Yesterday was Garden Bloggers Bloomday, I didn't post (busy weekend, extra busy Sunday) but thought I'd make up for it today. Instead I've got some amazing Peonies that simply I have to share, after all it's time for In a Vase on Monday. So...my Bloomday coverage is put off another day, post to follow tomorrow. In the mean time...
Peony Power! My friend, cohort and "neighbor" (less than a mile away, that counts...right?) Patricia put out the 911, she was leaving town and her Peonies were in overdrive. Anyone want to come collect a bouquet? You don't have to ask me twice...
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I've only got one (inherited) Peony in my garden and this year it's only got one bloom, I think it's being shaded out by the plants growing all around.
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So I was very happy to take a few voluptuous blossoms home and put them in a vase...
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I ended up with three separate arrangements, all with foliage from my Cotinus ‘Royal Purple' to compliment the flowers.
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And in case you were wondering, no ants. Not a single one.
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The small pink bouquet on the dining table leads to the overblown pair on the mantle.
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This is my favorite. Look at those flowers!
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It was pure coincidence there were other pops of yellow already on the mantle, like these Craspedia globosa (Billy Buttons) which I've had forever.
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Joining the fried egg (NOID) Peonies are both foliage and flower from the Cotinus ‘Royal Purple', here's the flower...
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And a few stems of Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' – I wanted another floral element but not one that over powered.
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After all, these should be the star.
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Oh and there are also a few stems of a Clematis montana.
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The third vase was as close to a black and white theme as I've done.
![]()
White Peonies with the dark Cotinus foliage.
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I think they're all rather dreamy.
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And I have to admit I've spent quite a bit of time just staring at them.
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You may have noticed it's not just vases and flowers on the mantle...
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Some of my husbands recent artwork is also displayed. These figures are based on old filament bulbs, via a display at the Huntington (believe it or not the Huntington is not just about the plants).
![]()
This is a commissioned piece, part Bible story and part bear in our backyard.
![]()
This is not a "feel good" piece, blood has been shed.
![]()
This is one of my favorite sculptures of his, from a show years ago, before we moved to Portland.
![]()
But back to the flowers...I picked up this tiny used book at Powell's a few weeks ago. Published in 1966 the book itself has seen better days, but I found it charming – and a little odd.
![]()
A bit grandiose, but stylish. Based on what? Who knows, but it seems to take itself very seriously.
![]()
Behold the Peony. Shame shame...
![]()
So in case you're happening by for the first time...In a Vase on Monday is a Garden Blogger's meme. We're encouraged to take cuttings from our gardens (or, as in this case ones from our own gardens and those of a friend) and put them into a vase. Take photos put together a blog post and share a link on the blog Rambling in the Garden, where Cathy started it all. Then, if you're so inspired, you can click through to see what other gardeners have created, it really is great fun. Finally...thank you Patricia for the Peonies, they've been such a treat!
![]()
All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Peony Power! My friend, cohort and "neighbor" (less than a mile away, that counts...right?) Patricia put out the 911, she was leaving town and her Peonies were in overdrive. Anyone want to come collect a bouquet? You don't have to ask me twice...
I've only got one (inherited) Peony in my garden and this year it's only got one bloom, I think it's being shaded out by the plants growing all around.
So I was very happy to take a few voluptuous blossoms home and put them in a vase...
I ended up with three separate arrangements, all with foliage from my Cotinus ‘Royal Purple' to compliment the flowers.
And in case you were wondering, no ants. Not a single one.
The small pink bouquet on the dining table leads to the overblown pair on the mantle.
This is my favorite. Look at those flowers!
It was pure coincidence there were other pops of yellow already on the mantle, like these Craspedia globosa (Billy Buttons) which I've had forever.
Joining the fried egg (NOID) Peonies are both foliage and flower from the Cotinus ‘Royal Purple', here's the flower...
And a few stems of Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' – I wanted another floral element but not one that over powered.
After all, these should be the star.
Oh and there are also a few stems of a Clematis montana.
The third vase was as close to a black and white theme as I've done.
White Peonies with the dark Cotinus foliage.
I think they're all rather dreamy.
And I have to admit I've spent quite a bit of time just staring at them.
You may have noticed it's not just vases and flowers on the mantle...
Some of my husbands recent artwork is also displayed. These figures are based on old filament bulbs, via a display at the Huntington (believe it or not the Huntington is not just about the plants).
This is a commissioned piece, part Bible story and part bear in our backyard.
This is not a "feel good" piece, blood has been shed.
This is one of my favorite sculptures of his, from a show years ago, before we moved to Portland.
But back to the flowers...I picked up this tiny used book at Powell's a few weeks ago. Published in 1966 the book itself has seen better days, but I found it charming – and a little odd.
A bit grandiose, but stylish. Based on what? Who knows, but it seems to take itself very seriously.
Behold the Peony. Shame shame...
So in case you're happening by for the first time...In a Vase on Monday is a Garden Blogger's meme. We're encouraged to take cuttings from our gardens (or, as in this case ones from our own gardens and those of a friend) and put them into a vase. Take photos put together a blog post and share a link on the blog Rambling in the Garden, where Cathy started it all. Then, if you're so inspired, you can click through to see what other gardeners have created, it really is great fun. Finally...thank you Patricia for the Peonies, they've been such a treat!
All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.