It took a bit of determination to go out and pick a few bits just after lunch, but here I am joining in with Cathy's weekly In a Vase on Monday.
On this very dark dismal and damp day the snowdrops show up in the garden. One of the smallest snowdrops is Galanthus gracilis 'Vic Horton', and I had sufficient out this early flowering variety to be able to pick a little posy. The leaves of this snowdrop are small and narrow with a little twist in them.
This is a distinctive snowdrop not only because it is so small about a quarter of the height of Galanthus Colossus shown last week, but also with narrow glaucous leaves with a twist in them. With two mark one below the ovary and a pair each side of sinus. The ovary is more of an olive green. Alongside the snowdrops in the very small vase, are pieces of the little shrub Lophomyrtus x ralphii 'Little Star'. The little three sided cut glass antique vase is half the height of the vase shown last week, was probably designed to hold a little bunch of violets.
On the mantle shelf behind the snowdrops is an abalone and I have placed the two birds.
Every element in your presentation is perfect.
ReplyDeleteOh that's a sweet and distinctive snowdrop Noelle and the abalone looks like a nest for those gorgeous birds. I wonder who Vic Horton was or is and must look him up in my snowdrop book. I've not heard of that book so something else for me to look up 😂 Your group is most civilised meeting up at lunch time. My u3a group meets up at 10.30am once a month in the local library that provides our books, although we do fit in the occasional lunch together which is always a most relaxing get together.
ReplyDeleteYes lunch which we each take turns at hosting: coffee and cake and discussion, then lunch and a whole range of topics on discussion too, including forthcoming books and date and venue of next meet. A little looking at each others gardens of course. Our WI book groups are so popular we have four groups, each having a different place some at pubs in the evening for example!
DeleteGosh, there must be a lot of avid readers in the Wells area to merit 4 separate book clubs! I myself am unsure about whether such a group would appeal to me, or if I would rather selfishly keep any books I read and how I feel about them to myself...but then again, I don't have the time for any other groups so I haven't really given it much thought! Saying that, I have gone on to read some of the books you have mentioned here 👍Anyway, thank you for sharing your dainty little snowdrops today, which have clearly clumped up nicely and must enjoy your garden because all yours seem to do well. You always have such pleasing accompaniments to your vases, and the birds and abalone shell are no exception
ReplyDeleteThat is just 4 groups in our WI, and there are many more book clubs around. I do have snowdrops that fail to come up, and this year I have decided not to buy any more...but we shall see what happens when I visit Shepton Mallett next month for the Snowdrop Festival!
DeleteNoelle, what a wonderful arrangement for a cold January day. The snowdrops in the UK continue to delight me with their diversity. These are gorgeous. A great day to read! Amelia.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amelia, today Wednesday I went out into the garden, worked for two hours until I was so chilled I had to come inside. Now reading another book!
DeleteThe little birds sitting below the snowdrops make the arrangement for me, although that probably reflects my basic ignorance of the differences and nuances between snowdrop varieties. The book sounds good but I was surprised to find it's not yet available on Kindle here.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed collecting some reasonably priced snowdrops, and I seemed to have gone in for a range in order to give a long season of flowering. I tend to read all my books in hard copy, maybe you will find one version in due course.
DeleteA dear little arrangement Noelle. The birds must be tiny! Most people here have no idea there are different types of snowdrops, let alone plant them, so it is always interesting to hear about the different ones available these days.
ReplyDeleteEven here many people are not aware of the different types of snowdrops. I know there are Galanthophiles in Europe too.
DeleteThis feels perfect for a winter arrangement. I love those little birds!
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