Having cut spent flowering stems from all the hellebores over the weekend, amassing a large trugful of them, rather than compost them all I decided to use several stems in today’s vase. Not only was it the last opportunity this year to use hellebores in a vase, but this time I could also be sure, with seedpods well-swollen, that the stems will remain upstanding, unlike vases when the blooms were fresher. I wish I could tell you what colour the original blooms were, but I can’t; now, they are a very pale green with dark speckled centres, giving them a kind of vintage appearance.
The bundle of stems, perhaps 20 or more as there were several multi-stems amongst them, were placed in one of my Caithness Glass ‘Ebony’ vases, always a pleasure to use but generally too big for my usual more modest bunches, and joined by a Playmobil cowboy (or cowgirl, more likely, judging by the hair), which came to light during a sort-through of childhood toys belonging to my now very grown-up girls. I am sure he or she could soon sort out any trouble in their local saloon!
If you would like to join us today on IAVOM with a vase of gleanings from your own garden or foraged nearby, then please do so by leaving the usual links to and from this post.
Rambling in the Garden 
Can you use these seed pods to grow more?
They would need to have ripened more before they were cut, I think
So I could end up with lots of them!
Yes indeed – but I was wrong, as these were shedding seeds before the end of the week! 😁
The seed pods really add to the look of the flowers, don’t they? Give them a bit of an air of mystery…
Yes, I agree Chris
Your hellebores make a grand statement all on their own. I like to use them at this green stage for foliage too. Great vase choice. https://pbmgarden.blog/2024/05/06/in-a-vase-on-monday-peonies-posing/
Have a good week ahead and thanks for hosting.
I stripped off the lowest foliage of these, but decided they didn’t need anything else – although I suppose a few bare twigs might have enhanced them.
So pretty, well done for not composting them immediately
Well, there were plenty more for the compost heap, Sharon!!
Very nice. The spent blooms with seed pods are as beautiful as the fresh blooms, and definitely nifty. And their companion is fun. 🙂 Thanks again for hosting.
https://plantpostings.blogspot.com/2024/05/simple-scents-of-spring.html
Yes, I agree these spent blooms are just as attractive
I think you are in a seasonal transition too! I like the stage of flower, they have an antique feel. Do you think they will last longer cut? https://theshrubqueen.com/2024/05/06/in-a-vase-on-monday-interlude/
From past experience I have learned that they do, although saying that even these seem to have flopped a little
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It is a pity that fresh hellebores don’t last in a vase, but I find they are just as beautiful at this stage, and the bonus is that they will last.
My vase this week, although current for me, is old news for you. 🙂 https://wp.me/p3O3z4-3ec
Yes, and it extends their season too, especially as they began blooming in January and we are now in May!
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I am so glad they didn’t end up on the compost heap Cathy and what a good idea – and inspiration – to use some in a vase. They are still very pretty at this stage. I do like that vase Cathy and don’t remember seeing it before. Here is my vase for today – also a bit larger than normal. 😃
I have several of the vases from the Ebony collection, Cathy, bought as decorative items before the blog was started. There was a Caithness Glass factory shop in Oban, near where my Mum is, and they will all have been seconds. They did a red version too, like Chinese lacquer, but that didn’t appeal in the sma way
I love when they turn green. Beautifully massed into a lovely vase to savor early spring a bit longer. https://gardenseyeview.com/2024/05/06/in-a-vase-on-monday-may-day/
Yes, it would have been almost criminal not to use at least a few of them!
Lovely Colors and vase, the little character is sweet. It reminds me of my boys Lego men. I enjoy that shade of green and search for annuals that capture that early Spring shade. I found some green Nicotiana this past weekend and was satisfied that I will at least have a few blossoms of green. Now to search for the green verbena I loved last year. I am including a link to my post for this week.
Timeless Lady- A Few Words, With Artful Applications.: In A Vase On Monday – Blue Lagoon with Books (kadrissel-words.blogspot.com)
Green flowers are so appealing, aren’t they?
Hmm, I have been unable to comment on your post as it wants me to sign in with Google but then doesn’t recognise my Google password…
I’m having the same issue, not sure how to proceed!
I’m hoping it’s just a Google glitch and they will resolve it in due course
I usually post my Vases on my WordPress blog, but started decided to go through Google this time. I’ll try to post on WordPress in the future. Thanks for trying!
It wasn’t just your blog I had a problem with, so I guessed it may be a Google glitch…it just seemed odd that it didn’t recognise my Google password
The faded elegance of those hellebores is every bit as attractive as if they were in full flow Cathy. An excellent post title. I can’t remember though ever seeing a character in a Western film wearing such a pristine white colour 😀 My vase is here : https://greentapestry.blogspot.com/2024/05/iavom-darling-buds-of-may.html
Yes, I agree Anna – and about the Persil-white cowboy!! 🤣
I’m impressed by just how long even cut stems of hellebores will last, Cathy. I kept 2 stems in my clasped hands vase for 3 or more weeks, long after their companions were retired. How wonderful that you have so many to fill a vase that large! This week I assembled a lot of broken flower stems following unexpected rain and a full day of gusty winds: https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-vase-on-monday-casualties-of-wind.html
3 or more weeks? That is amazing, Kris! Sorry to hear about the wind and rain damage, although I suppose you were still pleased to have some unexpected rain to build up reserves…
This is my third attempt to leave a comment today – fingers crossed for success this time. Love your arrangement of hellebore and glad they were saved from the compost heap. Here’s the link to my offering today: https://silverscrappers.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-vase-on-monday-bluebells-and-grannys.html
Oh, so sorry Elizabeth, I wonder why that was? Mind you, I have had to approve this comment, although I don’t know why as you have been commenting off and on for a number of years
Oh dear, I seem to be having problems commenting when I am asked to sign in with Google, as it is not recognising my Google password
Do these need to be removed to limit proliferation of feral seedlings?
That’s why I do it these days, Tony – in the ‘old days’ when I didn’t have many hellebores I wouldn’t have bothered!
I love the seed pod stage of the flowers. They are really beautiful and unusual.i like to make the best of everything and these flowers allow me to do that. You’d laugh, as my lounge is currently full of little Playmobile people – brought out of the loft and 30 years old- for my 2.5 year old grandson. He loves them just as much as his mother did. We have to be careful where we step! Have a great day Cathy. Karen x
By the end of the week they were shedding their seeds all around the vase! Yes, I did laugh at the coincidence of the PlayMobil people 🤣 We only had a few and they were in a mixed box of Puppies/Kittens in My Pocket…did your daughters have those? My weekly grandchildren are 6 and 7, so I allow them the box of Lego only if it’s a full day and not just after school, but I insist they do it on the kitchen table 😉
Yes, puppies and kittens galore! Happy happy days. Xx
Just remembered we also had little ponies that came on the front of magazines.
Hmm, we had ponies too, but not from magazines – I can’t remember what range they were from. And lots of Care Bears… 💗
The little swashbuckler made me laugh, what a cute addition!
I try to include props each week, Tracey, and with lots of ‘stuff’ in our house I can usually find something appropriate!