In a Vase on Monday: Big, Beautiful Lily

This spring, I planted a bargain variety pack of shade bulbs and roots. The big, beautiful Asiatic lily in this vase is the summer payoff.

It’s the only flower so far, but perennials can take a couple of years to put on a show. (And I probably could have taken more care in preparing the soil before planting.) Now, for the rest.

Creeping Jenny

I love creeping Jenny and the dimension it brings to vases. It’s easy to dig up and transplant, and it comes back every year. From late spring to the first killing freeze of winter, it cascades over our terrace walls and softens the edges of the austere concrete blocks.

“Apache Sunset” hummingbird mint (Agastache rupestris)

I’m pleased with how big and bountiful this perennial has become in its second year in my garden. Hummingbird mint is said to attract hummingbirds, but I haven’t exactly been watching for them. It’s hot as Hades outside, and we’ve had monsoon-like rains.

Dusty miller

Dusty miller is one of those plants that’s so ubiquitous in gardens (at least in the Southeastern U.S. where I live) that it’s easy to dismiss. But I must give credit where credit is due. It’s a hardy perennial, and the white, waxy foliage really highlights the lily.

Sedum

The sedum is a “passalong” from my dad. I wish I knew the variety. Like the creeping Jenny, it’s a perennial saving grace for the concrete block terraces. Planted in the openings along the top, it propagates easily and comes back every year.

Vase and props

I inherited the vintage glass creamer (the vase) from my aunt. It could be a family piece, or perhaps she scouted a deal for 25 cents at a flea market, as she was so good at doing. For the photo, I added a vintage brass finial and a small woodblock painting by Moni Hill, which my sister bought for me at the Main Street Gallery in Clayton, Georgia. There’s a quote on the side of the painting, too.

Thanks to Cathy and her blog, Rambling in the Garden, for hosting the IAVOM meme. She has a sunny vase of zinnias, inula, calendula and drawf sunflower today. Please give her a visit.

Author: Terri Robertson

I'm a novice gardener who creates arrangements using cuttings and plants from my yard, vintage containers, and found objects both natural and manmade. In my work life, I am a writer and editor, who recently joined the team of Flower magazine as digital media manager. View all posts by Terri Robertson