Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm)
Each Monday brings opportunity to practice flower arranging by joining in Cathy’s weekly challenge In A Vase On Monday. The goal is to fill a vase using materials gathered in one’s own garden.
I had hoped to feature gardenias this week, but they are in very poor condition this year. None were pristine, most were brown, but I managed to find just a single usable bloom. Fortunately Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm) is just coming into flower this week and I was able to incorporate a flowing arc of red into this week’s arrangement. Glossy green leaves of Camellia sasanqua and silvery branches of lavender complete the design.
Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm) and Gardenia
The red and black raku pot used to hold the flowers is one of several I have collected by Charles Chrisco, who grew up in the Seagrove/Jugtown area of North Carolina where there is a rich history of traditional pottery making.
Materials
Outline foliage: Camellia sasanqua
Round focal flower: Gardenia jasminoides
Filler foliage: Lavandula x intermedia ‘Dutch’ (Dutch Lavender)
Outline flowers: Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm)
Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm)
Thanks to Cathy at Rambling In The Garden for hosting. I encourage you to visit her to learn what she and others are placing In A Vase On Monday.
pbmGarden 
I love this bouquet especially in that vase
Thanks Donna. Monarda is such a strong color it can hold up to the bright red container.
A lovely arrangement Susie. I love the red, it looks so sophisticated and what a fabulous vase. Great that you managed to salvage a Gardenia, it looks very stylish and I bet it makes your room smell heavenly.
The gardenia does indeed smell terrific Chloris. I have never used this vase for flowers before, just for display, but it seemed to be a good match for these Monarda.
Super arrangement which goes so well with your vase, a lovely pairing!
Thanks Pauline. I love red and was happy with the way the vase and flowers worked together today.
This is stunning proving once again how important the container is to your creation. Will the flowers hold up a decent amount of time? Beautiful arrangement, Susie. Will I see you on Tuesday?
Thank you Stepheny. I think the monarda will hold up a few days–will have to see. Yes, hope to see you tomorrow.
Ooh, what a great effect Susie! I loved this at first glance, and then looking at the individual flowers and foliage you used I loved it all over again! The vase is a perfect match for the monarda, and the gardenia makes it all the more dramatic. 🙂
Well, thank you so much Cathy! I was happy to catch the first opening blossoms from the monarda today. susie
It really shows what a difference the vase can make – this is brilliant for the monarda and together they showcase the single gardenia, although you have cleverly used the white of your dove to emphasise the whiteness of it. You have such style, Susie! Thanks for joining in, as you always do 🙂
Thanks Cathy. I do think the vase is important in the arrangement and I’ve enjoyed seeing how others select and arrange their Monday vases. Always fascinating–so glad you thought to share your Monday vase idea with us.
Once again a beautiful arrangement from the garden. You’ve encouraged me to start doing some cutting and enjoy the garden both outside and inside.
Thank you Stephi! Glad you’ve been smitten with the rest of us who are cutting flowers for indoors. I’m sure Cathy would welcome you should you feel inclined to share your vases, and at any rate, glad you’re now able to enjoy the garden indoors and out. Susie
Not quite ready for any public displaying of my vases, but it is fun to experiment. Maybe someday. We all have to start somewhere.
Very striking, Susie! I love that pot and the Monarda, which I haven’t been able to grow here. I’d have thought I’d have gardenia flowers by now as well but our recent heatwaves appear to have cost me the blooms – the plant is barely hanging in there.
Thanks Kris. I would have thought Monarda might do well in CA. Hope your gardenia makes it through the heat. Very hot here as well–94F today.
I really love your arrangement this week Susie and you’ve chosen the perfect vase for them; this may well be my favourite so far!
Thanks-glad you like this arrangement Christina. I was happy with it and am enjoying the flowers in the house. The gardenia has already had to be removed.
C’est tres striking!
Merci beaucoup.
This is a beautiful arrangement between the red flowers, gorgeous red vase, and the touch of white. WOW!
Thanks so much Judy. I just love red and more red!