Cathy@ramblinginthegarden has hosted In a Vase on Monday for the last 6 years. An astounding endeavour and commitment! Well done and thanks, Cathy. To mark each anniversary a challenge is set. This year’s gauntlet was to restrict the dimensions of the vase to 6 inches.
Luckily, I knew I had some small glass bottles and ink pots in a cupboard, so I thought I would have a go. I was a little worried when I went out in the rain looking for usable flowers, but close to the house there are still pockets of colour. I was also keen to use some Salvia leucantha, which is growing tall in the greenhouse and is very nearly out. I was determined to shoe-horn the almost-ready, sculptural buds into a vase before a hard frost puts paid to its tempting, furry flowers.
I managed my usual trick of continuing to gather blooms until I’d gone through the complete spectrum. There were plenty of flowers for 5 small vases (admittedly six would have been more appropriate).
I particularly like this salt-glazed inkpot, filled with undulating arms of aster ‘Lady in black’, puffy white flowers of Persicaria ‘red dragon’, shocking pink Dianthus carthusianorum, Penstemon ‘Sour grapes’ and a red salvia.
And here are those tactile shoots of Salvia leucantha with Penstemon ‘Raven’, posing in a small glass Campari soda bottle.
I picked these begonias with a view to rooting a few. I am not a big fan (of begonias), but there is no denying their staying power, drought resistance and positive colour contribution.
In another little glass bottle I’ve added Chrysanthemum ‘Little Dorrit’, Chrysanthemum ‘Bruno Bronze’, Salvia leucantha and Salvia ‘Love and wishes’ together. Surprisingly the salvia on the patio have survived several frosts untouched.
The final ink pot contains Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’ again and a couple of Salvia greggii, in pink and pale purple (no labels I am afraid).
And the nice thing about these bite-sized vases is that they can be endless shuffled or spread around for a changing display.
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Very nice selection, Allison. You have lots of flowers still, I’m a bit envious. 🙂
It was a bit surprising to find so many, but as the shelter from the wisteria etc on the patio is thinning rather quickly now, I am making the most of them!
It really is amazing to see the variety of flowers you have. They may be fading, but they certainly are beautiful.
Thank you. I am hoping that some, like the chrysanths and begonias, may root.
I think I need some ink pots. You did a splendid job with your assembly of 5 diminutive arrangements. There’s more going on in your garden than mine here in sunny (and still very warm) California I think.
Yes they are really useful and I was inspired to get them following a IAVOM post a couple of years back! Enjoy your warm weather. It’s wet and cold here.
I like the way they look when all clustered together…I regret to say that if I had been invited to lunch and these were in the middle of the table, my eyes would be definitely on these and maybe a little moving of the vases around to admire them individually too.
Lol, they are irresistible that way!
So pretty. It is amazing how many flowers are still blooming despite the frosts. I love having miniature arrangements like this on the table.
Little clusters of vases are definitely fun. I’d never really had vases till seeing the variety on display via the IAVOM posts. These, of course, are copied from Christina’s use of Campari bottles and various ink pot posts, but I covet your bricks and Eliza’s pockets!!
These are all gorgeous. Perfect for grouping together.
Thanks Brigid! I do feel a bit guilty when I optimise the arrangement towards my seat.
Yes, as Chloris says, teeny arrangements give you so much more scope – I certainly have nowhere to house a large one comfortably. I eagerly devoured your numerous blooms – and looked up Salvia leucantha as I wasn’t familiar with it. Do you keep it in the greenhouse? I like its dense purple pokers and I also like the salt-glazed inkpot, with its ‘undulating arms of aster’ and other goodies. Thanks so much for joining in and sharing your teeny November blooms
I do have the Salvia Leucantha in the greenhouse mostly, although it does come out for summer. Many thanks for hosting and being a generous commentator!
All so lovely, and as you say it is nice to have small arrangements to move around or have on the table. You have a wonderful selection of plants still flowering – the aster Lady in Black has really caught my eye and I will have to make a note of it. 🙂 Thanks for including all the names!
You are welcome! Lady in Black is probably the most asked about plant at Wimpole during the autumn season. It has great structure too.
Fun and festive, a really wonderful collection.
Many thanks Susie!
Bravo to this delightful flowery parade! Salvia leucantha is a huge fav of mine but sadly not very hardy. I should grow it in a pot.
I grow mine in pots and think that that is why it has survived here, protected over winter in the greenhouse.
absolutely 🙂