In a vase on Monday: misty blue

Firstly, a big CONGRATULATIONS to Cathy of Rambling in the Garden for initiating the IAVOM meme and keeping it going for an astonishing 9 years! Though relatively new to this meme, I have enjoyed participating and seeing the weekly creations of others around the world. 

The weird weather continues this week in South Australia. After a brief hit of summer temps last week, we're back to cold and wet. A full-on storm arrived Saturday, with horizontal rain and winds gusts in excess of 106kms (65 miles) per hour!  Luckily, we had little damage at our place and the garden held up well. Others in the neighbourhood were not so lucky. Lots of trees lost limbs or were completely uprooted and many households are still without power.   

Today's bunch features cool blue flowers to reflect the cool temperatures. I love larkspurs and have planted them from punnets for the past few years. This year, however (most likely due to all the rain we've had) they self-seeded everywhere - even in the lawn! The nigella is also a self-seeder, popping up along our driveway and given very little attention from me, apart from a little thinning out. 

Other flowers and foliage includes: lemon balm Melissa officinalis, liquorice plant Helichrysum petiolare, sweet peas 'Tiller Girls' and 'Colourcade Mix', kiss-me-quick Centranthus ruber and an unknown old-fashioned fuchsia.
 
The little flower meadow near our back door is starting to look good. I can see it from our back kitchen window, which certainly makes doing the dishes a tad more enjoyable! 


I hope those who participated in this week's 9 year IAVOM anniversary Zoom chat had a wonderful time. I was sorry to miss you all, but the time difference makes things a bit difficult. I look forward to seeing your bunches! :)

If you would like to participate in the In a Vase on Monday meme with a bunch from your own garden, head over to Rambling in the Garden, where Cathy is our weekly host. Post a link of your page and enjoy viewing the creations from other gardeners around the world. Thanks to Cathy for hosting :)

Comments

  1. CathyNovember 14, 2022 at 9:14 AM

    Oh glorious blue from the larkspur! And how astonishing to have it self-seeding like that. I still have some flowering now, but germinating it in the first place is not always easy - However, I have done an autumn sowing this year and they germinated really well, so they are clearly choosy about conditions.. That litle border looks lovely - is the pink flower lychnis? It's one of my favourite garden-worthy plants, completely trouble free.

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    1. HorticatNovember 15, 2022 at 4:11 PM

      Thanks Cathy, yes I was amazed when the larkspurs started popping up everywhere - certainly not normal in my garden. I think they have enjoyed our cooler weather. Well spotted - the pink flower is lychnis, although I think it has been reclassified as silene - who can keep up with all the name changes!? Congrats again on 9 years. You've created a lovely online community through your meme :)

      Delete
  2. danger gardenNovember 14, 2022 at 9:36 AM

    That's a lovely bouquet, so colorful and balanced in it's construction. You've got talent!

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    1. HorticatNovember 15, 2022 at 4:12 PM

      Thanks Loree, I was a bit directionless when picking blooms for this week's bunch, but it came together in the end!

      Delete
  3. AnonymousNovember 14, 2022 at 1:52 PM

    That's a gorgeous bunch of summery flowers! I love larkspur and have sown some for next summer. They have to survive the winter and the slugs, but I am always hopeful a couple might make it! Nigella is another favourite… blue flowers are just special aren't they. Our virtual meet-up was fun, and hopefully you will be able to participate in the next one! 🤗

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    1. HorticatNovember 15, 2022 at 4:13 PM

      Thanks Cathy, yes there's something so special about true blue flowers. I was sad to miss your catch-up - sounds like it was a great success - maybe next time :)

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  4. CathyNovember 14, 2022 at 1:54 PM

    Oh dear, I did it again. That was me above commenting… I keep forgetting to fill in who I am! LOL!

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  5. Kris PetersonNovember 14, 2022 at 4:12 PM

    Larkspur and fuchsias at the same time - that's something I've never seen here! It's a lovely and very spring-y arrangement, seemingly unaffected by Mother Nature's recent temper tantrums. I hope things settle down weather-wise in the near future.

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    1. HorticatNovember 15, 2022 at 4:14 PM

      Thanks Kris, yes considering our crazy weather, we were so lucky that the garden has soldiered on through!

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  6. AnnaNovember 15, 2022 at 2:03 AM

    Oh your vase is absolutely beautiful summery and scented too.What a beautiful border to see from your kitchen window. My larkspur hasn't germinated this autumn so I will be sowing again in the spring. Would love it to self seed anywhere! I hope that we get to meet you at a future garden meet up. It was much fun.

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    1. HorticatNovember 15, 2022 at 4:16 PM

      Thanks Anna, good luck with your larkspur germination - I've been surprised by just how tough they are, considering their delicate looks. The zoom meet-up sounds like it was a great success. Hopefully I can make the next one :)

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  7. StasherNovember 15, 2022 at 6:07 AM

    What a delightful bouquet and to bring these flowers together at the same time is deserving of a bravo.

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  8. TimelessladyNovember 15, 2022 at 11:32 AM

    Gorgeous flowers and terrific colors. I grow nigella too, I have larkspur success some years, other years it behaves finicky and won't sprout for me. The nigella self-seeds for me too. I love the pods it leaves behind.

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    1. HorticatNovember 15, 2022 at 4:18 PM

      I love self-seeders - the nigella pods are my favorite too :)

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  9. Hoover BooNovember 15, 2022 at 3:34 PM

    Larkspur--a favorite of mine, too. I don't grow it often enough.

    Enjoyed your arrangement, and the view from your kitchen. Beautiful!

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    1. HorticatNovember 15, 2022 at 4:19 PM

      Thanks, Hoover Boo. Garden views make indoor chores much more enjoyable!

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  10. AmeliaNovember 16, 2022 at 6:25 AM

    A lovely posy, Larkspur is a favorite of mine, too and I love the fuschias with the other colors. Glad you survived the crazy weather. We have it here - a November hurricane!

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    1. HorticatNovember 18, 2022 at 9:12 PM

      Thanks Amelia, yes lots of crazy weather all over it would seem! I’m glad the damage at your place wasn’t major.

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  11. AnnetteNovember 16, 2022 at 7:00 AM

    Your bouquet is truly beautiful as is your mini meadow at the back. That sedum looks very pretty - which variety is it? I'm glad your garden didn't suffer any damage. I like larkspur especially as it's so drought-tolerant. Haven't grown it up to now but will give it a go next year. I'm impressed by the size of your sweet peas! They don't like our climate at all. Best wishes

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    1. HorticatNovember 18, 2022 at 9:16 PM

      Thank you, yes it’s surprising how tough larkspur is - before I grew it, I thought it would be a prima donna, but it I’ve found it to be very tough. The sedum is ‘Autumn Joy’

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