My Vase on Monday has been through a couple of guises today. I wanted to feature the Ballerina Tulips which are really the only tulips I have. They grow in the front garden so escaped the notice of the badger in past years – the badger hasn’t worked out how to get to the front of the house. They are a form of tulip which will naturalise and they seem to be doing this. The first incarnation of my vase featured a smoked Venetian glass vase with the orange tulips, some Berginia ‘Bressingham White’, Sweet Cicely and the new red orange foliage of my neighbour’s Photinia (it grows over the fence).
Anyway, looking at the vase on my mantlepiece it become quickly obvious that it just didn’t work. The Photinia foliage was too strong and too dominant and although it was similar to the orange of the tulips it detracted from the flowers rather than showcasing them. A re-think was needed. The vase had to go as it was a narrow necked vase and I wanted to add more and the Photinia foliage was scraped.
Instead I added some small ‘Jan Reus’ tulips which have survived in the back garden and reflowered for a number of years but as happens when you leave tulips in the ground the flowers can become smaller; I think I prefer the smaller flowers. I also added Lunaria ‘Chedglow’ and replaced the foliage with Epimedium foliage which I think works well as the bronzing in the leaves works with the orange flowers. I like the way the ‘Jan Reus’ tulips pick up on the center of the Bergina flowers which also have a hint of orange in the middle. Of course it has all ended up in a very ordinary glass vase but I think that adds to its charm and simplicity.
For more Vases on Monday ramble over to Cathy’s and check our her vase and others (links in comments box)
