Monday 8 February 2021

In a Vase on Monday - Good packaging

 Sense at last: paper and other biodegradable and plant based packaging is on the increase.  Where once we would have bubble wrap, strong crushed up paper is being used more and more. 

 Instead of posting exactly the same vase as last year, here are some little iris reticulata again this year, with paper packaging as a background!  

Bulb sellers may wish us to replant each year, but I much prefer to try and keep plants from one season to the next.  Two stems of Iris reticulata Blue note planted in 2019, and one of Iris Harmony planted in 2018, each flowering for the first time early spring the following year.  Blue Note is the darker one. It is a wonder that we can grow such dark attractive flowers which are perfectly hardy to give us joy so early in the year.



A few diminutive leaves from Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Little Tabby' completes the small offering. Of course the best of packaging is the outer protective coverings of the bulb itself. 

For wonderful props, back stories, and flowers, the best thing is to visit Cathy and see her Monday offering together with ones from other gardeners.     


7 comments:

  1. So gorgeous, Noelle! Love the rich colors. Someday I will remember to get some of these irises planted in time.

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    1. They have some good plants in the green at various outlets, ones in cardboard pots at Waitrose in the UK last time I went.

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  2. That's good news about Blue Note, Noelle, as I planted out some I had grown in pots last year. As you say, it is a delight to have these strong colours at this time of year and your little vase looks stunning. Coincidentally I had a long chat with a lady from Peter Nyssen this morning when I rang to add something to an order - they began using biodegradable packaging a few years ago and are still working hard on reducing waste. They now have an alternative to parcel tape too

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    1. I have read that deep planting, and division every three years or so in the summer is the way to keep them strong and flowering well.

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  3. I'm with you on trying to keep bulb plants going into future years, Noelle. Seeing your miniature Iris has me kicking myself (again) for my failure to order Iris reticulata bulbs. I'm pleased to say that all of the mail order nurseries I purchase from have also done a great job with their packing materials - I'm especially impressed by those that ship succulents, perhaps the most breakable of plants.

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  4. Love the Iris, hope they last and you can recycle the packing..

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  5. Wonderful blues. The ophiopogon is a touch of magic. Thought it was crocus leaves at first - but of course they would be too small. Lovely!

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