Another small scale contribution for IAVOM from me this week, Iris reticulata ‘Katharine Hodgkin’, Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’ and a sprig of ivy, tucked into the teapot of an IKEA children’s teaset, laid out on a scrap of fabric left over from all the tablecloths and cushions I made to grace our benches and tables at last year’s NGS open days. I am pleased to say that these iris seem to multiplying nicely and that Dawn has a number of similarly bobbly pink flowers at the tips of its stems.
See what the tea party looks like from above:
Aren’t the variegated throats of the iris pretty? And the streaks on the petals?
Are there any pretties in your garden today? Or less-than-pretties perhaps? Have you considered cutting them to bring inside and pop into a vase to bring an extra bit of happiness into your home? Please share them with us too, if you like, by leaving the usual links to and from this post.
Rambling in the Garden 
Pingback: Kokodama Snowdrops | Wild Daffodil
I absolutely LOVE that iris! The markings on the petals are like butterflies’ wings. Do they have a scent? The scent of bearded iris in Summer is so gorgeous, I can’t walk past without a sniff.
Here’s my ‘vase’: https://daffodilwild.wordpress.com/2018/02/19/kokodama-snowdrops/
No scent, Sandra. And strangely, bearded iris don’t appeal to me at all, scent or no scent
Gosh, that does surprise me – bearded iris is probably my favourite flower.
I am afraid to say I find them rather ‘ugly’ – dare I say that…?! 😉
This is delightful and such a pretty collection. I love tiny arrangements and the idea of a tea party is inspired. The iris are a joy and it’s so good to see the markings up close while drinking tea, I wish I could call by! I’ve used a conventional vase but now I’m inspired to try a teapot. x
https://ablogaboutcompost.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/encouraging-spring-in-vase-on-monday.html
Thanks Alison – I was originlly thinking I would use one of my single-cup teapots but they were just too big, but conversely I thought the toy ones might be too small whereas in fact this was the perfect size!
Such a fun vase you’ve brought us this week; the lilies are so striking with their markings. I have a children’s tea set in the sale pile – may have to pull it out for future flower vase opportunities!
Iris, not lilies though, NBN! These little tea sets are also a good prop for other vases, so if you have space do hold onto yours!!
doh!
Pingback: In a Vase on Monday – Dahlias Again – Absent Gardener
That is exquisite! My Viburnum bodnantense has only had a couple flowers so far – one day I will be able to pick them. I bet it smells wonderful. Here’s my vase today – Dahlias again. https://absentgardener.com/2018/02/19/in-a-vase-on-monday-dahlias-again/
This is the first year mine has had anything I could feel justified in picking, but it has taken a long time. Up till Christmas any bloom seemed to be affected by the weather, but since then they seem to be more weatherproof 😉
I’m sure that you have provided some delicious cake for this gathering of such refined and delicate ladies Cathy. I would love to overhear their conversation. ‘Katharine Hodgkin’ is fabulous – sadly my bulbs (in a pot) have done the opposite to yours and have slowly stuttered out to a full stop this year. I will have to restock come autumn. I have irises in my vase too this week : https://greentapestry.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/in-vase-on-monday-sweet-harmony.html
Hmm, yes, they would have something quite plain, I think, like a Victoria sandwich or maybe a cream tea… 😉 I don’t know why KH is doing so well; I have 2 clumps in the shrub border and there are definitely more than I started with. Other little iris I have had in the past have disappeared without trace
Pingback: In a vase on Monday – Blossom – Creating my own garden of the Hesperides
You are lucky that your Iris reticulata are increasing; I think you are the only person I have ever heard of that happening to! Something in a different style from me today: https://myhesperidesgarden.wordpress.com/2018/02/19/in-a-vase-on-monday-blossom/
It would happen to you too Christina, if you would choose Iris histrioides instead of Iris reticulata. Just as pretty, but with slightly wider falls and more staying power.
I am surprised too that they seem so happy out there in the shrub border
I love the way of displaying them in a children’s tea-set! I have done egg-cup and espresso cups, but don’t have a lovely china dolls’ tea-set – might be on the look-out now!
Easy to pick up at car boot sales or flea markets – and IKEA of course, from where I have got three different little sets at some time or another
So pretty, thank you for inviting us to your tea party so that we can shrink ourselves to dolly- size and enjoy the company of your dear little iris. Katharine is indeed very superior company and instead of making a brief visit like many little irises , she stays around. I think this is because she has ‘histiroides’ blood in her veins.
You are very welcome, Chloris; the conversation is very refined but I am sure we could learn a thing or two 😉
Yes, I’d like to question her about her parentage. And she could teach me how to spell ‘histrioides’
Hmm, that could open a real can of worms, asking about her parentage – she might throw a hissy fit…
Sorry, I spelt that wrong, not enough vowels- histrioides’. I just checked, she is a cross between the yellow Iris winogradowii and Iris histrioides.
Yes, tut tut, make sure you get it right, Chloris! Histrioides sounds like a woman’s medical complaint, don’t you think…? 😉
Cathy, this is lovely and perfectly presented. And yes, the iris details are remarkable–I must try to get my hands on some of these (and perhaps on the ones Chloris is recommending as well). Your flower design viewed from above is just as interesting. Very nice. Thanks for hosting.
Hellebores are still getting me through these winter weeks.
https://pbmgarden.blog/2018/02/19/in-a-vase-on-monday-branch-and-bloom/
Thanks Susie, it went together so well in the end as I had not originally planned to use a teeny tea set. I am glad you liked the overhead view too – I thought the ivy was the star in this view, the way it draped around the others
A lovely tea party Cathy. I do like those little irises and am impatient to see mine. The green shoots are there, but we had a few inches of snow at the weekend again, so maybe next week! 🙂
More snow! Gosh, we have come off very lightly again this year. It’s good to hear you have at least some green shoots to herald future promise…
I was clapping in glee when I saw the title and then the first picture…gorgeous flowers enhanced by the tea set….all working beautifully together singing spring! I love Katherine and can’t wait to see her again soon. We are on a warm up this week into next with 30s-40s and maybe even a 50 or 60 degree day. No growth yet from my bulbs but maybe this week! It is still a bit too early.
Here is my link for this week….still have bulbs blooming indoors:
http://gardenseyeview.com/2018/02/19/its-no-day-at-the-beach/
I am so glad you enjoyed the vase and the title, Donna – I had intended to use the iris, but then everything else just slotted into place this week. Good to know things are warming up for you – and that you still ahve indoor bulbs to enjoy
Pingback: In a vase on Monday: home alone – enclos*ure
Wow! All we have in the garden here in Stuttgart today is snow. . . and fading tulips on the mantelpiece. https://enclosuretakerefuge.com/2018/02/19/in-a-vase-on-monday-home-alone/
Well, at least fading tulips have a charm of their own, Cindy…
A clever arrangement of some beauties from your garden. Love the tea time theme. Here is my little contribution this week: http://noellemace.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/in-vase-on-monday-small-offerings.html
Thanks Noelle, and it’s good to have you joining us this week
The new garden is still extremely sparse compared to the old one, where there were winter and spring beauties in plentiful supply. I just felt I had to get out there and make an effort.
Oh it will take time, won’t it, but at least you know the new owner of your Kenilworth house appreciated the garden you had made
Isn’t it wonderful to have friends for tea? When I grew Iris reticulata they were strictly annuals. I think the Viburnum is better in the UK. Come to think of it, tea is as well. Here is my much different vase http://theshrubqueen.com/2018/02/19/in-a-vase-on-monday-hairy-potter-and-the-goblet-of-fire/
Oh indeed – and I am sure everything isn’t better in the UK, but as long as we are happy it doesn’t really matter where we are, does it?
I have invited Katherine into my garden a number of times, but she just does not want to stay with me. How lovely that she is spreading in your garden. That is a wonderful treat. The ground here is snow-covered and frozen and rain is forecast. Not a good combo. Here is my offering: http://www.lindabrazill.com/each_little_world/2018/02/on-the-wall-on-monday-chinese-flowers.html
Sorry Katharine does not favour your tea parties – wrong cake, perhaps? 😉 Sorry to hear about your weather too, definitely not good when we want to think of spring on its way
Lovely!
It’s a sweet arrangement, Cathy. The Iris is a lovely thing. Here’s my post: https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2018/02/in-vase-on-monday-simply-honest.html
Thanks Kris
What an adorable little tea set! And the flowers you’ve chosen to put in it are perfect. I planted a darker Iris reticulata this past fall, but it hasn’t flowered yet. It was just starting to nose its way up, and now we have snow covering it. I’ve followed IaVoM on several blogs, and I’ve finally decided to join in this week. My post is here: http://bonneylassie.blogspot.com/2018/02/in-vase-on-monday.html
You are most welcome – thanks for joining us. You will find it very quickly how friendly and supportive this meme is. Sorry to hear you have yet more snow!
Love Katherine! And she loves my garden, too!
Oh that’s good to know as they don’t always stick around for more than one season
So that’s what herbal tea is. Katherine, Dawn, and Ivy are delightful tea party guests; Iris, the artist with her sparkling conversation and colorful dress, Dawn full of stories about her long career in the fragrance industry, and dear Ivy, the stalwart evergreen friend who listens intently. You really know how to throw a party, Cathy! My post is here: https://outlawgarden.blogspot.com/2018/02/in-vase-on-monday-i-get-by-with-little.html
Oh Peter, such a lovely response – you have such a good way with words 😉
Oh I love your comment Peter – you paint such a wonderful picture – it makes me smile from ear to ear! 😀
Pingback: A vase is a vase is a vase – Annettes Garten / Annette's Garden
Such a charming posy, Cathy, with three pretty girls united for a tea party. Love the title and the way you’ve taken the pictures. Ought to give Katherine a try in my garden, I think she should do fine with our climate. A friend gave me Algerian iris and I look forward to seeing them in flower. Here’s my vase: https://personaleden.wordpress.com/2018/02/19/a-vase-is-a-vase-is-a-vase/ Monsieur is cooking, I had better hurry! Have a good week 🙂
Thanks Annette – I liked the result too. How are you feeling now, and have you had your trip away?
Such a delightful vase. With my gratitude
https://johnsviccellio.com/2018/02/19/in-a-vase-on-monday-theyre-baaack/
You are very welcome John, and it’s good to have you popping n today as we don’t see you every week…
Cathy loves the tea set for children and her idea of using the teapot as a vase for the precious Iris and the beautiful Viburnum in bloom and the Ivy twig. There remains a wonderful arrangement. The Iris with its stripes is one of my favorite bulb flowers. Greetings from Margarita.
Thanks Margarita – I am not fond of all irises but I do think Katharine Hodgkin is a pretty one
Pingback: In a Vase on Monday- a peek inside my potting shed | Bramble Garden
How beautiful, and don’t they look pretty from above. The iris are really hard to photograph, I find. I love the little tea set, and the backcloth colour. All in all, a cheerful sight mid winter. Here’s my IAVOM https://bramblegarden.com/2018/02/19/in-a-vase-on-monday-a-peek-inside-my-potting-shed/
So beautiful from front and above.
Your Kathrine Hodgkin is a beauty, and of course I always love the tiny vases! 🙂 My one attempt here with I. r. Harmony was sufficiently unsuccessful to put me off trying any more. I’ll keep your advice about I. histrioides in mind though if ever I do try again. Right now I’m just hoping my Dutch and bearded iris will be blooming this year!
The weather has turned nippy here very abruptly, but there is still sunshine…: https://www.smallsunnygarden.com/2018/02/19/in-a-vase-sunny-yellow/
Just catching up on comments Amy – glad you have some sunshine despite nippy temperatures. That’s how it has been here today too
Absolutely lovely!
That is so very cute. Well done cathy. Lovely
Pingback: In a Vase on Monday – love and marriage #teamRebecca | Views from my garden bench
loving the iris – I need to look for some similar colours I’ve only got dark blue dwarf ones at the moment. I’m super late with my vase but here it is 🙂
https://viewsfrommygardenbench.wordpress.com/2018/02/21/in-a-vase-on-monday-love-and-marriage-teamrebecca-2/
And I am late replying, Bec, having hardly looked at my blog since Monday’s busy IAVOM!