Most of the foliage in my garden has succumbed to repeated frosts, but a few things hang on. As I went out to gather these, a cold, gusty wind was swirling snow flurries all around. Winter is right around the corner.
Garden sage (Salvia officinalis) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), with their attractive gray-green leaves, provided a base.
Burgundy-red deciduous azalea foliage (sorry, no ID, as it came with the house) has rich purplish-brown undertones, a perfect contrast to the gray-green. Mauve heads of stonecrop (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’ Autumn Joy) expand the color range.
Dried seed heads of bee balm (Monarda didyma) and wild common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) provide vertical interest and a smattering of bright green rose geranium leaves (Pelargonium graveolens) create the finishing touch.
My vase is hand-blown crackle glass, a treasure from my childhood, once belonging to my mother. Mr. Toad, who lives on this autumn-themed, painted oil cloth cover, is accompanied by a creamy mini-pumpkin gourd, completing the late season harvest mood.
Thanks to Cathy at Rambling In the Garden, who hosts a weekly meme to showcase what is blooming in our gardens. Wander over to see what gardeners all over the world are arranging this week.
Eliza Waters 
Now those look rather tired to say the least:)
😀 God is in the details, Juan. 🙂
Such a thoughtful vase, Eliza! I enjoy the contrast of the monarda.
Thank you kindly!
Well done on finding items to make up such an attractive look. We often tend to pass over dried /’nearly over’ plants singly for looking sad ro drab, yet collectively they can complement each other as you clearly illustrate. When our garden is at its lowest point, I sometimes collect the seedheads of grasses and am pleasantly surprised by their delicate beauty – together.
Thank you, Anne. There is much beauty in nature when we look close enough to find it! 🙂
I wish I was there to see!
It is unpercedented, for the last seven years, but it is actually really raining at The Holler!
Predicted percipitation, 3/4 of an inch, not much to ease the horrific drought, but enough for the birds to prune their feathers with water drops, for the coyotes to lick their fur, and for the plants, to have moisture on their leaves.
I might stay up late just to appreciate it.
So glad you received much-needed rain. The landscape must feel so freshened!
Your seasonal arrangement just show that there is still plenty to find for our vases if we look hard enough.
Scrounger’s paradise. 😉 Thanks, Christina!
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
Thank you for reblogging!
Such richness of colour, such drama! A fitting salute to an autumn departed…
Many thanks!
Love the way the bright greens set off the darker foliage. Very handsome, especially with Mr. Toad to keep an eye on it all.
Thank you so much, Marian!
A wonderful look, and in the first three great backgrounds.
Thank you very much, Victor. I have a good mentor. 😉
😀
A beautiful mix of reds and greens. I love the crackle glass too. I seem to remember something about making crackle glass marbles as a child – you put them in hot water or something?
We call the dregs of a glass of wine ‘the tears of happiness’ .
Thank you, Cath. I love that expression, ‘tears of happiness’ – it applies as well to my garden ‘dregs!’
Still enough left in your garden to make for an interesting vase ! I love your crackle vase too, it must have a host of memories for you too!
Thank you. Yes, many happy memories!
There is so much to enjoy in a garden!
Indeed. Thanks, Alice!
The end of the season, so beautifully arranged in your vase. Now, bring on the evergreens and holly!
Soon, soon! Thanks, Laurie.
Your mix of colour and foliage is an inspiration Eliza. I should have put more effort into mine this week but the weather has been so dismal and wet! Looking up now though. 🙂 Have a great week!
Thank you, Cathy. I think yours was lovely. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Cold wind and snow flakes flying. There’s no denying that the growing season is over and yet you’ve found some beautiful things in your garden to share. Mr. Frog seems happy to be inside where it’s warm!
Thank you, Peter!
actually with your creativity, I’m waiting for your winter presentations =^_^= you always delight… have a great day!!
Thank you, I appreciate your support!
What a lovely selection of leaves and seedheads – and good old Autumn Joy makes its mark again! Thanks for sharing
Thank you, Cathy!
The green geranium leaves are the perfect counterpart to the autumnal shades of the other stems, well done!
Thank you so much, Loree!
Beautiful! I love the sedum seed heads- just as lovely as the blooms themselves
Thank you for saying so!
We definitely got snow over the weekend – I don’t think there is going to even be any cobbling of vases together around here for a long while!
I’m hoping the bitter cold puts the ticks down for the winter – they have been driving us all nuts!
Ugh! Ours were bad at the beginning of the summer, but I haven’t seen any for months now.
Lucky you!
Definitely – last year they were bad all year long.
Such beautiful autumn shades. A lovely posy that gives good cheer. Well, I am only just home from work having had a terrible frightening journey. All the roads around here were flooded. Just saw a car aquaplane off the country lane into the ditch. Luckily they were not hurt. But I feel quite shaken up. Therefore- no monday flowers for me. It will have to be in the morning when it’s daylight now. Thanks for sharing Eliza. x
Thank you, Karen.
Flooding is scary and it doesn’t take much water to skid. I’m glad you reached home safely.
Burgundy is such a beautiful autumn colour, I simply love it!
Yes, these azaleas would look well with your mums!
So lovely!
Thank you, Fi!
You have such a beautiful knack for putting flowers together in a vase, Eliza. These are just gorgeous! Thank you! ❤
Thank you very much for your kind words, Amy! ❤
As you know I love all those seedheads and reddish brown flowers and then throw in a Geranium leaf — perfect. The last vase in my post is now on the table with a little ceramic frog. They are the best accompaniment to this type of bouquet!
Yes, like the real earth companions, I like to have reminders of these garden friends in the off-season. Thanks, Linda!
How pretty, lovely reddish brown tints. I love your vase and your little toad.
Thank you, Chloris!
I’d have never guessed the burgundy leaves came from an azalea. I’ve never seen deciduous azaleas here and, on-line, only in flower. A plant like that that gives in 2 seasons is a treasure.
Thank you, Kris. The flowers on that azalea (that don’t get winter-killed) are fire engine red, not a color I’d have chosen, but it is reliable and vigorous. I have a white one that has lemon yellow fall foliage that is quite lovely. I almost picked some, but the color didn’t quite go with the burgundy.
Not dregs, seasonal interest. I like the expression of the change! I am not sure if I have seen the Monarda like that (when I had it mildew fest, probably cut it down before it could make seed) Well done.
Thank you very much – I appreciate your support! 🙂
You have an amazing eye. Just lovely!
Thank you very much, Belinda!
I just love how you “accessorize” your arrangements Eliza! I also love childhood treasures. I’ve lost most of mine but still have a few like my teddy bear!
Thanks, Kathy. Wow, you have your teddy? How wonderful! Like you, my childhood remnants are few, so all the more treasured.
You’ve given us quite a show this season, Eliza. So inventive, so diverse, so many surprises.
Thank you so much. Your support is greatly appreciated! 🙂
I’m impressed that even in this season (not the most promising!), you managed to find enough material for a beautiful display. 🙂
Thank you, Bun. Slim pickin’s these days. 🙂