In pots and bowls on Monday

Roger Banks-Pye was the interior design director for the decorating division of of the famed British firm, Colefax & Fowler. He had strong opinions on many subjects, including one I whole-heartedly agree with: "Though there are moments when plain white walls might seem a relief, these moments are rare, and should be discouraged."

His interiors often included flowers and plants. One of the other lessons I took away from him is the concept that "all greens go together." Since my garden is still presenting more white (snow) than green, I'm using these small green indoor plants in pots as my offering this week. I bought them at the grocery store at least a month ago and am managing to keep them alive, though none of them will survive outdoors in my Zone.

I put my three little pots of greenery where I could see them but they were dwarfed by the space. Thus I decided that if all greens worked together then I might as well add some other types and colors of green to the mix — like my new ceramic frog. He's destined to go outdoors hidden in the garden come Spring.

When I was in grad school I traded one of my textile art works, for a group of three pears. They are hand-knit of hand-dyed wool and are life size with real stems. Over the years they've been joined by a wide variety of other pears which I display periodically in this very large glass bowl. 

To read about Roger Banks-Pye's other floral concepts and to see how I interpreted them, click on these links: No. 1, 2 and 3. If you would like to see what gardeners around the world have put into a vase this morning, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden who hosts this long-running meme.

Comments

[Donna@GardensEyeView]

Love those opinions and I agree with them....3rd winter storm coming so we are all white. I need more green indoors and out! Wonderful display.

[Peter/Outlaw]

Great green goddess it's gorgeous! Your big bowl of pears is fab. Thanks for the links to your Roger Banks-Pye interpretations. His interiors are marvelous.

[Linda Brazill]

We've had most of our snow in Feb. and March which is making winter feel like it's been going on forever.

[Linda Brazill]

You and I love the more is more school of gardening and decorating and no one does that better than the Brits.

[Loree / danger garden]

"all greens go together"...I like that, and it's true! This fellow layers his greens nicely:
http://www.tedkennedywatson.com/tag/green/

[Cathy]

I love your varied pears in that vase, Linda - and white walls? Ugh, heaven forbid, definitely none of those here!! :)

[Linda Brazill]

I love TKW and have given his book as a gift a number of times.

[Linda Brazill]

I am guessing that was your kitchen as the backdrop to today's bouquet and it is stunning!

[Noelle]

Green...my favourite colour. Interesting post.

[Ciar]

What a wonderful saying - I will remember that! Thank you for sharing the wisdom.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

A gardener needs green especially during winter. Ribbit, ribbit...

[Linda Brazill]

I kept looking at a Japanese sculpture of a frog at an antique store, and he was gone when I finally decided to buy him. Now I've bought 3 or 4 frogs and I am sure it's all because I let the really good one get away!!

[Kris P]

I adore the frog, Linda! I'm also impressed by the pear collection in a jar - you have the most marvelous way of showing collections of things off to artistic advantage.

[Eliza Waters]

Green plants lift the spirit during our long winters, don't they? I love your pear collection, Linda. They are whimsical and jolly!

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

The pears in the vase are wonderful, and they work well with the potted plants. I've always loved English Ivy, and I have a ton of it--careful, it will multiply! I put mine (in pots) outside during the summer and bring them in during the winter. I know some English Ivy is hardy to zone 4, but I think even in the colder zones it can be invasive. But it's awesome in vases!

[Linda Brazill]

I actually have a patch of ivy and one of vinca in my garden. they were the only things I could manage to grab out of my parent's and grandparent's home when it was sold. I have managed to pretty much keep then in bounds but it is an annual chore.