In Sandy's Vase On Monday

My neighbor and friend, Sandy, recently gave me this fun vase by local artist Christopher Hoppin.  I'd long admired the piece and during one of her periodic purges, this was among the things she'd set out on a table to give away.  Lucky me!

The piece wasn't meant to hold water but luckily, I had slender glass vase which was the perfect size to fit inside.  Usually the flowers dictate the container but this Monday, it was the other way around. What could one put in such a vessel that won't compete with it?

There was a jug of palm fronds and Hydrangea quercifolia,  pruned to make paths more passable, sitting in the butler's pantry.  Too pretty to simply go directly into the yard waste bin, they'd come inside a few days ago.  Even one entire palm frond was a bit overpowering so I gently tore it apart.  Next came a fig leaf which, once picked, would not stand up and a couple of wood skewers which were brought out in a failed attempt to prop the leaf.

Sorry about the lighting and wrinkled background.  Thanks, Sandy, for the cool vase and the challenge to fill it. Perhaps next I'll try some dried Allium schubertii seed heads spray painted red.

The addictive meme, In a Vase on Monday, is hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.  Click here to join in the fun!