In a Vase on Monday: Treasure

Over the past couple of weeks, when we go out into the garden, we try to remember to take a bag, a bucket, or at least have empty pockets…. to collect hazelnuts!

Our old Anouk will snuffle from one bush to the next, helping us find those that have already dropped to the ground. And a gentle shake or even a sharp tug will release those ripe enough to pick from the branches. And we have had hundreds, all of which are now drying and ripening in a net sack in the hallway.

Treasure!

This is what inspired the title for my vase today, as I join Cathy at Rambling in the Garden for her Monday meme.

Some of the flowers available for cutting could also be considered treasure. The Topinambur (Helianthus tuberosus) for example. Its beautiful golden flowers are now opening, but beneath the soil the edible tubers are also ripening and can stay in the ground until you want them. Personally I don’t like the flavour, but some people love them and will pay a lot in a health food shop or at a market stall for a handful. Ours stay in the ground to produce flowers next year too.

My tallest perennial sunflower (2 metres?) is in flower: Helianthus giganteus ‘Sheila’s Sunshine’. I wonder who Sheila was…

The Chrysopsis speciosa ‘Sunnyshine’ is also coming out. (Aren’t thes names lovely!) I love these late summer/autumn flowers, which should be planted far more often. Have you seen them anywhere near you?

And this is a Silphium mohrii, or Cup Plant. Not quite what I expected, but I believe there are a few different sorts. It has soft pale foliage and is almost as tall as me, but did need staking.

I buried a sunflower or two at the back of the vase, but you can see a bronze one at the front, and two Mexican Sunflowers (Tithonia).

Lots of Miscanthus and some Panicum add to the autumnal feel. And autumnal it is today, with our first rain day for ages and cooler temperatures at last. Are you feeling autumn where you are?

Have a great week, whatever the weather or season, and Happy Gardening!