In a Vase on Monday: Remembering the Fallen

Today is Memorial Day in the United States - a day in which we remember those that died while serving in the armed forces.  So, toady's vase is in honor of those that have fallen fighting for our country.

My garden has been loving the record rain we've been having, however, the heavy rains have beaten down some of the flower stalks, including the gladiola and sunflower that are in today's vase.  It seems only fitting that the fallen flowers be used as a symbol to remember those that have fallen for our freedom.

Today's vase includes:

Sunflowers...

Purple gladiolas...

Bright red zinnias that were pass-along seeds from my friend, Melissa's, garden.

Then there are the Black-Eyed Susans...

And finally, some sprigs of blooming parsley to round out the bouquet.

While the rains have been beneficial in some parts of Texas, too much of a good thing can be devastating.  This weekend, the Blanco river in Hays county (about 60 miles or an hour drive south of where I live) has seen record flooding since the 1920's, with hundred's of families loosing their homes, several dead and more missing.  My thoughts are with those that are dealing with loss from the flooding.  My husband and his paramedic co-workers are also on my mind, since they work in the area that has been hit hard by the flooding and will have several long, stressful, and potentially dangerous shifts ahead of them until the flooding subsides.

There is a lot to think about and be grateful for today.


Thanks to Cathy at Rambling in the Garden for hosting the In a Vase Meme every Monday.

Pretty Things

Today, I stopped to smell the roses, or rather, the gladiolas, Black-Eyed Susans, and Black and Blue Salvia that were putting on a marvelous display in the garden.

I am a huge fan of bulbs, and the gladiolas I've planted over the last few years certainly do not disappoint.  I would love to plant several more varieties throughout my gardens.  This is my first year with the Black-Eyed Susan (or at least the first time one has bloomed for me), as well as with the Black and Blue Salvia.  I'm in love with all the beautiful flowers growing in the garden today.  I love the vibrant colors that summer brings!