So many plants grow easily in Maine. My problem is not being very expert about any of them. Take delphiniums. They are beautiful, but little did I know about how tall they grow. As I watched them mature, I thought it possible that I’d planted one of Jack’s beans!
The taller they g0t the more top heavy they became meaning they bent and broke no matter how carefully they were staked.
Well, I thought, I’ll just cut these beauties and take them inside. As soon as they were disconnected from their stem the blue ones began raining petals, but the lighter colors proved to be long lasting on table tops throughout the house. On this table runner, they were also the inspiration for a casual table.
It was one of those nights for a house favorite, fish chowder. Playing off the yellow in the runner, these plates served as a charger for varied colored bowls.
For salad, I chose these harlequin patterned dishes. I never tire of using them as they are so versatile and add interesting pattern.
Napkins are one of my favorite table accessories as they are not only functional but add a little artistic flair to any setting. This one is a simple accordion fold which when spread becomes a standing fan.
As this understated table shows, it doesn’t take much to make the ordinary special.
Now, about those delphiniums. I felt so defeated by their unruliness that I cut them down to the ground, but they are a very determined flower. Here it is September and they have come back ready to bloom and still growing! We’ll see if I’m any luckier controlling them the second time around.
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Lulu's Musings 
Some lovely pottery here!
I really like the last picture with the set table and the lovely flowers. They look so magnificent! Makes any meal so much more! I do not have a green thumb, but a white thumb..dusty white flour on it – not ‘flower’. I suspect the delphinium grew too tall and thin from reaching for sunlight or needed to be staked earlier. But what you say, you could consult nurseries to get the answers you need.Good Luck!
Falling over seems to be characteristic of delphiniums because they get so top heavy. I’m better with flour, too!
It is a challenge growing tall flowers in Maine because of the winds. The Delphiniums seem to have a mind of their own and are determined to give you blossoms. 🙂
No kidding! FYI, I haven’t been getting your posts. I’ll remedy that cause I miss you.
Gorgeous table and amazing photos. Your delphinium’s are beautiful. They look strong and sturdy. Mine look kind of weak.
Lovely table Linda, and wow those are tall delphiniums! Love the way you styled the runner and napkins-
Jenna
This same thing happens to me with my delphiniums. They are so beautiful when standing tall and then they droop because they are so full of blooms and heavy. I have tried trellis and stakes but there is still a good amount of breakage! They frustrate me and if it wasn’t for their beauty I would weed them!!!
What a beautiful centerpiece the delphiniums make. Love the oyster plates you have on the wall.
Have a great weekend, Linda.
Hi Linda, The great thing about delphinium is that they do grow quickly, but you need a tomato or peony cage to hold them up. I was thinking of you recently while touring an exhibit of Andean woven textiles at Yale, and then I came upon a sculpture named lulu! I said I must get over to see what Linda is up to!! Enjoy the end of summer in Maine! Linda
I agree, they grow so nice and tall, then the wind or heavy rain topples them. I do as you, and bring them inside.
Linda, a lovely table with the delphiniums…and fish chowder sounds so delicious! Happy first day of September!