In a vase on Monday: Roger Banks-Pye: Nos. 1 and 2

Roger Banks-Pye was the interior design director for the decorating division of of the famed British firm, Colefax & Fowler. I first learned his name when I found the book pictured below at a second-hand book store. I loved much of his design style, but what really stuck with me was Banks-Pye's philosophy of decorating with flowers. I actually wrote down a few of his statements and still refer to them.

Banks-Pye believed "in making flowers an intrinsic part of the smaller decorative scene rather than a louder solo statement." Though I sometimes make those loud solo statements, I most often make tiny bouquets to put in the bathrooms or on the kitchen window sill which fit into his philosophy. Banks-Pye liked things like parsley in silver cups. Alas our spell of hot weather caused my parsley to bolt, so I turned to variegated Lemon Thyme which is doing wonderfully well this year. It doesn't always make it through the winter in our zone but it did so last year. 

If you look closely you will see that this little silver mug is engraved "Mark." Yes, it is my husband's baby cup and not looking too bad after 70 years! I don't think I've ever put flowers in it in the past. Or I certainly haven't done it often enough to remember. But it makes a rather sweet little statement.

Banks-Pye also thought that small containers should hold disproportionately large flowers. I decided I would give that concept a try as well. I picked another silvery container; this time a mint julep cup that is not suitable for food! I put a tiny kenzan in it for stability and to hold the flowers in place because I thought that big flowers might tip over a small container. 

After looking at it, I decided that this arrangement needed something else in order to meet Banks-Pye's criteria, so I added another flower and a trailing piece of foliage. I think it is a better example of his concept this way. 

To see what other gardeners are snipping and arranging in vases this morning, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden who hosts this weekly meme.

 

Comments

[Cindy at enclos*ure]

I really love the repetition of checks on the book cover.

[Linda Brazill]

I like that checkered cover space as well but he did a blue and white kitchen that had so much pattern it made me dizzy.

[Cathy]

Yes, it used to surprise me how attractive a teeny tiny vase was - just as pleasurable as a big one. I am still a bit slow at having them around the house though - it tends to be when there are off cuts, although I now have several little pots of sweet peas after yesterday! Your clematis vase in particular is very striking - thanks for sharing, Linda

[Barbara H.]

Lovely, Linda. I've not heard of him but you've clearly gained inspiration from his book.

[Leanne Conrad]

I love all three vases! The book looks very interesting as well.

[Peter/Outlaw]

Well done! You'd make Roger proud.

[Eleanor]

What a lovely use for such a family heirloom, and how nice to bring something so simple as thyme indoors to enjoy. I bet the smell is delightful.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Very artsy that tiny vase is.
Very sweet having something in Mark's childhood mug. I am amazed that you/he still have it after all this time. ;)

[Linda Brazill]

I don't think it is surprising that a woman might have an item from childhood like that. But for a guy to have it seems unusual to me. But he tends to hang onto special things.

[Loree / danger garden]

Love the clematis with the trailing foliage. My baby cup (silver, but no engraving) is in our bathroom cabinet and holds Qtips...