As I recently said, who can resist when the vendors at the local Farmers Market are selling the plants you wish you were growing. So here is my arrangement of Chinese lanterns that I purchased at the market.
I removed that lone pod sitting on the table in order to get the stems into the vase the way I wanted. This is a delicate plant and the dried stems were not easy to arrange. Then again, not many plants offer so much drama in color and form. The vase is by our friend Delores Fortuna and offers its own drama.
I had been on the verge of dismantling this summery display for something more autumnal than hand-held fans. But all those orange objects wanted to be together.
The arrival of a Blue Hydrangea sent the lanterns to the opposite end of the room where they nicely catch morning light.
To see how other gardeners put together a vase this morning, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden who hosts this most satisfying meme.
What a delightful fall arrangement. How long do they last? It would be wonderful to be able to grow these but I have never seen them growing anywhere.
Posted by: Jenny | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 07:06 AM
What a gorgeous display! I did grow these but unfortunately they tend to take over the garden.
Posted by: Miller Jane | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 08:38 AM
I see them for sale at the local farmers markets but have never tried growing them. They last quite a while. I've had mine for at least a month in a vase with no water. A few of the end ones are losing color, so it will be interesting to watch them age.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 09:00 AM
Good to know. I had a vague feeling they were like bittersweet: something you never want to plant!
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 09:02 AM
I love these. The cheerful orange lanterns are a joy of the season.
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 09:05 AM
What a perfect vase for autumn and I love the waviness ....really breathtaking!
Posted by: Donna@Gardens Eye View | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 09:13 AM
I've been tempted to make the purchase and I think your lovely display may have just pushed me over the edge!!
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 11:09 AM
They're a bit awkward to work with since the stems are stiff. They were banded together in a bunch so I was not even sure what I had until I got home and went to work. A fun challenge.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 11:26 AM
Every time I see these little orange lanterns they remind me of a time during my childhood when I would walk by the neighbors short wall and these would be cascading over the edge. I loved to pick them and expose the little orange seed inside. I am sure she didn't appreciate my picking at her flowers but I couldn't resist.
Love your arrangement and the vase is just perfect. Happy IAVOM.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 01:04 PM
Just right for this time of year.
Posted by: AlisonC | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 02:09 PM
I love this arrangement. :) I have them in my garden (given to me by a well-meaning neighbour) and would advise you to simply buy them from the market again next year rather than plant them as they are VERY invasive! ;-)
Posted by: Cathy | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 03:18 PM
My mom grew these when we were kids. Does make me wonder why I don't. Quite pretty.
Posted by: Erin @ The Impatient Gardener | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 03:26 PM
I've seen those lantern-flowered plants in our local garden center but have never purchased them. Perhaps I should give the plant a try just to see how well they do here - my guess is that, like the potted chrysanthemums that appear around the same time, they're an expensive annual. They make a pretty - and intriguing - display in your home, especially backed by that wonderful plate.
Posted by: Kris P | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 03:37 PM
Oh what a cheerful autumn display Linda which would light up the gloomiest day. I purchased a couple of stems of these earlier this month from a country market for the very same reason as you. I've always admired them from afar because of their reputed thuggish tendencies. Maybe time though to give them a go.
Posted by: Anna | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 03:51 PM
Ever since I was a kid, I've loved Chinese lanterns. I should look for some... they'd look great with my lunaria.
Posted by: Eliza Waters | Monday, October 23, 2017 at 09:16 PM
That plate is from Anthropologie where I don't buy many things. But I couldn't resist the size or colors.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 08:40 AM
Lots of commenters have said they are thuggish, so be careful.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 08:40 AM
Chinese lanterns are magical, but really are best grown in OPGs (Other People’s Gardens). I like what you’ve done with yours.
Posted by: Helen at Toronto Gardens | Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 08:09 PM
OPGs! I have to remember that.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 08:57 PM