In a vase on Monday

Snowdrops are blooming in my garden! Just outside the library window on the south side of the house are a number of clumps of the common double Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis flore pleno, below) while a hidden corner of the garden has a nice little group of G. 'Magnet.' I wrote about 'Magnet' last year when they bloomed beautifully in their first season in the garden. They have become an instant favorite! The Snowdrops are numerous enough that I felt free to bring a few indoors for a Monday bouquet. Flore pleno are on the right and Magnet on the left in the photo below.

I have had this pair of Chinese cloisonné vases on little stands since I left home after graduating from college. I used to pick violets for my mother to put in them when I was growing up. She inherited the vases from her mother. Each Spring I still use them for violets: white in one vase and purple in the other. Their delicate stature means they are perfect for many spring ephemerals. Their small size also means they will fit in spots that are not big enough to hold most of my other containers.

This sandstone Buddha is on a pedestal at the end of the hall that leads from our bedroom to the rest of the house. So his smiling countenance greets us every morning. The perfect way to start the day.

He's 18th Century Burmese (Shan period) and is making a characteristic hand gesture known as a mudra. This particular mudra is the Vajrapradama Mudra and symbolizes unshakable self-confidence.  

To see what other gardeners have found to put in a vase today, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden who hosts this Monday meme.

Comments

[Les]

I've not seen a Buddha like this. I can see why you like being greeted by it in the morning.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Sweet vases and their occupants are divine. You are lucky to have something of your Mother's that is so handy and holds such fond memories. Happy Monday.

[Susie]

Treasures large and small. Wonderful you have the special memory of using the vases for violets for your mother.

[Amelia]

Beautiful Snowdrops and I love the Buddha, does he give you confidence?

[Noelle]

What a charming post, the snowdrops are for purity, the vases for beauty and remembrance, and your statue for peace and serenity...thank you for sharing.

[Linda from Each Little World]

Noelle — Thanks you for your beautiful observation on my arrangement. It adds a whole other layer of enjoyment.

[Linda from Each Little World]

Amelia — ​I'm not sure he gives me confidence but certainly much pleasure!

[Linda from Each Little World]

Lisa and Susie — Those vases are among my most treasured possessions for the memories but it is so nice to be able to bring them out and use them.

[Peter/Outlaw]

Confidence that winter will soon be over! Love the combination of your special vases and handsome Buddha. It's dramatic and beautiful!

[Linda from Each Little World]

Peter — ​Peter — I may have actually been writing the word "dramatic" on your post when up popped an email notice that you'd commented on my post, having also used the same word. Great minds thinking alike and up early on the computer.

[Kris P]

The beautiful vases and their contents at his feet add to the Buddha's majesty.

[Cathy]

Love the Buddha - and your little vases are spot on for the snowdrops. An absolutely delightful pairing today - thanks Linda!

[Donna@Gardens Eye View]

I love those Chinese cloisonné vases and they are perfect for the snowdrops!