I’m still trying to figure out the best time to cut Solidago ‘Fireworks’ to get the best performance in a vase.
Solidago ‘Fireworks’
Here it is, growing in a sunny spot. If I cut it at this stage, it quickly fades in the vase.
I have it growing in several places so I sought out a shadier area to cut a couple of stems just coming into bloom.
Blooming nearby was Helianthus maximilianii. Then I added some Pennisetum (?) seed heads to reflect the smoky color of the vase.
Ah yes, the vase: another goody from Goodwill. I like the way the stems show, faintly, through the heavy, smoky glass.
It took me a while to realize it but a candlestick nearby insinuated itself into the composition, echoing the color and shape of the vase.
We found it at a street market in India. All of the wares on display were shiny new brass objects. You had to ask to get to see the old stuff buried in baskets under piles of gaudy new textiles. This doesn’t qualify as an authentic antique because a candle holder was added to what was originally an oil lamp.
I don’t give a hoot about authenticity…am just charmed by the figures and the patina of age.
Taking a look back at last week’s vase: I was getting ready to dismantle it, when something struck me about the forms of the dead Kniphofias. I’ve been immersed in The Dry Bold Border, with a wealth of fabulous photos from the Ruth Bancroft Garden. I’ve often thought that the knifs are about as close as we can get to the look of those incredible blooming Aloes of desert gardens. It seems even in death they bring something of the dry garden aesthetic to our PNW eyes. How I do go on. In a Vase on Monday has a way of getting us going about the flowers that we grow and, by extension, all sorts of other things. Thanks, Cathy, for dreaming up this addictive meme. It’s one addiction for which there is no cure, and aren’t we glad of that!
I love those Helianthus blooms. Is the plant perennial in your climate?
It is not only perennial but multiplies to a nearly alarming degree. At 7′ tall, it creates a nice screen along a fenceline.
My Helianthus from you are finally blooming. I always forget how late they are. Your Solidago goes nicely with them. And please do go on – I love reading your rambling thoughts!
Oh, I love hearing that my plants are doing well in their adoptive homes.
A striking arrangement and I love the fascinating candle holder. I’ve found that some goldenrods hold better in a vase than others. I love using it in a vase this time of year.
This is the only goldenrod that I grow. I’m not generally fond of rich yellows but a lot of them have found their way in, nevertheless.
Yes, there’s no way out, rickii – and it’s contagious too 🙂
I really enjoyed reading your post today, sharing your discoveries alongside you and fellow bloggers. Such a fresh arrangement today, with the perfect blend of green and yellow
Thanks, Cathy…you have us all hooked on our drug of choice.
I like the fact that your vase is so airy compared to the bounty that many gardeners are showing this week. And I love the shot of last week’s vase. Talk about a beautiful way to go!
Others have more in the way of bounty but, as Cathy has demonstrated, there is always SOMETHING to stick in a vase. I actually enjoy the challenge as the available materials begin to diminish.
The Helianthus is a wonderful plant, despite its desire to take over the world! Mine has spread alarmingly this summer, so I will be digging some up this autumn! Lovely vase Ricki, with the smoky undertones. 🙂
I’m going to do some digging out too, just to thin it out. Luckily, people still seem to be willing to take it off my hands.
That candlestick is very interesting. It works well with the floral selections in your vase.
Thanks, Susie…it is always around, a sure formula for being taken for granted. Glad I thought to bring it front and center.
Solidago ‘Fireworks’ is awesome! I planted it at a pollinator garden I work on, and it’s so reliable–coming back year after year, when other plants often disappoint. I had ZigZag Goldenrod here, but the rabbits ate it down to the ground–along with many more plants. I don’t like rabbits. All your arrangements are awesome!
At least we don’t have rabbits! (knock wood) Always something to be thankful for.
Very pretty! Love the candlestick, it’s story and your going on!
So happy to hear that my “going on” doesn’t put you off. Thanks for kind words.