The white flowers in the green glass Swan are from my White Geiger (Cordia boissieri) tree. I have been counting the flowers as they form in clusters of 10 or more, but rarely more than 3 open at the time. This tree was acquired by happy accident. One day I saw this beautiful tree fully covered in white flowers in a grocery store parking lot. Not recognizing it at all, I did some research and decided it was a White Geiger and promptly bought one. A year later I was in the same parking lot, looking at the same tree and realized it was not a Geiger at all, but a White Tabebuia (hard to find and even harder to grow). Happily and oddly enough the tree purchased by accident is a much better choice. The accidental White Geiger was nearly blown over by Hurricane Matthew last year and is blooming its heart out this spring, much to my delight. Hopefully it will straighten up as it still has a significant lean, counterclockwise, of course.
The green Swan I fear, is a candy dish that belonged to my mother, repurposed as a vase. Joining the White Geiger in the rather Autumnal arrangement are: in orange flowers, Firebush (Hamelia patens), in fruit, Surinam Cherries (Eugenia uniflora), the bronze foliage is from a Copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana). If anyone is wondering the Surinam Cherries taste like resinous pumpkins and are left for the birds. I guess it is one of those foods you have to grow up eating to appreciate.
I have been enjoying two arrangements lately and put together another for the foyer. The vase is another heirloom from my mother and an actual vase.
This vase has the last of the Dwarf Jamaican Heliconia (Heliconia strictus), Asian Sword Ferns, and a seedhead from the Sweet Begonias (Begonia odorata )
I have had a bit of a mad weekend, coloring my hair purple in honor of a friend undergoing chemotherapy for the (seemingly) hundredth time. Her sister was a dear friend and lost her battle with cancer just about two years ago. Please remember the fight for the cure in your charitable contributions.
Living Lfs Inc is her favorite charity.
Happy Monday!
The Shrub Queen 
You did it again! The cherries are really interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I wish they tasted better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully balanced arrangement–with those cherries it is full of interesting textures. Best wishes for your friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, she was immensely cheered up by the purple hair.
LikeLike
I love the swan. I have wanted a purple streak in my hair for years
Looks great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Flower. I think you have blonde hair? Go to Sally and get some purple spray – purple streak whenever you want.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great swan arrangement, well-balanced and abundant in a cornucopia-way. I love heliconia all ways and particularly like the use of the angular begonia pods.
I like your purple hair and what a kind gesture of solidarity for your friend, bless her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, it really was like a harvest thing once I finished. I love the pods too. Grey hair is so easy to have any color you want within an hour.!! Blessings forwarded.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love all your arrangements – and your purple hair! I began putting a coloured streak in my hair since my hairdresser was killed, as a tribute – she always said she expected me to come in for an appt with one… I use hair chalk and co- ordinate the colour with what I am wearing
LikeLike
Cathy, I LOVE IT! I have big hair, naturally grey and spray painted it purple. What is funny is – it scared one of my dogs? and made my big hair bigger. Thanks I wish I had your tulips.
LikeLike
[…] The Shrub Queen […]
LikeLike