This is about as close as we get to celebrating Easter: a pretty table and a nice dinner.
First, let’s talk about the container. It’s not exactly a vase, nor is it exactly a basket. My kids had the good fortune to go to a school with an art department. I guess you could say I’m the lucky one, to have several of their creations in my possession. This hand-built ceramic container with interesting glaze became an Easter basket for our table. It sits upon a white dinner plate to catch water runoff and give you a sense of scale.
Three small nursery pots just fit, with moss tucked around them to camouflage any plastic bits showing. Two white mini-carnations emit that wonderful, clove-like scent, while a single pot of sedum spills over the edge. A word about the carnations. Maurice, of Joy Creek Nursery, installed a water-wise border at the Auburn rest stop south of Portland. When we visited, it had been sadly neglected by those pledged to do the small bit of maintenance it required. Despite this, there were a few plants that were thriving. One of these was Dianthus hispanicus, which I immediately added to a border where Zauschneria, another survivor, already flourished. On one of my many stops at Means nursery, I found these, listed only as min-carnations, listed for a ridiculously low price. I plan to see if they are as bullet-proof as the named variety.
I couldn’t resist adding this goofy little bunny I made a couple of years ago.
So, you see, you can stretch the definition of what constitutes a vase to join Cathy at Rambling in the Garden for In a Vase on Monday. I’m going to go one better and use it as an excuse to wish you all a Happy Belated Easter.
I love all your children’s pots. My mother kept all ours, as well. I’ve reclaimed all mine.
That goofy bunny !
Linda~I suppose I will have to release mine to their makers one of these days…but not yet.
That’s lovely rickii – the basket, the contents, your ‘goofy bunny’ and the whole overall effect Thanks for continuing to promote the thinking out of the box idea 🙂
Cathy~The longer we do this, the further out of the box we stray. It’s half the fun, don’t you think?
I just adore the clove-like scent of carnations mini or otherwise. The container is great fun and I’m sure your children are pleased you still use it!
Christina~I love that scent too, and then to find out how tough they are pushed me over the edge.
Your handmade ceramic pot suits the plants perfectly. Nice combination of textures.
Susie~Better than gathering dust, even though it was on a shelf above the computer, where I could see it.
I have all the pots I made in art packed away for now, this one makes a lovely base for the plants, I love these Dianthus, especially if they are scented.
Rona~If you do ‘In a Vase on Monday’, you may find yourself pulling out every vessel you ever packed away.
Anna~More fun! I like the way you think.
Beth~Having a big basket of moss sitting on the front deck helps to think of it in many situations. I suppose it will dry up beyond use eventually, but there’s plenty more where that came from.
Ah you did more to commemorate Easter than we did. What a great combo!
Loree~We’ll use any excuse for partying.
I love the pot! You made good use of it with the small plants and the moss. too.
Kris~Thanks you.
Love it! Happy belated Easter to you!
Peter~Thank you, sir!
In our Jewish-Lutheran family, the kids got easter baskets but also attended a semi-traditional seder. This year it was just the two of us and our older son, so we had a modified dinner without the ceremony. Love the white carnations mixed with the greenery.
Jason~Traditions are wonderful things to grow up with…even better when they can be modified to adapt to changing circumstances.
What a delightful little rabbit home (vase). The flowers and moss make it look like something out of a children’s storybook – I picture the rabbit hole on a meadow hillside now – what a perfect and unique arrangement for Easter-time. Plus – what a great and special bonus of using a child’s piece of are in the mix.
Rebecca~Your thoughtful comments are much appreciated.
I love this composition, especially because you can plant it when you’re done! It’s lovely and unique. Not your typical flowers in a vase.
Evan~Excellent point! Add to that the fact that it stays fresh looking for a very long time.
Elizabeth~Maurice, the creator of the neglected border, was very sad when I talked to him about it. Still, it graphically illustrates what will soldier on with no attention.