The Archduke and the Pixie

for In a Vase on Monday

The Archduke has arrived at the garden party. Rose “Archduke Charles”, that is.

Its first flower of the year opened a couple of days ago, and with the cooler, rainy weather it was still in fine condition to bring indoors.

I had originally intended to feature the rose solo, in all its silk moire pink.

But it is quite short-stemmed so it gave the impression of a pompon sitting on top of a bottle. I began looking around for other blooms to join it. I decided against adding daffodil stems this time and opted instead for the gracious blue of dwarf bearded iris “Pixie Power”.

After which a few sprigs of Lavandula stoechas dropped in as well.

It feels odd to have so much to choose from today. It’s still quite a small bouquet in my tiny stoneware bud vase, but the individual blooms are not small.

The archduke and the pixie were photographed outside before coming in to be enjoyed on the dining table. I think they make a wonderful pair. I can only hope I have this much overlap of iris and rose season every year.

Click on any picture to see full size.

If you enjoy bouquets grown in the garden or foraged, please do check out the other Monday vases hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden!

Happy Monday!

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