Today is special, Cathy at Rambling in the Garden‘s blog is 5 years old and she has a very special vase to share with us today.
Cathy has inspired and encouraged us all with this great meme. Monday really wouldn’t be the same without it. Thank you Cathy and Happy Blogaversary!
Suddenly after 3 very warm days and despite the coldish nights all the trees are in blossom; there are wild plums everywhere and one of my cultivated plums is covered in white flowers, but it is the pretty pink blossom of the peach tree that I have included in my vase today.
I decided to attempt an Ikebana design (this is a first for me) using a stem clamp and pins that I bought in England at Christmas when I was in a florists’supplier to buy the necessary equipment for the flower display for the top of my MIL’s coffin.
The shop was a treasure trove and my thanks go to Julie at Peonies and Posies for recommending it to me.
In a vase on Monday
The design features Peach blossom, Anemone coronaria ‘Sylphide’, Tulip Mount Tacoma and Tulip Double Negrita and a stem of Spirea ‘Bridal Wreath’
I’m pleased with this as a first attempt.
Why not pick something from your own garden to help Cathy celebrate.
Gorgeous and creative! Did you enjoy designing in this style? It’s a beautiful mix of pink and white–the peach branches are alluring. Last week’s cold snap in our area is rumored to have greatly damaged peach crops in our region.
Yes Susie it was fun doing something different.
This is one of my favourites. The peach blossom is sensational and the others complement it perfectly.
Thank you, I’m new to this type of design. It’s always good to challenge oneself.
I love the colours here, and the peach branch is so graceful. Delicious anemones.
The Anemones are an absolute joy this year; all the plants have grown and so are producing many flowers; so no problem cutting some.
Beautiful! I love what you’ve done today. Perfect for Kathy’s celebration and the first day of spring!
Thanks Marian, it is always good to challenge oneself by doing something different.
For your first attempt, you have scored a winner. Thanks.
Thanks John, beginner’s luck!
Your arrangement turned out really well.
Stunning! You’ve made a spring delight and the container is perfect for the season and the flowers!
Thanks Peter, I didn’t want to miss out on the blossom as it is very short-lived
Gorgeous and I love the simplicity of blossoms -timeless.
Thanks Sue; it’s nice that everyone approves of my attemp.
Your words are so true, Christina, couldn’t have said it any better. Beautiful vase too, so romantic and well balanced, bravo xx
Thank you Annette.I always like to give praise where it is due.
Hi, Christina, you are brave to try yourself at Ikebana and I think it turned out pretty well. Did you use a book or take a class to learn Ikebana?
When I was still living in Berlin, I had a Japanese florist around the corner. This florist was absolutely top notch. He made the most stunning flower arrangements using traditional Ikebana techniques combined with modern ones. I recall that he was always bending and shaping the stems and branches of the material that he used. Guess, I will never forget that guy ;-)!
Happy spring to you!
Christina
No, I’ve never been to a class nor do I have a book, although now I may look for one. I’ve seen others who are very proficient at this style, Susie at http://pbmgarden.wordpress.com/ for one!
It’s a beautiful arrangement, Christina! I love the colors you blended so well. The purple tulip was the perfect addition to bring out the darker color at the centers of the peach blooms. Well done! The poor beleaguered peach tree at the bottom of my back slope (uncovered when we took out the giant Yucca that grew there) is also blooming but last week’s heat gave it a wallop. Cooler temperatures returned today (with some rain to follow perhaps) so maybe that will freshen the blooms for future use.
I’m glad you mentioned the purple tulip; at first I hadn’t used it but then I felt it needed something of more weight at the LHS so the double Negrita seemed to fit the bill.
I would never have guessed this was a first attempt – it is stunning and looks so artistic and professional!
Beginner’s luck I think! But thank you for your encouragement, that’s one of the great things about blogging.
I am so glad you gave it a go, Christina – and I do hope you are pleased with the result yourself. That peach blossom is amazing – such dense blossom – and seeing the spirea makes me realise this is the white spray we couldn’t recognise at the NGS county lunch we were at yesterday. It’s interesting that using a basket instead of a ‘hard’ ikebana vase seems to soften the whole arrangement – the whole effect is lovely and thanks for sharing it
I basket (which I’ve used many times before) holds a glass dish for the water. if I find any ‘proper’ Ikebana vases I would buy one to see the different effect.
Very Ikebana! love the colors and especially the basket,
Fun to try!
I have tried a couple, my vases are always too tall.
Bridal Wreath is a perfect accompaniment for the lovely blossom Christina! I like the pink anemone at the base and the deep pink tulip, emphasising the pink of the blossom.
It was a very satisfying experiment Cathy, one I’ll try again.
Bellissima Cristina! la spirea doppia è deliziosa!
Non avrei pensato di comprarlo, ma, mi piace molto.
A beautifully creative display with all those pinks. It’s good to challenge ourselves and you’ve succeded in your attempt. I love the peach blossom, something I can only really dream of.
If it’s any colsolation we don’t often actually get any peaches on the tree!
This is absolutely gorgeous, Christina. Wow! ❤
Thank you Eliza, glad you like it.
That’s an impressive first attempt, Christina, you’re a natural! The delicate spirea and single tulip are inspired touches.
Thanks Kate as I said to the others, I think it was probably beginner’s luck!
Christina beautiful vase Ikebana. I love the Anemones and the Peach. The wicker vase is the touch of the artist inside and who dares everything and everything is wonderful. Congratulations on your vase. Greetings from Margarita.
Gorgeous arrangement. Your fruit trees are away ahead of mine – no blossom to be seen here yet! The anemones are beautiful and look perfect alongside the peach blossom. Simply lovely!
Thanks Elizabeth
That’s exquisite Christina.
Thank you 😊
Wow that’ s a winner! Exquisite Christina, well done.
Beautiful. A very successful change of style. The blossom is wonderful.