After taking down my Christmas decorations, my mantel felt empty. Not ready for Valentine’s Day decor, I gathered bits and pieces from around the house and yard to create an arrangement that would fill the space until February.

The milkweed pods brought me joy in the Autumn as they burst and scattered floss and seed across the sky. Several were still standing in the butterfly garden. I cut the tops and brought them indoors. Now, they have become the focal point of my IAVOM arrangement in a Swan McCoy Vase. I added some dried hydrangeas I’ve been saving for just such an occasion. I’m pleased with the arrangement, and it inspires me to keep doing my best to help the butterflies that visit the yard.

I haven’t been able to post on IAVOM for quite a while. The garden is in dormancy mode, and there are two months to wait before the daffodil bulbs begin to bloom. They are pushing out of the ground now, even though we have snow and ice at the present time. Spring will come…I’m sure of it.

You can see more IAVOM arrangements on the Rambling in the Garden blog.