I often tell people I live in the sticks. Coming from a city of five million, that is what it seems like to me. I like sticks of all types – where I live and in vases for texture. We have had another dry spell that has slowed down the flowers (leaving some looking like sticks!) Oddly, the varmints ate all my zinnia and Rudbeckia seedlings (no sticks left) and eschewed the parsley – literally. I am not sure if the varmints are gourmets or anti-snobs as they turned up their noses at my fancy favorite parsley. Varmints are tiresome.
This vase, unlike the garden, requires no water. It did require a bit of a balancing act. The cuttings are balanced along the edge of the vase, I took the pictures quickly.
A closer view.
The grey “flowers” are Graptosedum. These are absurdly easy to grow here. I have pots of them and they drop leaves that grow under the pots. Orange flowers are dried Aechmea rubens bromeliad flowers. White sticks are stems from the flowers of the Adonidia Palm (Veitchii merrilli). Brown sticks are native grapes – Muscadines (Vitis rotundifolia)
Thanks to Cathy for hosting. To view more vases follow the link RamblingintheGarden
Happy Holidays from the sticks!!
The Shrub Queen 
Your vase is very creative. I especially like the Graptosedum. I am surprised how well they do in Florida, as I would think they like it dry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, the sand is very well drained!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Muscadines are another of the native species there that I intend to eventually grow in my own garden. I do not know what cultivar the parent plants are, or even if they are real muscadines. They look like common grapes to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These muscadines are straight species and not good to eat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You recommend cultivars to seed grown vines?
LikeLike
I love your inclusion of succulents and guess they’re probably making roots in the vase and can be planted afterwards. Beautiful with the red flowers too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Annette. The graptosedums wilted! Much to my surprise.
LikeLike
Now that is creative! I love everything about it–especially how the colors of the Graptosedum and the branches compliment the Aechmea rubens. Fantastic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Beth.I like a little grey in the garden.
LikeLike
Even your dry vase looks just as exotic as your vases generally are, and you have such nice touch in arranging them. I particularly love those white stems
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cathy. The bromeliads look exotic dry or fresh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it, Amelia! I briefly considered using succulents this week too (as well as unripe guavas). I managed to cobble together 2 vases without them but the time will come…Graptosedum makes a nice substitute for flowers.
https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kris. I want to see your guavas! I planted a new papaya a couple of months ago and have the first promising flower.
LikeLike
I love the white sticks and orange flowers combined. I did wonder about how you got the Graptosedums to stay put though, now I know! It’s a lovely arrangement. Where did you live before Amelia? I don’t think I would be able to live in such a big city. I’m a country bumpkin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cathy. I am from Atlanta, Georgia. The traffic there is legendary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
so creative. I would never think of using succulent types in a vase!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The closest thing to roses I grow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this arrangement, it really does look like flowers! 👏🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
How clever. I like how your “sticks” add interesting texture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Karen
LikeLike
Definitely
LikeLike