I wasn't going to post but then I remembered hearing from my Grandma how people during the second world war used to really try to keep up spirits and morale, and women would work on hairstyles and lipstick, and put on a brave face and smile.
Here is are some of my bruised cyclamen from the coums in the garden., with a few contrasting slim dark leaves from Ophiopogon planiscapas Nigrescens. It was exactly a year ago that I had a day with John Massey, and came home with a few more cyclamen for my collection. Somewhere round the back there is even a pure white form.
They are rather awkward to arrange and also photograph. I just could not get any idea of how to give them scale against my usual Terracotta Army warrior. Then I remembered some very small figurines, and thought this crouching warrior could at least get fairly close to look at the pretty blooms.
Oh this is so pretty Noelle - and you have rreminded me that I have a box of miniature warriors that I have not yet used in a vase...probably because I haven't got a clue where they are! In fact, I think I probably have a double set as there was a damaged figure in the first one...hmmm, must send out a search party!
ReplyDeleteI do like search parties...you often find things you hadn't realised you had lost, but had forgotten about. It is the same in the garden this time of year with little plants. Looking forward to future posts as usual.
DeleteLovely. Glad you were able to save them. Perhaps I should get some lipstick, things are certainly trying at the moment. :)
ReplyDeleteHope you glass houses and polytunnel were OK in the high winds. I've been thinking of you. Yes a little lipstick is definitely needed, even if none is around. Works well as salve....
DeleteI love that warrior figure of yours and was pleased to see him - and his companion. They do indeed put the Cyclamen arrangement in perspective. I've got a mix of Cyclamen in a large pot in my shade house, which I've failed to use thus far because the stems are so short but I think a miniature arrangement is in order soon!
ReplyDeleteThey are not far off the size of large violets, and in the dim light they draw the eye. You really push the envelope Kris with your huge range of plants visiting your blog reminds me of visiting huge botanical gardens with lots of greenhouses.
DeleteBeautiful serenity.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra...calm at least in that vase.
DeleteLovely arrangement.
ReplyDeleteThe dark ophiopogon leaves make for a striking contrast with those vibrant cyclamen flowers Noelle. I have been wondering whether your mystery snowdrop might be 'S.Arnott'. There is a good photo of if on the 'Judy's Snowdrops' website.
ReplyDeleteHello Anna...many thanks for this. I have referred too to Noami Slade's book. Everything matched until I came to "It is sterile so it won't produce seeds". It does produce seeds, and the germination was very good. It has also increased steadily from one or two bulbs. It won't therefore make for a 'rare and difficult' to grow one! Will be happy to send you ripe bulbs later in the year if you have room!
DeleteVery Ikebana.
ReplyDelete