It can be difficult to create arrangements of greens and flowers from the garden for spaces adjacent to dramatic artwork. Or in this case, in the middle of two impressive — as well as very large — pieces. When I look at books on contemporary flower arrangements for ideas, I am most often struck by what overpowering combinations professional designers create for rooms with art. They are so over-the-top they grab all the attention.
I am more interested in trying to create something that is appealing in its own right but also subtly adds to the grouping rather than competing. I think this display works in terms of scale and weight but it is a bit bright. The bamboo and the Hakonechloa grass both wilted in a few days which was rather disappointing — especially since the bamboo in the vase at the opposite end of the room was still going strong.
I redid the grouping keeping the Hosta 'Inniswood' leaf and the tall umbrellla grass. I toned it all down with the addition of three arching stems of pale lavender Hosta flowers, a huge puckered blue gray leaf of Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' and a clump of Sedum 'Bertram Anderson' with its glaucous purple leaves. Alas, no photo of that final bouquet, but I know you gardeners can mentally picture it! (And yes, this wall is opposite the one with the Arts and Crafts oak buffet and Chinese pod vase in the prior post)
