Twigs, leaves and sticks

Winter blew in over the weekend, bringing with it foggy mornings, chilly temperatures and light rain.  In some parts it was even cold enough for snow – but more on that later this week!

The cool grey days were a welcome tonic to me after an eight day work week. They justified my lingering morning coffees in bed and afternoons snuggled up on the couch with a book.  In those peaceful moments, as I glanced around the house, I noticed though there was nothing ‘living’ inside – no bunches of flowers, no houseplants.

When the weather is so bleak outside, sometimes having brightly coloured blooms inside doesn’t quite feel so I decided I’d use the season for inspiration and create some more winter appropiate bouquets…

When I lived in England I had the most wonderful cottage garden, that changed with every season.  Although it was small, it’d been established for years and I spent many hours in it.  All through the year it provided me with an ever-changing supply of flowers and greenery to pick and display.

During the colder months I was amazed at the variety that was still available and used to collect twigs, leaves and sticks – bundling them up and arranging them in jars around the house.

Although my Australian garden is no where near as established, there’s still quite a lot growing in it, so just like last winter in Worcestershire I rugged up and ventured outside to see what I could find.

By the back fence is large green shrub, which I don’t know the name of.  In the warmer weather is has tiny white flowers, but now all that remains is the delicate stems with tiny frond-like leaves in the most vivid green. I snipped a few of them off and popped them in a special bottle I got at a flea fair last year. I found a spot for it in the kitchen and I love the way the stems contrast against the splash-back. Its subtle hint of colour feels like just enough.

I also found a gnarled old stick, that had been picked up on a walk and then left outside forgotten. Its twisty branches were covered in a fine lichen.  A few months ago, when it was found, it was warm and sunny and that branch seemed out of place.  Now in the crisp, winter air, it looked just right.  I found a vase, half filled it with sand and pushed the branch in.  Its height was perfect on the top of a set of shelves in the sitting room and now whenever I’m nearby I find myself staring at it- mesmerised by the shape it makes and the way the branches reach out towards the windows.

I love a good bunch of flowers, but sometimes it’s nice to focus on other parts of the garden. Greenery often gets forgotten, but it’s got its own special character and charm I think. What do you display around the house in winter?

Have a wonderful week. x