Monday brings the chance to practice flower arranging by joining in Cathy’s weekly challenge In A Vase On Monday, where the goal is simply to fill a vase using materials gathered in one’s own garden.
Sunday morning the garden was coated in frost and the supply of flowers is dwindling quickly. Today’s offering is a simple collection of Sasanqua Camellia ‘Yuletide’ placed in a small blue ceramic vase.
I remember Yuletide camellias floating in a glass dish at many Thanksgiving dinners. This camellia seems early this year. It has been flowering since October 24.
I wanted to share a second practice vase today, although these flowers did not come from my garden.
On an outing with some friends earlier in the week I came across something called the Perfect Arranger.
The device is stainless steel armature with a weighted base that holds flower stems tightly in place without the need for using floral foam. I bought two sizes of the arrangers (as well as an Ikebana holder and some clippers).
I was anxious to experiment with my new toys, so when I found 20 long-stemmed roses on sale this weekend for $10, I indulged myself with a rare cut-flower purchase of creamy white roses with apricot-tinged centers, purple stock and eucalyptus.
I inserted the larger arranger into a crystal urn and it worked great to hold the flowers snugly in place.
As always a big thank you to Cathy at Rambling In The Garden for organizing and hosting. It is always fun to discover what she and others are placing In A Vase On Monday.