This week’s bouquet is made from two shrubs since not much is blooming in the garden at the moment.
I started this weekly feature a year ago to challenge myself to not only be more observant of what was blooming around me, but to be more creative in the process. It’s been a learning process of thinking creatively with no rules whatsoever.
The flowering shrub is a viburnum that was here in the yard when I moved in 30 years ago. I have no idea of it’s variety. I just know it has lovely flowers and a heavenly smell . . . and that’s really all that matters to me. The smell reminds me a little of a pear tree. Some pear’s are almost stinky, but this is not so.
The other shrub is a variegated willow in bush form, whose new growth has a delightful color, especially in spring. The new growth ranges anywhere from white to a very, very pale pink.
I almost forgot . . . I added a few springs of a Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) to the arrangement for a little more texture.
It’s a simple arrangement, which is all you can do when not much is in bloom. But I happen to like simple. Making an arrangement need not be a time consuming task. Just pick what you have, and what you like. There are no rules, and no one is judging. It just has to bring you pleasure.
Containers can be anything that holds water. I’m trying to teach my brain to think “outside the box” and see all the possibilities. This week, I’m using a vintage watering can that I painted green. The flowers themselves are held in a quart canning jar, that is propped up higher with a plastic tub container. You know, the kind you use for storing leftovers.
A spout and a handle add a touch of character to the arrangement.
And little droppings of flowers on the glass table make everything look more elegant and lacy.
After writing this post, my friend, Jan came by with some items to drop off. Among them was this sweet set of green birds that complimented this arrangement perfectly. She’s cleaning out, and so am I. That’s what you do when you hit your 60’s. But I think they have found a new home with me.
Aren’t they darling?
Linking with Cathy at Rambling in the Garden for “In a Vase on Monday”, where you can view many beautiful bouquets.
Oh YES! Those birds ARE darling! I need a friend like Jan.😉 (although I am also cleaning out ~ in my 60’s) I love this Viburnum and this beautifully written post dear Cindy. The watering can is perfect.
Thank you dear Terie! Jan is downsizing to move to smaller home on Lake Erie and she is always getting rid of the most perfectly lovely items. I have been the recipient many times through the years of her generous giving.
I was admiring a viburnum like this in the car park when I went swimming this morning – it looks lovely in a vase and the other foliage just enhances the fresh and cooling effect of the green and white…lovely
Thank you Cathy. It is a lovely bush and has grown very much over the 30+ years it has been living. It has even reproduced itself in new shrubs nearby the original. I look forward to it’s blooms every May.
Lovely fresh whites and how pretty they look in the old watering can. Love your birds too.
Thank you kindly. It ended up being a happy mixture of everything that makes me smile every time I go out on the porch.
Thank you! The birds were a lovely surprise and perfect timing to photo bomb the bouquet. They couldn’t have complimented each other better if I had planned it.
This is my kind of arrangement– simple and with lots of green . I love foliage and this is something I would make for my home. Beautiful.
Thank you Angie! It is my kind of arrangement too. Not fussy, just down home and simple garden living.
Very pretty, I love watering can arrangements! simple and refreshing. And the birds as well.
I like arrangements that are more down to earth and not so fussy. I live a simple life and this is a “no-fuss” type of arrangement.
I think you did a great job with the arrangement and the container, Cindy. The little birds are a perfect addition. Pure serendipity!
Thank you Kris. Simple and easy is my motto, especially when the pickings are few. I don’t know how I’d make a decision if I had all the choices you have.
The birds were timely props – I love them (they go well with your green porch decor) and your use of a watering can to hold the arrangement. Rustic and lovely!
Thank you Eliza! I was reluctant to take the birds as I’m trying to clean out myself. But they couldn’t match my porch decor any better, and I am pleased they have come home to roost with me. Have a nice week!
Thank you!
Its a study in green and white, so restful. Perfect….
Thank you Noelle. Flowers bring such joy. Cutting and bringing them inside brings a whole new dimension to my appreciation of them and their beauty.
A lovely fresh spring vase with plenty of green! 😉 I know some Viburnums can smell a bit odd, but they can also smell divine, so you have been lucky this one is the latter. Love those little birdies too.
Thandk you Cathy! This viburnum borders closely on the pear, without the stink. Maybe not everyone thinks pears stink, but I do. But then, I work with someone who thinks lilacs stink. I guess it’s all in how your nose perceives smell.