This springtime we were far more focused on getting jobs done in the house...so it was an easy solution to grab a couple of modules of small plants...the ones that come in eight with a little handle on the top. I planted the little annual asters out into larger pots to bring them on, and prepared a narrow border along the drive, digging in some compost and giving the ground a dressing of fish blood and bone. The ground sighed with relief: I felt that this was the first time it had had some TLC in many years.
The plants grew stronger, and were finally planted out Mid May. They are now coming into bloom. Its the first time I have grown annual asters...here is my vase of the first blooms. The vase is cloisonne, and the embroidered mat is from Madagascar...both collected by my mother on her travels. When I was choosing where to pose the flowers I remembered my mother saying flowers are 'doubly beautiful' in front of a mirror.
With heavy showers, I have been nipping out to cut blooms, and rather than have them rain stained, I have been giving bunches to neighbours. Down out little cul de sac...there are several of these in Vases this week!
Instead of pink, Cathy is celebrating the golden sunshine with her selection this week. So do and catch a glimpse of the wide ranging blooms she has this week, and also those of others who link into IAVOM.
Simply gorgeous.
ReplyDeletePretty! I haven't grown those either before. Are they as popular with bees as the perennial types?
ReplyDeleteI think the perennial ones with their many blooms are more attractive...but before they flower, these blooms are being visited by many bumblebees and hoverflies.
DeleteYour mother was on to something. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI have been seeing wonderful annuals lately in gardens. Think I need to add them to my list for next summer. Your mom was right about the mirror!
ReplyDeleteOur Mothers and we in turn, all of us, can pass on little tips...anything positive remains within people. Best to pass on positivity.
DeleteYour combination of vase, flowers, and mat is stunning and your mother was right, they're doubly lovely in front of a mirror. I've not grown annual asters myself but they were a favorite in my sister's garden. These colors are doubly welcome at this warm time of year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, the colours are bright and even the pastels...pale pink and white have a strength to them. I think the colour of the foliage too is in balance. How lovely that you have a sister who is keen on gardening.
DeleteThese look so pretty, Noelle -I have grown 3 varieties from seed but they have not opened yet. Perhaps next week...? The cloisonne vase sets yours off beautifully, and of course your mother was right about the mirror!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cathy...three varieties, I admire your determination and the variety of plants you grow.
DeleteOh my, your bouquet is beautiful! All those wonderful colors.....
ReplyDeleteI wish asters did nearly as well here, Noelle. Kudos to you for treating the plants - and the bed - right to give them a healthy start. And your mother was right - they are doubly beautiful when reflected in a mirror!
ReplyDelete'A joy shared is a joy doubled.' A fine way to acquaint yourself with your new neighbors!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely of you to share with your neighbours! People always appreciate cut flowers, don't they? Yours are so bright and colourful and you are so right to put them with the mirror.
ReplyDeleteOh those asters are such fabulous vibrant colours Noelle. What a good buy. I shall remember your mother's words although I can't press any of our mirrors into action at the moment to reflect flowers. Maybe in the future :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna, its lovely to remember how we acquired many of our good ways, passing them on doesn't diminish them but helps me to continue using them! I have learnt so much too from the comments everyone makes on their IAVOM.
DeleteDouble Asters doubled in a mirror? Four times the lovely. I grew some last winter I was so inspired by the Asters I saw IAVOM, you made me remember to search for more seed - and I read the pizza recipe below, looking for a sourdough starter recipe now, sounds divine.
ReplyDeleteIt takes about five days to get a wheat sourdough starter activated...best to use organic white flour when starting up. Try and order Jane Mason's book Perfecting sourdough from your library.Day 1 mix 50g flour and 50g water in a bowl, day 2 add 50g wheat flour and 50g water, each day for four days, stirring, covering and leaving it for 24hr each time. By day five you should have a viable starter, if not just cover it, and leave it to sit for another 24 hrs.
DeleteFour times the lovely...I love that observation!!
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