden vessel.
This branch is hollow from top to bottom, plus it has a large split running lengthwise — water will not be held! What will be held, however, is a small pot, such as what plants are sold in in garden centres in the spring, such as what I have many dozens of. It settled nicely about two inches from the top of the branch. Into this I placed a plastic water bottle that I had cut in half, creating a ‘vase’ into which I could put living stuff. I gather some of what’s left in the garden; shocking, really, that these things are still in bloom but that’s just indicative of how mild autumn has been so far.
There’s the last thee blanket flower blooms, one of the last snapdragons, one of the last Nepeta flower stalks, a few fabulous Tagetes stalks and several Verbena bonariensis stalks. Then I cut some twigs, including dried Hydrangea flowers, red twig dogwood and the loooong leaf petioles (or rachis) of a Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus.) These are snugly placed in the space between the plastic water bottle and the plant pot. I know – I should have taken photos of the process. Sorry!
There it is. End of season blooms in a tree. Have a lovely week everyone!
How nice! The vases today are exceptionally creative. I can see all the components except the coffeeberry.
Yes, the Kentucky Coffee Tree petioles are quite small….narrow but long and an interesting reddish-brown. Better in person I guess!
Ingenious! And isn’t it lovely to have so many late flowers too. The blanket flowers are gorgeous and barely look scathed by November weather! 😃
Thanks Cathy, you’re right – the blanket flowers are really still in perfect condition, with scores of buds waiting to burst if we keep avoiding hard frosts/snow!
What a clever idea to use the hollow branch. Might it hang around for another arrangement or two? Having an ephemeral vase for ephemeral spring flowers would be fun.
Speaking of fun, your mention of your last snapdragon and last Gaillardia brought a smile. Last week the commercial landscapers were out in force, planting masses of snapdragons for our coming ‘winter,’ and at one of the refuges on Saturday, there were remarkable numbers of blanket flowers still in bloom. They’re all so pretty; I’m glad yours have lingered for a bit.
Well this Hollow branch is turning into a great alternative to a more traditional outdoor urn or pot, so I can picture it being in fairly constant use! Blanket flowers are amazingly cold tolerant, it’s turning out. Nary a wilted leaf or shriveled bud so far, even after a few lights frosts…
Very creative! You enjoyed the challenge and it looks beautiful on the grass.
Thanks Alice – it was cloudy all day yesterday, perfect for outdoor photos.
Chris, there’s something magical about that piece of wood holding those flowers. Love the use of red twig dogwood.
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That’s why I like to throw down a challenge, Chris – it encourages us to be inventive and inevitably brings ideas we can all take on board at some time. Such a great use of found material from your garden, for a receptacle as well as the contents. You must be particularly pleased to have such blooms into November as many years you would have bowed out of IAVOM by now. Thanks for all your comments and enthustiastic contributions
Oh that is so creative. I love the fall garden contributions to the non-vase.
Thanks Donna!
The hollow branch was an inspired choice, Chris! I hadn’t clocked on the anniversary’s timing so my arrangement isn’t anything special but I’ll keep your idea in mind when next year’s challenge comes up 😉
I’m happy it didn’t just end up in the wood pile!😄
Brilliantly inspired, Chris! I’m amazed you still have annuals blooming, is that a record?
Not a record, it seems, but in years past things were definitely ending, whereas today, Calendula, Tagetes and Gaillardia are still going strong. Today is definitely winterish though…had to wear gloves for my run (and shorts 😄🏃)