Weeds in a Vase

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Here in the Southeastern United States we have a very prolific weedy shrub that grows everywhere known as Chinese Privet.  Because it invades and chokes out native vegetation, it's known as a nuisance plant.



Here is a healthy stand of Chinese privet in all of its glory in my back yard.  Right now, each plant is producing hundreds of black seeds that will turn into even more Chinese Privet.

After taking another look at the plant, I began to appreciate its arching stems and loads of black berries (even though they appear purplish blue in this image).  So I decided to make lemonade from lemons.  I snapped off a few big branches and brought them into my house to add some height and softness.
Before I brought them inside, I decided to strip away the black berries.  I was afraid as they started to drop they might stain my new carpet.  If I had hardwood or tile flooring in here , I would have left the black berries in place.  


Don't you love finding beauty in unexpected places?

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12 comments:

Splendid Sass said...

I know what you mean with privet, Kim. It made a pretty arrangement!
Have a nice evening.
Teresa
xoxo

rachel @ Just a Touch of Gray said...

Hah, I like your title! I love pulling things from the yard and bringing them in. I actually still have some branches from our Christmas tree in a vase. However, now that I look over at them they're looking a little rough. Time for a change! PS_ I love your owl sketch!

Unknown said...

It looks cool. Beautiful and unexpected! Love the idea.

Lindsay [rookie's nest] said...

Beautiful, and omgosh LOVE that owl sketch!

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

I love doing that. Last fall I clipped my doomed annuals and put a huge spray of them in a vase. It lasted for weeks.

Karen said...

I actually just saw a piece on the news about that shrub and how workers at one botanical garden are having issues with it. I like your way of dealing with the nuisance in a unique approach.

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Very nice. I also love your little owl picture. Have a good day!

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Yes I do. I think it's a lovely look. One mans weed is another mans rose :)

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

It really does make a pretty arrangement! I love using what I find in the yard.

The Vintique Object said...

Way to go, Kim. Make more lemonade! If I had that stuff in my ayard, I'd be all over it. Berries and all.
Camille

Jenny Castle Design said...

I love snipping things from outside and putting them in a vase - I have a few english boxwood bushes and I'm always snipping away. I love those branches, simple beauty and great height to them. Lovely!

data kurtarma said...

Thanks for sharing!