All political commentary aside, watching events unfold this weekend sparked a patriotic arrangement for this Monday. The primary colors in the arrangement are Red, white and blue for the United States of America. Hopefully we will put aside our animosity and pick up our tools and get out in the garden again. I do think a new era of activism and civic participation has been unleashed and was amazed to see the rest of the world joining in.
The props with this arrangement are a flag crocheted by my mother in law (we just realized Joan has been gone almost 15 years) as a Fourth of July gift some years ago. After she retired, she sat in her Living Room and crocheted- we had a crocheted something for every occasion and then some. At some point I reached crochet overload and was relieved to find that volunteer organizations (Women’s shelters, especially) often like these handmade items and have been happy to pass them along. The bells (Let Freedom Ring, anyone?) were collected by my father when he was in the US Army stationed in India during World War II.
The vase is English, a teapot in my favorite Blue Willow pattern acquired while junk shopping with my mother about 20 years ago. I was thrilled to find a new piece at the thrift shop this week, I inherited some from my grandmother and have been collecting it for about 30 years.
The flowers are in red, Tropical Red Salvia (Salvia coccinea), in blue, Tropical Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), in white, Sweet Begonias (Begonia odorata ‘Alba’) in the center, difficult to see is a Hallelujah Billbergia Bromeliad. There are a few sprigs of Dill flowers from the herb garden and some Asian Sword Ferns for foliage. Here is a close up of the Bromeliad flower:
Hallelujah Billbergia Bromeliad seems pretty patriotic! Getting back out in the garden to find Hallelujah sporting red, white and blue started the vase idea.
The Shrub Queen 
A perfect offering after this weekend. And how lovely that the flag and bells have family associations. Mine is related to the march as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, going to see your vase.
LikeLike
So clever!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Cheers to that – or rather ‘make the world garden again’!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely, starting this spring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whar a great eclectic mix of props – and that square teapot is gorgeous! As always, you have introduced us to some unusual plants, used to great effect, as we have come to expect! Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cathy. The teapot is a favorite. I have to look at the mark and see if you recognize it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A perfect reflection of the weekend’s turnout. I, too, feel very proud. When T said he’d “Make America Great Again” I don’t think he’d imagined it quite this way. We’ve shown we already are great!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Eliza – a wonderful observation and my favorite comment!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLike
That’s it. I am moving south. Lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Come on down, you would love it now. August is another story. Maybe we should commute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great tribute to the weekend (Saturday, I suppose I mean). I don’t know why you’re surprised by world reaction. The President of the US has power that stretches far beyond its borders, no wonder we are worried.
LikeLike
Well, my favorite sign of the day was from Italy “Make America Think Again” Not to Worry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great idea – each item wonderful in its own way – clever!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
It does seem time to haul out the red, white and blue, doesn’t it?! Influenced by the weekend marches myself, I went with pink this time but I appreciate your message. Gardening is life-affirming and promotes forward-thinking and we need heavy doses of both those influences right now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful comment and so true about gardening.
LikeLike
I love your teapot! The display of patriotic flowers is a lovely way to give a nod to the new era dawning for your country… hope it’s not as bad as everyone fears!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and I hope so too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely teapot and great flowers, specially the Billbergia.
LikeLike
The teapot is marked Kingstons LTD, Newcastle on Tyne – so I am guessing that was a tea merchant at some point. The Billbergia is one of those rare flowers that look better cut, the foliage is purple with white and green spots, a bit much. Thank you, Liz.
LikeLike
A perfect post for the times. Lovely arrangement and beautiful vases. My aunt loved to crochet and I have several of her pieces. She would have loved your flag.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Susie. I hope your husband has a speedy recovery.
LikeLike
This post is a call to arms! Shovels, trowels and other gardening arms! Plus our own two gardener’s arms. Yet, make America Garden Again! Thanks for sharing the arrangement and the stories behind the accompanying items. An interesting post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cynthia – I thought grab your shovels sounded a bit too aggressive. And the comments were interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person