We have been madly preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Irma this week and I have been collecting all the odd bits left outside that might go airborne. While doing this, I noticed a number of nice blooms that are probably going to be in the Gulf of Mexico by the time In A Vase on Monday rolls around.
I am beginning to think watching the news coverage only provokes my anxiety, so I did a little research. The Caribe Indians (native to the islands of the Caribbean) had a God of Hurricanes called Juracan which is the origin of the word Hurricane. Depending on what you read, Juracan is the God of Chaos and another Goddess, Guabancex, throws the winds around to destroy everything.
This reminded me of Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes, known for taking offerings thrown into the cauldron of Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaiians throw bottles of Vodka and flowers in the volcano to get into Pele’s good graces. I figured a few flowers thrown into a vase might help with Juracan or his lady friend, the hurricane thrower. At this point, it certainly couldn’t hurt.
So, this vase is on a Hawaiian Tiki with some muddy gloves at its feet. Maybe Pele will look out for us, too. A closer view, with storm shutters:
In the vase, in red, Parrotflowers, in orange and yellow, Blanchetiana Bromeliads, in purple, Spathoglottis Orchids, in blue, Porterweed. There are a few Red Shrimp Plants in the vase as well.
Stay safe, everyone.
The Shrub Queen 
Loved this. Thinking of you.
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Thanks, Becca, the wind speed numbers for here are going down. We have weathered this before. Fingers crossed, it is still terrifying.
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Nice one Amelia…like to see that porterweed so blue
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Thanks, the Porterweed arrived with an unrelated plant and I like it better!
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Good way to stay focused on the beauty that surrounds you. Please take care and keep us posted.
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Eliza, the forecast has improved for us. I am on the east coast above West Palm. Think it is just going to be really windy for a while and the west side is getting the worst of it.
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Sorry for the west coast (I know some people in Ft. Myers), but happy for you, your house and garden. It really is a dreadful storm.
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Thanks, Eliza. I am feeling very lucky and blessed. Tampa has not had a hurricane since 1921, a lot of people came back here today. (Those who evacuated )I baked cookies and made soup.
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A beautiful arrangement. Hurricanes must be terrifying, specially vicious Irma. Stay safe.
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Thank you. They are terrifying indeed. We are in a sturdy structure with steel shutters over the windows. Storm has moved to the other coast.
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Are you staying?
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Still here, storm is going up the west coast – they think , it did not turn towards us. I am near Stuart on the east side above West Palm. So, think it will be windy now I am worried about Tampa – not good. There is really no gas here only diesel!
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Thinking of you. Frightening storm.
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Thanks, it is, shouldbe over soon!
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I hope it passes soon.
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I was thinking of you and hoping you were safe. It’s good to know that things were looking up this morning for you. I hope that’s remained the case as the day proceeded. My fingers are crossed for your safe passage through the storm and my sympathies are with those that aren’t lucky. Irma is a b*%$&!
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Irma was a big bad bitch! Scary stuff. We had winds gusting to 100 mph and 10 inches of rain one day. I am on a hill so no flooding here. Lots of broken branches and debris. Pruning my way out!
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Stunning colours. Stay safe
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Thanks
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I hope you and your flowers have got through the storm safe and sound! I hear it is moving inland now.
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We are safe and sound and now have internet! The flowers are burnt in many cases and I have some strange pruning a la hurricane!
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Lovely arrangement, Amy. I pray you and your loved ones are okay.
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Thank you, Cynthia. We are fine here the garden is a bit worse for wear, but already putting out new growth. We were without Internet this week.
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Glad to hear, dear Amy.
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