We’ve had a spring with extreme cold to extreme rain, and then a sudden switch to extreme heat and humidity. And then, it is repeat again, with a low of 38 degrees last night. The result of lush green growth in the garden is finally beginning to produce an abundance of flowers. I always forget that May is the peak season for most blooming plants in my garden. I went away for two days over Memorial Day weekend, and when I arrived home, I was surprised to see that the garden had exploded in a riot of color.
Therefore, this week’s bouquet is a creation comprised from that riot of color. Working at my outdoor table, I started with my favorite vase, my green painted watering can. It’s size alone demands a large arrangement.
Working outside makes arranging and cleanup so much more convenient. It’s no big deal if leaves or flowers fall on the ground. And leftovers can be whisked off to the compost bin instead of the trash.
A little of this and a little of that quickly fills the watering can to overflowing.
I started the arrangement with some late blooming lilacs, and one of my top five favorite perennials, Ragged Robin.
Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi Petite Jenny) has the most endearing pink powderpuff blossoms that float and sway in the breeze on long thin stems. When not in bloom, this plant is hardly noticeable as a ground cover with insignificant foliage. But what it lacks 11 months of the year, it more than makes up for in the month of May when it’s precious flowers shine in the garden.
Of course, included in this bouquet is my favorite perennial, Nepeta, adding a touch of lavender.
A great filler in the bouquet is what I call my American version of Cow Parsley. I call it that in an attempt to endear it to myself. Commonly known as Bishop’s Weed or goutweed, it is an aggressive, invasive weed. I allow it to bloom and then I wage a never ending war with it the rest of the year. What survives my personal vendetta against it (and it always survives), reappears every spring to repeat the process all over again.
A few sprays of Lamb’s Ears, wild phlox, and parsley, fill out the arrangement. I love the look of parsley in an arrangement, but it doesn’t hold up for even 24 hours.
With rain in the forecast, I decided to bring this arrangement up to the porch instead of leaving it in the back of the yard on the table. This lovely riot of pastels brings a smile to my face with every entrance in and out of the screened porch.
Linking with Cathy of Rambling in the Garden for “In A Vase On Monday”. Wishing everyone a happy week, with good weather and time in the garden to help cope with the ongoing sad and depressing news.
Beautiful arrangement. Love all your flowers and excellent photos Cindy. You mention Ragged Robin serves as a ground cover. Is it easy to remove? I mistakenly planted bishop’s weed and it’s a hard one to deal with, although I do love the look of it.
Thank you Susie!!! I don’t use it as a ground cover, I guess I meant to say, when not in bloom, it is hardly noticeable, as it hugs the ground and doesn’t look like anything special. Mine is not invasive and spreads slowly. I use it mostly at the front of the garden since the majority of the year it is very low growing. But when it blooms, the blossoms gently wave in the breeze and it is more of a “see-through” plant, so it doesn’t obscure anything behind it.
I agree totally with you about Bishop’s weed. A thug for 11-1/2 months of the year. It has somehow moved into my garden and over the years has worked it’s way from front to back, despite my efforts to remove it.
Oh my goodness Cindy, that is the most delicious vase ever! All those glorious gentle flowers, sitting so happily together. I absolutely LOVE it! Thank you. Amanda https://therunningwave.blogspot.com/2020/06/a-wild-bunch-in-vase-on-monday.html
Thank you ever so kindly Amanda. It is just a vintage watering can I painted, but it is my favorite vase. I love to use anything with a homey, cottage look. It is always a reminder to me to slow down and enjoy the thought of a slower and kinder lifestyle.
What lovely pastel shades you have there Cindy, perfect in your green jug – what a joy to have an abundant posy after leaner times. Is your lychnis a native Ragged Robin, or a cultivated variety of it? It’s so pretty, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing today
Thank you Cathy! It is always a pleasure to come by and see everyone’s creations. Thanks for hosting!
The Ragged Robin is a cultivated variety. I’ve never seen any native ones around here. It’s even hard to find at a garden center, so when I do come across it, I snatch up a few plants.
I love the mix of delicate pastels, Cindy. I’m glad to see that spring has settled in your area at last and I hope you’re able to thoroughly enjoy it despite the temperature shifts.
Thank you Kris! You know I’m a fan of pastels, and especially pink. They are always my favorite to work with and it is nice to have things finally blooming in abundance.
We’re in a heat/humidity wave right now. You never know what each week will bring. It’s been the strangest year.
Brought a smile to my face too Cindy! It really is a gorgeous arrangement and beautifully putvtogethervin your watering can. We have that weed that looks like cow parsley too (we call it ground elder) and I have also used it in vases and try and come to terms with the fact that I shall never be rid of it! This year it died and shrivelled up in the dry heat of May, but Iknow it will be back as soon as it rains!
Thank you kindly Cathy. I’ve heard it called ground elder here too. But when I Googled it, it looked like ground elder had a slightly different leaf. Either way, I think they must be relatives, and both are invasive. I will continue to battle against it, knowing I will never be rid of it, thus leaving a few flowers for every May.
Take care and hope you’re having a lovely summer gardening!