Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Thursday 29 December 2022

Garden Flowers

 I am so thankful all my northern friends are safe after the snowstorm that has surpassed all others. So many have lost their lives, emergency services stretched to the max, and travel disrupted all over US and Canada.

Meantime down here, the garden has provided some lovely blooms. Recently our Doctor and the rest of the staff were given Lilies and Callas, along with some edible goodies.We are again so thankful for all the care they have given us , but during  this last year especially. I didn't get photos of their flowers, one bunch for each  , but the tall white lily continued to bloom. Then Google gave me handy hints to preserve Hollyhock flowers. It seems you cut the stems on a slant, then sear them. Hugh had his handy gas blow torch and did the task so quickly, but it also burnt the tinfoil dish I held them over, and his workbench has some marks too.

The mauve petunias have flowered so well, I need more to fill in the whole bed there.

And after some helpful advice from younger daughter, I added more foliage to the lilies  and here is the result. Nowhere near as beautiful as some of her displays. I need some floristry lessons !!!

These are all from her own garden, in the far south, I think this was one of her arrangements for a friend's husband's funeral.
Another display of a  southern floral arrangement, summer blooms from Otago. 



So we continue to the end of 2002, looking forward to 2023, hoping to get some unfinished "stuff" finished, given away, or discarded as in the too hard basket now.

Quotation of the day, from Rudyard Kipling,

" Gardens are not made by singing 
" Oh, how beautiful" , and sitting in the shade."

Greetings from Jean.

17 comments:

Marie Smith said...

Beautiful arrangements!

Jenn Jilks said...

It's so good to see your gardens!

Lori Skoog said...

I love the word "floristry" and wow! Those flower arrangements are gorgeous. The weather has settled down here at the farm, but Buffalo is still a mess. We were so fortunate during that storm. I hope this does not turn it not a very long winter!

Susan Heather said...

Your lilies are enormous. The arrangement beautiful. Did younger daughter train as a florist at some stage. Her arrangement is lovely. Glad your garden is doing well. Wishing you and Hugh a healthy and happy 2023.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

Your arrangement looks beautiful to me! I hope that you have a very Happy New Year and I wish you all the best in 2023. :)

Mystic Quilter said...

Ooops with the damage searing the hollyhocks!! Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy New Year Jean.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jean,
Beautiful flowers and arrangements. Take care, have a great day! I wish you all the best in 2023, a happy and healthy New Year!

Out To Pasture said...

Oh, never even thought of using hollyhocks in a bouquet. A good preserving tip! Your daughter's white arrangement is absolutely gorgeous! So nice to see summertime in NZ while we are knee deep in northern winter. Thanks for treating us to a look at your lovely flowers and all the best for 2023.

Sandra said...

It's wonderful to see these flowers, being one of those Northern people surrounded by snow. So pretty.

Jenny said...

I'm sure your medical team enjoyed the gifts of beautiful flowers as a special thank you.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Your daughter has quite the touch to arranging flowers and the blossom are so lovely! May this new year find health, happiness, and peace to you and your family!
Happy New Year!

Inger said...

How thoughtful to share your beautiful flowers with your medical team. All medical teams need to feel out apprciation.

Sharon - IN said...

Gorgeous flowers and arrangements! Recipients must be pleased with the lovely gifts.

The Padre said...

What A Vividly Beautiful Post My Friend - Enjoy Another Magical Year - Big Hugs

Cheers

Tanya said...

Beautiful flowers! Even beautiful vases!

Nancy J said...

Thanks, to you all for wonderful comments. The first photo, the vase was a gift from my Mum when we lived at Lake Tarawera, it matched the curtains in our lounge and dining room. The next vase, a French Country Collection one , Dragonfly Stoneware.green one, not sure which it is.I have found the purple flowers I used for a filler are actually a weed, , purple loosestrife !!!

The Padre said...

Thinking About You - Sending Positive Vibes - Big Hugs