Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to- day in the field, and to- morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, Oh he of little faith?
Luke 12:27,28
Lock down for Covid 19 a world pandemic started here in the UK towards the end of March. It lifted for us here fully 19 July 2021.
My flower arrangements were done during and continued after this period. They are ordered from the most recent to the past. Growing most of these flowers in our garden and arranging them most days brought me therapeutic help. I become so engrossed that my sadness and frustration is submerged in joy and admiration at working with such individual beauty.
This love of bringing flowers into the house started as a child when I would often bring in flowers from our Bulawayo garden. Bulawayo was then a town in the then Rhodesia now Zimbabwe. I still have a few vases I used then.
I have this white Hydrangea growing near my front door. I was Inspired by a visit to Venice and saw how lovely white Hydrangeas in terracotta pots looked placed here and there at entrances. The berries are self seeded and the Tutsan plant grows in various places in the garden. I used cellotape to make a grid and hold the plants in position.Some wonderful white wild Angelica with purple Margerium. There are also some stems of Yarrow. A mid summer picking.
The Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him.
John 3:14-15
Cacossmia growing against the South facing kitchen wall and Calandulas grown from seed this spring, from a mixed variety seed packet. Fern wrapped around a glass flower holder. (A glass disk with holes.)Lavendar , roses and fern. A sweet smelling bouquet. The vase is from Ireland (Billeek) a gift from Roy when he was working there.
Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence .
Ephesians 3: 12
Daisies and Oil seed Poppy heads in a vase sold to me by a florist volunteering in a charity shop. She was so informative as her major was botany and floristry. She went to the back and found a beautiful black vase which I also bought. Black looks great for displaying flowers she told me. She then named all the flowers I could put in this textured orange vase.Returning home from Cambridge storms were forecast so I went out immediately and brought in some flowers that had bloomed while I was away. Lavendar spikes, yellow yarrow, bright pink Allium drum sticks,3Zinias grown from seed, Bouncing Bess and maroon Scabius. My Bess will often try to look at the flowers up close and now and then gently remove one. Curious as to why I spend time on them.
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5: 22-23
Before leaving for Cambridge I noticed my Lavender was at its best so I picked and made 6 bunches to hang. When I returned although they had been hung in the cool stair well they were dried to a crisp,snap. It was so hot. The ones in Bugzy ,as expected,were also very dry by the end if our trip.Yarrow growing in our garden.Golden Yarrow with Curry plant buds and Margerium The 1,000 piece puzzle of the birth of Christ was made by Roy about 20 years ago.Three different Yarrow tints with our Bess enjoying the sun.
Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1
Beautiful all blue Chicory. Notice the blue of the stamins and anthers as well as the sirated edge of the petals.
The flowers had been tosseld by the wind all night and some of the daisies looked battered. I took off their petals and used their centres while also using some blown down tortured willow to support the Chicory. It is arranged on a pinholder.
After a few hoursJust had to do this sequence of Oil seed Poppies. They are pulled out where I don’t want them to grow. They don’t last long. This sequence is over 2 days in warm weather.An example of my cup and saucer arrangementsTwo sides to the same arrangement. I buy cups and saucers from charity shops and make arrangements in them to give away. I have given away many.This was given at Christmas to my neighbours and friends. Again with the herbs which could be eaten and in used jars with their lids.
The edible arrangement I gave to neighbours to celebrate 19 July. Calandula petals for salad. Sage for long life. Mint for hospitality and wisdom and Margerium for peace, harmony and happiness.
Simple beautiful Poppies’walking away’ with the jug handle and spout pointing over the edge of the bookcase. Poppy faces adorable.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
A yellow rose for my sister Shelly. The first and only rose from my new shrub in the secret garden. She dances with poppy and poppy seed pods and bright pink bouncing Bess.In this arrangement I wanted to bring pink and orange together through the use of maroon. This was inspired by the arrangement of planting in the garden as seen below..The arrangement was then refreshed by putting daisies in to replace the Calandulas.A close up of a section of this arrangement.Fluffy lemon Angelica flowers rise above fern (which self propergates in the garden) a few Cardoon leaves and Calandulas. Dad Brian’s marquetry is beside this arrangement.The stylish pottery jug is from a charity shop.
Add to your faith goodness; knowledge, self – control, perseverance, godliness.
2Peter 1:5-6
Bought these sun flowers the other flowers are from our garden. The lovely black vase from a charity shop.These were self seeded in the secret garden.DayLillies growing outside my kitchen window.Psalms 119
Drum sticks in Cambridge Botanical garden and below in mine
Lavender, Bees and Allium drum sticks.
The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness.
Henry David Thoreau
This was made in early spring from Apple leaf willow which has flower like buds that burst into fluffy seeds. I have included other leaves to bring in depths of green.Blessed are those who have not seen but have believed John 20:29Yellow tulips and Wall flowers with one piece of tortured willow.
All that I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.
Ralph Walton Emerson
Double pink poppies. Single black poppies.Tulips in water and glass on a enamel plate. Notice the contrast of metal ,glass and delicate petals. Added cooking apple blossom.
Your faith has saved you go in peace.
Luke 7:25
This how I felt one morning after weeks of rain.
We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2Corinthians 4:18
Then with a few extra ones added this happened. Dandilion glory.Lilacs. Mummy used to sing when visiting me ” I’ll bring you Lilacs in the spring. Tulips and Parsley flower/Queen Anne’s lace.
Jesus said “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Mark 9:23
I went to pick rhubarb and couldn’t, throw away these perfect leaves. So here they are with some Hawthorn that bloomed at the same time.
We live by faith not site.
2Corinthians 5:7
Just what my garden gave me as a gift of love. You name them.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews11:1
Crystal glass, grass and shadow. We are all grass and will wither and die. Life is fragile, intricate and perfect in God.
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
John 5:24
Daisies and Dandilions.
It is by grace you have been saved,through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2: 8
The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent
John 6 : 29
Kitchen arrangement.
This tea pot was used to give tea to music teachers who gave our children music lessons etc. The Eucalyptis was planted this spring . I must keep using it in arrangements or it will take over in height.
The Lord says, ” I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name.
Psalm91:14
This container was bought in Jerusalem in a small trader shop. A metal pin holder is used to keep the flowers upright. The red hot pokers grow on the conservatory side of the house. Curry flowers add a touch of yellow against the orange of theCalandulas.
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings. Hebrews 10:22
The whole being of any Christian is faith and love. Faith brings the person to God, love brings the person to people. MARTIN LUTHER
The garden had so much to give today. Flowering herbs; Mint andMargerium , Zinnia grown from seed, Daisies, Snap dragons and Bouncing Bess with a few stems of Lavender and Poppy. This vase (Top Hat) was manufactured by Myott 7. Co.Ltd during the Art Deco Period (1920-1939). I spotted it at a car boot sale. I particularly liked its hand painted flowers and black rim. .The vase from the side.
You Lord, are compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Love your blog! Thank you for the words of wisdom to meditate on too. Your knowledge of flowers are fascinating Sandy
Thank you for appreciating wisdom from so long ago which is eternal. I value that you love my blog.
Love all your work …Your displays bring joy to my heart
Hi Frieder so glad they make you 😊 happy me too!
Thank you kind Frieder.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post with us.
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!