I watched through the kitchen window as Richard struggled with this mix of greenery, trying to get it to do his bidding. He’s an artist so eventually he coaxed it into a pleasing configuration. If you have been following Cathy’s In a Vase on Monday meme, you would be forgiven if you assume that this flower arranging gig is easy-peasy. After all, the many participants consistently come up with gorgeous arrangements. To be fair, the flowers and greens themselves are pretty enough to carry the day if all you do is plunk a handful into a jug and call it good. Many of the Monday entries are real works of art and their creators often are generous with tips and tricks employed to get them there.
Those greens were still looking fresh even after sitting on our deck since the holidays. I decided to piggy-back on that success story by adding some sprigs of Nandina and three stems of Hellebore…sorry, I don’t have a name for this one but it endears itself to me by holding its head up high to show off its sweet coloring and pattern rather than nodding shyly as so many of them do.
Interesting (to me) how different it looks in different lighting situations.
Now here’s a closer look at those peachy Hellebores.
I can’t resist giving you a peek at my Valentine tulips. They were tightly furled when they arrived and looked like they would be solid red. What a pleasant surprise to see the delicate white margins as the petals opened. I’ve had mixed results from transferring potted tulips to the garden but one can hope. Speaking of hope: I hope I have convinced you to visit Cathy’s Rambling in the Garden and even to join in the weekly fun and games.
Now…if you are moved to leave a comment (and I adore getting comments) please do not be put off by the ominous “fatal error” message. I haven’t the skill to fix this annoying problem. On the up-side, your comment will appear nevertheless, so please ignore the nasty warning. Who knows what WordPress is up to here: seriously, if you have any ideas for a fix I will be eternally grateful.
So lovely and natural looking. Do you ever give classes? I would love to take some classes in floral arranging.
I might do a workshop at Joy Creek one of these days. In the meantime, you can pick up some great tips by following In a Vase on Monday.
Nicely done! The Nandina leaves do a great job of picking up the color in the hellebore flowers.
Thanks, Kris. I had you in mind (& some others) when I wrote about artful arrangements.
Oooh, that’s a beauty of a hellebore! Gorgeous. Richard did a swell job. Give that man an A.
He gets an A from me on many fronts.
Very pretty! The Nandina complements the Hellebore quite nicely.
That little, low-growing Nandina is a bright spot all winter long. Finally, it has reached a size where it can spare a few sprigs.
Wonderful additions to the long lasting greenery. I thought about cutting a couple hellebore blooms today, they’re out there looking lovely and it’s too darn cold to enjoy them!
I’m much more ruthless about cutting from the garden when it’s this cold.
That greenery was begging for something to perk it up and those hellebores are ideal! 🙂
Thanks, Cathy…I thought so too.
Yes, even those who don’t see ourselves as arrangers know we can make pleasing vases from plunking 😉 The pretty nandina leaves pick up the pink in the hellebore perfectly and Richard’s ‘pleasing configuration of greens’ was nicely enhanced by their addition. Thank you for sharing it and I hope your snow goes as quickly as it comes
The snow was a late surprise after a mild winter. Oh well, it is pretty and spring cannot be far behind.
Good to understand about the Error message; I’d stopped commenting because I thought I was the problem. If you contact WordPress they should help. I like your re purposed vase, very enterprising.
I think I need a WordPress interpreter. Glad to welcome you back…I’ve missed you.
Hmm…I’ve been trying for several months now to leave messages, and I have been put off by the fatal error message. My comments still don’t seem to appear, so I’m trying one more time. Your Valentine tulip is very pretty with its brushed white edge. When I first saw your photo I thought it was a painting.
Aha! Here you are! Glad I left that message about comments. Still having no luck leaving comments for you and several other blogspotters but I will try again. Not being a techie has its drawbacks.
I really like this one. I’ve never cut Hellebores for arrangements, but I think I really must. You’ve shown how truly beautiful they can be. Happy belated vase day!
I usually see the Hellebores floated but this one lends itself to vase life.
You’ll have to get Richard out collecting your vase material more often , at least till the weather improves . I’m ready for that to happen !
The weather was so mild all winter and then…BOOM! February happened!
Those upturning hellebores would ingraciate themselves to me as well! I do love pine sprigs in a vase. Kinda cool they’re still around from the holidays 🙂
Be seein’ ya at JC some day soon?