flower

Hedychium gardnerianum

/ Robert / 5 Comments

This beauty was growing unfettered adjacent to a field in Montville, Queensland. A far cry from its native habitat in the Himalayas of India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Hedychium gardnerianum, the Kahili ginger, Kahila garland-lily or ginger lily, is a species of flowering plant in the ginger family Zingiberaceae.

It is an erect herbaceous perennial growing to 8 ft (2.4 m) tall with long, bright green leaves clasping the tall stems. The very fragrant pale yellow and red flowers are held in dense spikes above the foliage.

They appear towards the end of summer.

The above information is from Wikipedia Hedychium gardnerianum
5 Feb 2022, 9:30 a.m

Creative gardening solution

/ Robert / 2 Comments

The orientation, overshadowing, and patio roof provide a welcome respite from the searing Queensland sun in Summer.

Our compact courtyard is challenging when it comes to choosing plants. Areas receiving photosynthesis fuel in Spring and Summer are ignored during Autumn and Winter.

The raised bed next to the spa is on its fourth bout of planting. Fingers crossed the golden cane palms will flourish with agaves and mother-in-law’s tongues.

We have run out of ground space, resulting in the need for creative alternatives. The distance between the six feet high fence and the neighbour’s house is just wide enough to accommodate the depth of a self-watering trough.

So far these pretties are enjoying a daily slot of sunshine.

Flowers

/ Robert / 2 Comments

In this time of limited travel, physical distancing and quarantine, I wonder if picking, buying and giving flowers are allowed.

Instead, I sketched some for you. I hope you enjoy them as much I enjoyed creating them.

Wishing you, warmth, healing energy, and golden light.

Red hibiscus 

/ Robert / 3 Comments

It has been three years since we last stayed at the Pink Flamingo, Port Douglas, Australia. In that time we have moved house, married at the British Consulate, Sydney, and my position title, at work, has changed three times. 

This trip to Far North Queensland is an opportunity for us to live a simpler life. Relaxing, unwinding and spending time together are the only objectives. 

October in Port Douglas is usually dry with occasional showers. It has so far rained every day since Sunday, with more forecasted to come. This has not stopped us from enjoying the pool in the resort and going into town. 

This morning, the clouds parted to reveal the deepest blue sky. I was fortunate to be able to take the above picture of a beautiful red hibiscus flower. 

Pretty in pink

/ Robert / 7 Comments

See how the size of this glorious pink crepe myrtle tree dwarfs the cars parked nearby. I couldn’t resist capturing the pretty pink flowers contrasted against the vibrant green leaves of the tree behind. 

Easter flower

/ Robert / 4 Comments

  

Birds of Paradise, also known as Crane flowers is one of the most beautiful Exotic Flowers. Birds of Paradise are native to South Africa. Birds of Paradise bloom from September through May.

The flowers of the Birds of Paradise resemble a brightly colored bird in flight and so the name Birds of Paradise.

From The Flower Expert website. 

Easter time in Australia marks the end of the first month of Autumn. Happily we can enjoy these vibrant colours for another couple of months.