I had no preconceived plans for today’s vase but, once rambling with the secateurs began, it was the range and complexity of form of aquilegias in the borders that jumped out at me. Instead of a dolly mixtures confection, however, I chose one of the deepest and darkest, seed-sown from a Touchwood Aquilegias blend called ‘Indigo Pompoms’, pairing it with equally dark Centaurea ‘Jordy’, unopened flower spikes from an unnamed heuchera, blood-red Astrantia ‘Bloody Mary’ and the marked foliage of Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’.
A shapely heavy-based vase in dark brooding colours, bought from a car boot sale on the Isle of Wight in 2019, seemed an appropriate receptacle and in hindsight could have held more of the same, for greater impact. An unglazed black chicken from my large collection of hen ‘things’ accompanies it, pondering over the big chicken question of which came first, while she broods.
If you would like to share a vase of any sort today, please link to and from this post so we can enjoy your findings too. See you soon!
Rambling in the Garden 
Now that’s an interesting Columbine! Makes for a very dramatic vase…I’m thinking of different locations where it would be a perfect fit…
The different forms and colours of aquilegia are amazing, aren’t they?
I like it, sort of darkly Victorian, maybe?? I found out recently there are native Columbines here. Surprised me. Your chicken collection continues to amaze me in its variety. Here is my vase https://theshrubqueen.com/2021/05/31/in-a-vase-on-monday-goblet-of-fire/
Yes, definitely a hint of Victoriam drama, Amy! I believe some of the red columbines are native to the US and have a much longer flowering season than others. I don’t think there will be enough blogging years to show you all my chicken collection, even though it hasn’t been expanded for a number of years!
LOL, perhaps we need a overview of the chickens..
Hmm, or perhaps not…! 🐔
It’s all very handsome in your vase today Cathy! What deep dark intense colour. I love the centaurea. I had one that colour in my last garden but just today bought a white one for the new garden (which starts to happen next week – hooray!) And I think the columbine is great – they really are like granny’s bonnets! What a triumph! Amanda https://therunningwave290580645.wordpress.com/2021/05/31/the-wild-things-in-a-vase-on-monday/
Granny has an astonishing collection of hats, doesn’t she?! So pleased to hear work starts on your garden next week – is someone doing the ground work for you or is it a DIY job? Let me know if you want any of this centaurea in the future
I don’t think you could have found a better title to fit your arrangement. That you found so much to combine in those deep, dark shades is remarkable in itself. I love the Aquilegia and the Centaurea, both plants that refuse to grow for me, as I’ve undoubtedly quibbled about before. Thanks for hosting and here’s my post: https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2021/05/in-vase-on-monday-pungent-scents.html
Thanks Kris, it never ceases to amaze me how often titles just pop into place at the right time 😉
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Oh my, I love this vase! Gorgeous colours, an Aquilegia to die for (almost that is). Jordy is lovely too – do you have her for a while already? The Red Dragon sends his love to you, he’s doing well. 😀 Here’s my vase for which I had to work overtime this weekend 😉 : https://personaleden.wordpress.com/2021/05/31/in-a-vase-on-a-monday-the-generous-gardener/
Happy June days xx
I have had Jordy for perhaps 5 years or so but he did not hrive until moved to the border where he is now and has formed a nice clump. Good to know your DRagon is well and happy – sadly his fresh foliage does not last long in a vase…
Oh my goodness. Imagine having all those dark maroon flowers and the vase is perfect color. Gorgeous! I’m later than usual getting a vase ready, but I had a fun morning working with the flowers. Thanks for hosting Cathy and have a good week.
Thanks Susie, and I am glad you had a fun morning with your blooms!!
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Oh that is most deliciously dark vase of flowers and foliage Cathy most fitting of an illustration in a gothic novel. A new to me astrantia to explore too 😂 Hope that you have enjoyed the same absolutely glorious weather as we have done today. My vase pales into comparison :
https://greentapestry.blogspot.com/2021/05/iavom-flowers-in-window.html
Yes, definitely Gothic novel material I think!! Bloody Mary is one of the first astrantia I have and although not as tall as some and not one for bulking up she has proved most reliable. It has taken a few hours to warm up here in recent days but the warmth will do wonders for the garden even if it does mean keeping up with watering pots
Very dramatic and moody Cathy! The aquilegia is a beauty. I love all the names of the plants you have used today as well. 😉 My vase also has some deep purples today:
Have a great week!
Thanks Cathy – and you have ‘deep purple’ blooms today too…!
Cathy, that aquilegia is astonishing. I can so see it in a cutting bed for all the wonderful bouquets it would make! Your brooding colours make me think of some of the old Flemish still life paintings–just lovely!
I wasn’t able to make up a vase today despite having more roses (including a moss rose! 🙂 ) Have made myself sick trying to get everything ready to go, so now I have to give myself a break… cue eye roll! Happy June!
Thanks Amy – I hadn’t thought of perennials for my cutting beds (apart from dahlias, which are lifted over winter), but in the UK most aquilegia are just early summer blooming anyway. You hoped to be off on Monday, but it sounds as if that was a bit optimistic and you pushed yourself too hard. Do take care of yoursef and have a safe journey – how long will it take?
A dark arrangement, with intricate blooms, to be positioned somewhere close to where you can admire them.
Yes, and in hindsight I think more blooms could have heighteed that impact
Oooooh. That is compelling. You know, this is completely unrelated, but do you remember that Morticia Addams enjoyed growing roses, but cut the disdainful flowers off of the thorny stems that she grew ‘roses’ for?
Haha, I don’t remember it, but I will now!! 😃
She looked so disgusted as she carefully snipped the flowers off without touching them.
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