In a Vase on Monday - 22 June 2026

It is already hot, and forecasts are for even higher temperatures later in the week.  I have just read that in Korea Hydrangeas are associated with perseverance and resilience.  Cathy who heads this weekly blogging get together certainly has these in plenty, having been at the helm for a number of years.

I was expecting my friend Eileen to pop over on Sunday, and with the seating circle being in the shade, I went and gave the chairs a wash down and the circle a sweep.  

Nigella and shadows

A clump of the white Love in the Mist had already formed the attractive pods, and since they were leaning well over the circle, they were removed, and just some of them formed the start for the arrangement. I took this photograph of the nigella a couple of weeks ago to submit under the title shadows for our WI monthly photograph get together via zoom. I also cut down some of the overtall stems on the verbena bonariensis, and added three heads of Hydrangea. 

Alongside is my 'pebble vase' with some of the leaves which I pulled off the stems I had pruned off one of the Gingkos. The shade of matt green and form of these leaves feels cool and calming and have been on the mantel for a couple of weeks now. 

The reason Eileen was coming over was to exchange a vase for a cake tin, and of course enjoy a drink and a tour of the garden.  Eileen had entered a sponge cake for the Bishop's Palace Garden Party competition and I a couple of vases, one of which was this larger one.  I had little chance with the amazing very professional looking arrangements using florist flowers for an arrangement for a table for lunch.  Eileen's kind offer of cake was gladly accepted and I reciprocated with my arrangement.  After a slice each, the delicious cake was passed along to our neighbours with two teenage boys, they all very much appreciated it. 

This was my arrangement with a few of each of the flowers looking good that week in the garden.

Arrangement from different sides