IVOM: This and that

Despite a lot of rain and cool temperatures, it is May. That means the garden is full of blooms and the house is full of bouquets; so many that I've lost count. It also means that this is a very photo-heavy post. These bouquets were all done in the last few days and most of them are still in place in the house. 

It's hard to find a blank wall in our house to use as a backdrop so the flowers stand out. I took these photos in the front hall using a Chinese bench to hold the vases. I was on my knees with my feet going into the coat closet directly behind me! It was the only way I could capture the vase as well as the flowers.

The vase is Scandinavian from the local antique mall. It has dwarf Iris 'Cherry Garden,' Muscari paraadoxum, prairie Trillium and unknown Heuchera and Epimedium foliage. The Muscari are very large, almost navy blue with a bit of yellow edge showing. 

This vase ended up on my bathroom vanity. 

I love the look and colors of this vase’s tubes but each must be filled individually. That makes it a chore and the flowers drink up the small amount of water quickly. Epimedium 'Lilac Fairy', Fritillaria pontica and Heuchera 'Marmalade' foliage. This Frit seeds around nicely. 

It went on the shelf above the kitchen sink. A great location if impossible to photograph.

Muscari 'Valerie Finis', Tulipa sylvestris and a bit of vine from Clematis alpina 'Stolwijk Gold'. This particular tulip was popularized by Jefferson at Monticello, according to Brent and Becky Heath. 

The same little bouquet on the soapstone sink-surround in Mark's bathroom with an African mask. Everything is reflected in the mirror behind the sink.

The rain meant I kept cutting more flowers to enjoy rather than let them get beaten down. This is Peony 'Nosegay', a second generation cross between P. tenufolia and P. mlokosewitschii ("Molly the witch"). She's a sensuous beauty.

Since this Chinese stone statue had his hand on his hip, I couldn't resist letting him hold the Peony.

It has been a spectacular year for Trilliums in my garden. They've been so plentiful, I haven't hesitated to pick them for bouquets. Trillium grandiflorum with Convallaria 'Hardwick Hall'.

It wouldn't be spring without daffodils and Tulips. 

The colors work well with this wall and the big guy!

It may be a national holiday here, but that won't stop many of us from joining Cathy at Rambling in the Garden to share our creations from our gardens. Cathy is the creator of this totally enjoyable meme. 

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Wow you have great variety in all your vases. You are making up for all of those dreary winter Mondays. I have enjoyed seeing them immensely.

[Linda from Each Little World]

Thanks. I had so many great flowers suddenly that could not resist. And with more rain forecast this week, they will take a beating and be gone by next Monday.

[Loree / danger garden]

That's a lovely collection of vases, each one a bit of perfection.

[Kris P]

Wow, Linda, your garden is really making up for lost time! I love the Irises and the large Muscari was a surprise. All the flowers are beautiful and elegantly displayed but of course the peony holds a special place in my heart.

[Cathy]

What a wonderful range of vases you have shared today, Linda, and a a bountiful spring harvest you have. I really must try some trilliums as they look so pretty and I am sure I could find a suitable spot. Good to see that yellow vase from Chive - I have been so tempted to buy one but there was just too much colour choice and I couldn't decide! The bronzy contents of yours works really well, but then so do all of your vases, and I like the little touches of whimsy. ps What an amazing being your Big Guy is!

[Sandra]

Delightful!

[Cindy Coghill]

Lovely collection of vases. How cheerful your home must be with so many around in each room. You've been busy and they are delightful.

[Nell]

Excellent morale boost if the rain keeps you inside! Kris in California was mentioning that it's an El Nino year, which made me wonder if this summer will repeat the pattern of the first few years after I moved back here: a "ridge" kept rain from moving out of the midwest, leading to terrible floods there and a tough drought here. Hope not.

[Rae Kaiser]

Such beauty, all!

[Linda from Each Little World]

We have been having lots of rain here, though no bad flooding so far. Garden is loving it and so are the weeds.

[Linda from Each Little World]

A number of Trilliums are native here, so I have had good luck with them. They look so exotic that I thought they would be hard to grow.

[Peter/Outlaw]

An embarrassment of riches from your garden. May is such a wonderful month!

[Barbara H.]

Gosh, Linda, you have outdone yourself! The flowers and the vases complement each other so well and each is so different from the other. I'm glad spring finally arrived for you. Wish we could have some of your rain!

[Linda from Each Little World]

Rain still in the forecast for the next couple of days. After a lovely sunny and warm weekend, we are back to cooler weather, gray skies and rain. I am sitting here in turtleneck shirt and a sweater. I should not really complain about the rain as we are not having deluges, tornados or anything like that.

[Cathy Thompson]

Each one perfect - although I think that Molly the Witch child and your vase with the muscari and T. sylvestris will stay with me (in mind's eye') after tonight.