Once again I have spent several days contemplating the contents of my Monday vase for the In a Vase on Monday meme, in which we show a seasonal vase of flowers picked from our own gardens. The first early peonies are going over already, but the others are just starting to open. This red one is stunning, although with no fragrance…
With some Euphorbia and Alchemilla, and a single strand of Fennel, this peony stands out even better.
And this week I even have a prop to go with my flowers…
A surprise parcel arrived this morning – a handmade beaded glass cover from my sweet and talented sister!
I think it’s beautiful, and wish I was able to make things like this.
😀
We finally have blue skies again today, so finding a photo spot was not as tricky as last week!
Hope you have a sunny week, and why not take a look at some of the other In a Vase on Monday posts which are linked on Cathy’s page at Rambling in the Garden.
Thanks for hosting Cathy!
Those pictures are beautiful and what a day it is! I love your sister’s beaded glass cover. What a great idea! I think I’ll go and cut my peony, too. 🙂 Dana
Thanks Dana. I must admit I am always hesitant to cut my peonies, but with a hot spell forecast for the next few days this one might last better in a vase! I do often bring in the fragranced ones though as they spoil so easily and the scent in the house is wonderful! Enjoy your peony too!
You are brave cutting a peony, their life is so short, even in the garden. The acid colours of the euphorbias and Alchemilla work wonderfully with the colour of the peony. Your day is much sunnier than ours.
We are having a mini heatwave Christina, so it might last better indoors… I did take a deep breath to cut it though! 😉
Cathy, you sure have a lovely eye for the beautiful! (I’ll be traveling in France in June and may miss your blog, but I’ll wave Hello!)
Have a wonderful holiday Susan – I think May must be a lovely time to travel through France.
What a lovely meme Cathy and beautifully done by you too.
Thanks Claire. Perhaps you can join in one week. It has opened my eyes to just how much there is out there worth bringing in to the house to enjoy!
You have taken so beautiful pictures of the vase and your sister´s surprise. I get summer feelings. 🙂 In the evening the High pressure syterm reached Northern Germany!
It’s very warm here Uta, and we are making the most of it while it lasts… garden work and a picnic on the lawn with the dogs are planned! 😉
Very nice job creating a contrasting setting for the beautiful red peony.
Thank you Jason. 🙂 The Euphorbia is looking so good this spring, and seems to be spreading nicely too.
Your red peony works perfectly with the chartreuse foliage. I love this–sort of a modern look. (I used peonies today also). Your blue sky is glorious–enjoy.
Thanks Susie. I really love this Euphorbia, and the Alchemilla flowers are sure to open this week too. I like your word for the colour – chartreuse – perfect!
Oh dear, I have peony envy again.
LOL! This red one is early, so the season will be extended this year. The white ones need another week at least. 😉
Very beautiful and I love the meme idea. Is this your meme or are you joining with someone? I’ll participate when I can! 🙂
It’s another Cathy who hosts – at http://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/in-a-vase-on-monday-i-can-sing-a-rainbow/
It is so enjoyable, so I do hope you can join in one week… it has got me looking at my garden much more carefully!
Beautiful display. I am intrigued with the glass cover your sister made. How lovely. I have never seen anything like it.
Isn’t it pretty! And such a good idea for summer drinks. It’s too nice to use really! LOL!
Lovely flower arrangement and so beautiful and artistic crochet-work from Susan – wonderful! Have a sunny week too, Cathy!
Thank you Elisabeth. Enjoy this wonderful sunshine and put your feet up in the shade! 😀
I struggled to leave a comment on your blog last night as it kept timing out, so don’t know if you will end up with a duplicated one! You are quite right about the alchemilla and euphorbia setting off the peony – I must remember that I have plenty of the former that I could use and will perhaps think about getting some of this euphorbia too. Thanks for this lovely vase 🙂 We have had lots of blue sky here but are expecting rain for the rest of the week now (don’t mind, I must be honest!)
Hi Cathy. This is a good way of using up some of the Alchemilla. I pull out huge quantities every year and it still grows back! We are looking forward to a week of sunny weather, but by the weekend we’ll be begging for rain too! 😉
Lovely arrangement. I adore peonies. Your sister’s glass cover is a brilliant idea for summer days in the garden.
Thank you Chloris. My sister has both talent and inspiration! Peony season is just beginning and I love them more and more each year too. 🙂
Doesn’t the red peony look great against the acid green – you have such a good eye for colour.
That’s a kind comment Sarah – thank you! My first peony to flower is pink, and is directly in front of a clump of Euphorbia and Fennel, so the idea came from there. 🙂
What a great way to show off your peony. And what a clever sister, I could use something like that to protect my mugs of tea from the flies!
It’s an ingenious idea, and so pretty too. Yes, I have a very clever and gifted sister! 😀
How beautiful! Have a great week!
Thanks Eunice – you too! 🙂
🙂
Looooove peonies. I have some gorgeous pink ones I cAnnot let go even though they are passed their full bloom
They are fleeting aren’t they. Wouldn’t be without them though!
Beautiful! I was pleased you took a close up of the beads on the cover your sister made, little gems, so pretty. I love the contrast of the red peony with the lime of the euphorbia.D.
Thanks Dorris! There are so many lovely fresh greens around now, despite the early heat we’ve had. 🙂