Tag Archives: Gardens

nature, Photography

December 13’s Friday Fleurday

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Because we’re in Victoria’s very temperate climate right now, we’re seeing lots of late-flowering plants and shrubs that are absolute December delights.

Lots of very pretty, dark pink bell heather flowers everywhere …
… and a closer image.
Aren’t these pretty? I think they are a type of hesperantha, a plant that doesn’t bloom until December – if it’s in the right climate.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

Winter Garden

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Even though winter isn’t officially here yet, our local Japanese garden has entered its seasonal hiatus.

Despite that, or maybe because of that, it’s still a calming, contemplative place to walk or even to sit for a while.

The carp in the pond have disappeared into various spots to await spring, so the only activity is from a couple of duck pairs who quickly paddle toward anyone who comes by in hope of a handout.

The colours have all softened into their muted winter hues; everything is breathing slowly and restfully.

Happy Wednesday; I hope it’s a good one.

nature, Photography

Ornamental Grasses

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Autumn is soon ending and winter is officially starting on December 21, so there aren’t many of those lovely fall colours left, but they’re not completely gone.

There are lots of grasses still and some of them are beautiful. I find that this one almost looks like a weaving.

On second thought, it’s not so much the colour as the texture of these grasses that I find so appealing. We are suddenly getting some very cold winds, so seeing these lovely plants is somehow very comforting.

Happy weekend.

nature, Photography

Rainy Season

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We’re deep into November now and have entered the rainy season. If the weather sticks to its usual patterns, we will have a lot of rain and cloud for about the next two months.

Chittamwood trees retain their leaves quite late into autumn.

We still have a little colour around that’s breaking up the grey motif, but probably not for long. Soon we will rely on seasonal light displays and plants such as poinsettias to bring us some relief.

Rainy lace leaf maple.

The lace leaf maples are beginning to turn purple – the colour change stage they enter before dropping their leaves – and a light rain accompanies almost every step we take.

Lace leaf maple in its late autumn stage.

Lots of bushes and trees will retain a duller shade of green as they rest through the winter until they’re ready to once more provide us with their beauties.

Happy Saturday.

nature, Photography

November 22’s Friday Fleurday

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It’s unfortunately come to that time of year where there aren’t many blooms about, but I did find a few for today’s flower post.

These dianthus or sweet william flowers are still sweetly and brightly blooming among the fallen leaves.
The indomitable hydrangeas are also continuing to bloom. It’s so lovely, especially at this time of year, to unexpectedly come upon them in all their glory.
A single rhododendron bush in one of the public gardens is continuing to bloom in a couple of places on the right side of the bush. The rest of the buds are all tightly closed, so only a little seasonal confusion for this rhodie!
And a lovely summer memory: a pond lily from mid-August.

These will probably be my last flower finds for this year, so for the foreseeable future I’ll probably be posting pictures from the warmer months or whatever else I can find to brighten our Fridays.

Happy weekend.

nature, Photography

November 14’s Friday Fleurday

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Amazingly there are still quite a number of hydrangeas about although most have packed it up for the year and are headed into their seasonal rest.

This “penny mac” hydrangea is definitely still doing well.
These blooms are on the same plant as the bunch above. It’s interesting how some hydrangea blooms will revert to alternate genetic material.
The leaves on this panicle hydrangea are turning yellow but the blooms are still vibrant.
Another pretty penny mac.
This hydrangea is getting ready to rest until spring. Only the tip is still awake!

They will soon be gone but will start returning in early spring. Looking forward to it.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

November 8’s Friday Fleurday

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Although it’s November we still have quite a variety of flowers contributing their lovely presence to the autumn riot of colour.

These Japanese anemones are still doing well among the leaf litter.
A pretty dahlia; this one was growing in a kitchen garden.
Although the public rose garden has been put to bed for the winter, there are many matador roses around in the city parks.
Asters are always a welcome sight.
There are lots of sunflowers everywhere, too. The birds will appreciate this!
A couple of days ago I found this rhododendron bloom that was breaking its dormancy. There were additional buds on this bush that were also beginning to bloom, but another bush nearby showed no sign of “spring confusion.” I hope it goes to sleep again as it’s not time yet!

Happy Friday, happy weekend.