In a Vase on Monday: Fuzz and Froth

Just a subtle hint of fuzz and froth that is, fuzz from the seedheads of Clematis alpina ‘Constance’ and froth from the tiny double flowers of a dark pink hawthorn. I had picked some cow parsley from the local verges this morning for potential inclusion, but decided that homegrown was preferable and that the first showing of pink hawthorn flowers for a number of years deserved to be celebrated. The hawthorn and a dog rose were planted on the streamside boundary a number of years ago, along with self-seeded hazels and hollies from elsewhere in the garden, as there was only a post and rail fence before that. As we all know, plants have a habit of growing and the dog rose in particular was beginning to make access to the chickens difficult, removing the Golfer’s hat every time he passed, not to mention completely smothering the hawthorn. The word ‘Butcher’ could be introduced here, but at least the hawthorn has re-emerged and put on a token show of pink froth.

Tunnel vision was required for today’s vase, firmly focussing on clematis and ignoring the possibility that other contenders may be past their best by the next available ‘free’ Monday. As well as Constance’s spent heads and the hawthorn sprig, a clutch of flowers from C montana ‘Warwickshire Rose’ and montana ‘Marjorie’ were included, together with some bronze-leaved tendrils of the former, and placed in a simple dumpy glass vase (sold as a tea light holder). Unable to come up with any appropriate frothy or fuzzy props the vase was placed against the wallpapered background of tiny pink roses on the floor of the upstairs landing, another potential photographic location that had not been considered before. The geographical boundaries of dusting seriously need widening….

Another simple vase, but perhaps all the more pleasurable for this. Last week’s vase has sat on the table all week, and although the aquilegia have faded in colour the astrantia looks as if it could have been picked this morning and will, I suspect, feature in various other vases over the next few months in some form or other. If you would like to join those of us who are finding that creating a vase on Monday is  something we look forward to from week to week then please do, either occasionally or regularly. Post your pickings (from your garden or round about) and link to and from this post if you would like us to have a peep at what you have found. You would be very welcome.