While the blooms are usually in the spotlight when we think of flower arrangements or container plantings, there are some pretty interesting non-blooming elements that deserve a little attention. Two of my favorites play very strong supporting roles and are so amazing in fact that they could steal the show. They work wonders in both cut flower arrangements and planted containers.
Coleus are truly gorgeous leaves that grow in a great variety of colors aside from green, from deep burgundy to orange and purple to bright pink- with so many variations that an arrangement of just Coleus would satisfy me! Here's a cool trick- pick up a pretty plant at your nursery, snip a few stems, and place in a small vase on a windowsill. Before long, roots have sprouted and you can transplant them to a pot if you want. I love mixing coleus with other summer-flowering annuals to create a loose, casual backyard bouquet.
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| Henna |
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| "Fall" foliage |
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| Velvety red Coleus with a combo of garden cuttings and store bought flowers |
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My other fave is a Rex Begonia. Sold as houseplants, I like to keep a few on hand and snip leaves here and there. These leaves are stunningly variegated in shades of green, red, pink, purple, silver and brown and have incredible texture. They also grow in a nice range of asymmetrical shapes, from smaller hearts to large spirals. The hairy underside of these begonia leaves is usually a deep red and can be just as striking as the front. I really think that Rex Begonia leaves enhance floral arrangements to such a degree that they are as interesting as the flowers!
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| David Austin roses and the veiny underside of a Begonia leaf |
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"Backyard Bouquet"
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