In A Vase On Monday

Afternoon Everyone,

Here we are at the last In A Vase Monday post before Christmas and I haven't actually got a vase of anything to show today. Seriously, it's far too rainy to venture out into the garden even though I can see there is plenty of material out there. There are a number of evergreens and lots of berries just perfect for arrangements ... all that's needed is a dry day. One is promised for tomorrow - too late! Instead I'll show you our 2014 Amaryllis.

Is there any bulb more perfect at this time of year? I love huge trumpet shaped flowers, the vibrancy of the colour and the gorgeous petals that are just like velvet.

Perhaps I should explain the patterned paper bag you can see there ... it's something I made to cover the tops of the cane supports. My resident handyman, for reasons of Elf & Safety, covered the tops of the two canes with some sponge held on with silver gaffer tape!! His main concern was that our great-grandchildren might injure themselves on them ... the canes are, after all, just about the height of an unwary toddler's eyes. But silver gaffer tape, though beloved of handymen the world over, has to be one of my pet hates, hence the pretty paper covers.

Hidden at the back is a second bud just about to open out.  I've only just noticed that there is a vase in this shot ... it contains three red Pelargonium flower heads cut from the two plants that I have on the kitchen windowsill. I was taking cuttings from them and it seemed a shame to toss the flowers so they've been saved. As they are bright red they look like part of the festive decorations :) You can also see better the red gingham ribbon used to tie those little paper bags to the canes.

In this shot you can spot the Pelargoniums just above the Amaryllis and there's even a glimpse our tree. My two favourite colours at any time of the year are red and green so, as you can imagine, I'm in my element right now. Makes me wish it was Christmas all year round :)

And that is my vase for this week. All that's left for me to do is thank Cathy, once again, for hosting this weekly challenge and to wish all my fellow in-a-vase-on-Mondayers a wonderful and fun time during the upcoming festivities.

Happy Holidays,