In a Vase on Monday - and I nearly didn't

 

I nearly didn't.

#IAVOM 02.11.26 Contoneaster (a repeat - got to make the most of the colour), 

Vitis vinifera (common white grape), 

Ilex Golden King, Scabiousa gigantea, Oregarnum vulgare seed heads, 

Hedera var unk, Phygelius capensis

I almost decided to miss this week - I was out this morning and in gentle autumnal sunshine I caught up with a couple of lovely ladies who used to volunteer in the walled garden.  

One, who rents a much loved allotment, has a willow tree who's whippy branches had been promised to me so I could use them for festive wreath making.  So a plan was hatched to meet up, prune the willow and then have a picnic lunch in 'Lottie' (allotment). 

And it was just what I needed. It was warm enough to sit outside next to the potting shed and chat as swapped birthday cards and pressies, drank tea and scoffed sandwiches - perfect picnic fodder😀

By the time I'd got home and emptied my little car of all the willow trimmings (please note size of car vs length and quantity of willow wands) and tidied up all the fallen leaves, the blue skies had gone and the temperature had dropped.

However by the time I'd finished my second mug of tea and chatted to the neighbour where I swapped a half dozen fresh hens eggs for a jar of freshly made marmalade - I felt fortified enough to grab my secateurs and see what I could find.

I am glad I did 😊

#IAVOM 26.10.26

And this is last week's autumnal bunch with added 'pumpkin' fairy lights, they made me smile.

Joining in with Cathy of Rambling in the Garden - thank you Cathy x