Tag: flowers

Categories
Barbie's garden Christine's garden Gardening Home page features

End-Spring in Two Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

It is not easy to say that our Spring in coming to an end. It has been a favourite time with tons of flowers and colours. It is the season we all know well for “Spring Cleaning” and we both know what that feels like. Busy keeping the growth under control and watching for the next surprise!

Here’s what’s blooming in Christine’s garden in November 2012

It’s not been as “florific” a Spring as I’d hoped for, mainly because I’ve been away and not had much time to spend planning and planting in the garden. Taking photos for this post has been a great exercise as I can see where I need to cut back and where I still have ‘colour gaps’ to fill. The star of my garden in November is Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). It is in full flower and charmingly tumbling off walls, climbing up trees and creeping along the ground … and the scent is just amazing!

Here’s whats flowering in my garden right now …

[one_half]The Agapanthus have started to flowerThe Agapanthus have started to flower[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I’m loving all the Salvia – I have lotsI'm loving the Salvia - I have lots[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Last of the Lilies …Last of the Lilies ...[/one_half]

[one_half_last]and last flush of the Crabappleand last flush of the Crabapple[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Cute daisies and HeliotropiumCute daisies mix with Heliotropium[/one_third]

[one_third]Dietes bicolor in the same bedDietes bicolor in the same bed[/one_third]

[one_third_last]They are very prettyThey are very pretty[/one_third_last]

[one_third]Lovely Gaura lindheimeriLovely Gaura lindheimeri[/one_third]

[one_third]The gorgeous FuchsiaThe gorgeous Fuchsia[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Time to Dream …Time to Dream ...[/one_third_last]

[one_third]The interesting flowers of …The flowers of ...[/one_third]

[one_third]Acanthus mollis …Acanthus mollis ....[/one_third]

[one_third_last]aka Bear’s Breechesaka Bear's Breeches[/one_third_last]

[one_half]Pretty Chamomile blooms (thank you Barbie!)Pretty Chamomile blooms (thank you Barbie!)[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Yesterday, Today & TomorrowYesterday, Today & Tomorrow[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Dietes grandiflora are in bloomDietes grandiflora are in bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]as is the cute Dietes bicoloras is the cute Dietes bicolor[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The lovely Dahlias are hugeThe lovely Dahlias are huge[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Abutilon seems to flower all yearAbutilon seems to flower all year[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Petunias: The big picture …Petunias: The big picture ...[/one_half]

[one_half_last]and Up close and personaland Up close and personal[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Star Jasmine climbing up a treeStar Jasmine climbing up a tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]and Up close and personaland Up close and personal[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My gorgeous fur-kid, DexterMy gorgeous fur-kid, Dexter[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The reddest flower in my gardenThe reddest flower in my garden[/one_half_last]

That’s it from Claremont in Cape Town, lets see whats happening in Barbie’s garden in Philly …

Here’s what’s blooming in Barbie’s garden in October 2012

So much is happening in my garden, I can’t keep up! I swear that my lawn grows 3cm every day! There are so many flowers I wanted to try in my garden this spring, that I have over done it! There are the roses that are at their best now, and the Irises that have given me a splendid show and the daisy-type flowers are all over the garden. The Salvias and the Babianas and the Calendula are all so colourful. Have a look and see what’s exploding in my garden …..

Angels Fishing Rods – Dierama

[one_half]Dietes in full bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Roses are looking their best[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half]Daisy flowers-not sure of name[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Carnations still blooming[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Babianas are so pretty![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Orange Babiana too![/one_half_last]

[one_half]White Gaura – still a favourite[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Oh, more Babiana behind the daisy[/one_half_last]

These roses are so soft and delicate – I call them Auntie Henna Roses.

[one_half]Last remaining Meadow flowers[/one_half]

[one_half_last]And the corn flowers[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half]Chrysanthemum in the Veggie patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Calendula, Chamomile and Iris here[/one_half_last]

[one_half]California poppy re-seeded[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Tea Tree in bloom-so pretty![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Fuchsia in full bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Hot Lips Salvia[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

About Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Join Carol and friends over at May Dreams Gardens to see what other gardeners around the world have blooming in November! And if you haven’t joined yet and have some blooms you’d like to show off, please join in the fun of showcasing your blooms! We’d love to see what YOU have blooming in your garden right now!

Thank you for joining us!

PS: Please join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter – we’ll be so happy if you do!

Happy gardening xxx

Categories
Annuals Barbie's garden Bugs & Pests Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Bugs alive

I guess with the sunshine and the great goodies the garden has to offer, it is not surprizing that I will be seeing more and more critters taking advantage of the flowers! But, I have seen less bugs, so far, than last year. The ladybird beetle is back and she loves the celery and coriander bushes. Aphids are still my archrivals. They are in the roses, lemon tree, brassicas and now I see them in the Artemisia Powis Castle. This is unusual because I thought that bugs don’t like the Artemesia plants. Well, that is where the Ladybird beetle comes in – go fetch!!!

My Calendula is something new to my garden. I read about the great benefits of this wonder plant – Calendula is has been used throughout history in skin preparations. Calendula is beneficial for dry or damaged skin and also promotes the fast healing and regeneration of the skin because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Applying calendula topically is effective for decreasing inflammation and promoting the healing of wounds, burns, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. But the beetles swarm the flowers and the caterpillars are making a feast of it!

[one_half]Munch munch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Little black beetles everywhere[/one_half_last]

I seem to think that the bugs like the YELLOW!! This is the first spring that I have so many ‘daisy-like’ flowers – this is Chrysanthemum.

 

My hero – the Ladybird beetle!! Go get em!!

Oops! sorry! I see you guys are busy!

A Dandelion in the meadow does not escape the jaws of these little critters!!

I am happy to see that my home-made bug spray is working wonders. I always start with a soapy solution for the Aphids, but this doesn’t seem to last long. I have to apply it frequently, so I tried a new solution. I take Tansy leaves and Artemesia Wormwood and make a tea of this. I have read in Margaret Roberts’ book of 1000 herbs that these two are excellent bug repellants. I fill a bucket half way with the leaves, pour boiling water until it covers the leaves. Leave to cool. Strain the tea and place in a spray bottle with a teaspoon on Sunlight liquid (dishwasher liquid).

I sprayed my Roses last thursday and the Aphids are still gone. However, the new shoots need treating, so I will give it another splash of Bug Spray! This is the only plant that I spray – the rest I leave for nature to enjoy. I have so much to be thankful for, I can let it slide for now!

Happy Gardening xxxx

Categories
Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Last October Days

After the heat of yesterday and the windy morning, I finally ventured out into the garden to see what needed tending. Besides the blown-over trellis and the build-up of weed, I was amazed to see lots of new growth and happy flowers. I am amazed at how much a garden can really give you when you offer some love and care.  I treasure the surprises and the jump-for-joy moments, like the new Louisiana Iris in the front garden, the first new Rose or the Broccoli sprout and the sweet carrots.

My first rose bud. It is so sweet and gloriously scented!

[one_half]Dianthus in full bloom next to the Tea Tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]New rose bushes with Powis Castle[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Salvia Hot Lips in the rose patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Some rose buds, Fuchsia growing tall[/one_half_last]

[one_half]What a beautiful colour-Louisiana Iris[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A single perfect flower-just lovely![/one_half_last]

[one_third]Artemesia[/one_third]

[one_third]My Auntie Henna Rose[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Fuchsia lush and green[/one_third_last]

The Grass Feature is coming alive. The grasses are in their 3rd Season, so this is the year for them to shine!

[one_half]The grass feature is amazing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All grasses are in full growth[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The riverbed still looking good[/one_half]

[one_half_last]This will be so nice in summer[/one_half_last]

Well, the front garden is in full display. The Leopard trees are about to bud and within a few weeks will be rich and green with new leaves. Now let’s see what the back garden is doing …..

The Carnations are still blooming – together with the Yarrow. Both are new to my garden and seem to be happy in the new bed.

[one_half]Chamomile- great tea[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Sage – Salvia[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Calendula – my first ever from seeds[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A favourite medicinal flower[/one_half_last]

My first Fennel plant with flowers – from this one I will collect the seeds.

[one_half]Babiana are so pretty[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My first carnations that didn’t die on me[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Sweetpea up the ladder[/one_third]

[one_third]The new bed[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Buffy hiding from me[/one_third_last]

[one_half]My new apple trees in bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Quinces are now starting[/one_half_last]

[one_half]New strawberries – I love spring![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Blueberry bush also producing[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Watering hole next to the Tansy[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another watering hole[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My first Lily-behind the pineapple sage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A dove in her new nest in the potato bush[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Blue Cornflowers in the meadow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Don’t know what this is-but pretty[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Another unknown flower in the meadow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another non-name flower[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Wild growing Nasturtiums[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Meadow flowers coming to an end[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Best Lemons ever![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Loquats are nearly ripe![/one_half_last]

I have so many more photos,but I think I will post them on another day. There is so much happening in my garden right now and I haven’t even touched on the veggie patch.

Til next post – Happy Gardening xxxxxx

 

Categories
Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Wet October day

Well, the sun is hiding behind dark, ominous clouds and the rain is coming down. I know my garden loves it and after a few warm days, I am quite happy sitting indoors. Just survived a bout of nasty flu and a quiet weekend inside with a great book sounds like a good idea. I did, however, take a quick walk around to see what needed my attention, but my plants all waved me inside.  They are all happy. The Gardener can rest! xxx

[one_half]My Potato Sacks are looking great[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The raised veggie bed looking full[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Beautiful apple blossoms-how lovely![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rose patch is filling out nicely[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The rain is being enjoyed by all[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The potato bush is heavy with blooms[/one_half_last]

The sage has re-grown from the old plant in the veggie bed. I am enjoying the flowers. The Chrysanthemums are also thriving.

 [one_half]Beautiful sage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Buds closed on this cold day[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The Grass patch is looking amazing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All grasses are in growth-mode[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

Well, I thought I could pack away my fuzzy blankets – 🙂 The cold is still creeping in this October month. Well, I’m gonna wrap up warm now and will see you all in the week.

Happy Gardening xxxx

Categories
Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Spring Splendour

Never have I been so enamored with a flower as I have with my Louisiana Irises. I think that the first specimen has been so magnificent that I have placed this flower on top of my Most Have To Have list. It is so tall and is so perfect that any other Iris will have to bend in its shadow. I wake up in the morning and open my back door and there she is!

[one_half]These are so tall!![/one_half]

[one_half_last]and so perfect![/one_half_last]

I have another 4 patches where I have buried the Iris rhizomes and they are all looking close to blooming.

[one_half]These are in the Blueberry patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All the flowers here are purple/blue[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

The first 2 photos are the Irises in the front garden rose patch. I am not certain what the colours are, so this will be a surprise!

Thanks again, my friend, for this special, special gift!

Happy gardening xxxxx

 

Categories
Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features

What beauties

I am jumping with glee!! It is so amazing to see my Irises going from buds to blooms. I was like a child waiting for Christmas to arrive!! And it was so worth it! They are magnificent. I was never a real flower garden person, but to have these extraordinary flowers all over my organic vegetable garden has been a great delight!! I will say no more! Just look at the photos! They will show you the anticipation I felt!

[one_half][/one_half]

[one_half_last][/one_half_last]

They stand so tall, almost shoulder height. Is this normal?

They are the Springtime Winners for me! Even my hubby is taken with them. Yup – he has taken his camera out….. yes, the Iris will be photographed again …. and again…..

Happy Gardening xxxx

 

Categories
Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Another rainy day

Oh well, the spring sun was covered with clouds today and the rain came tumbling down – again. But Spring is all about the warmth and the rain – the flowers and the showers, right? So here is my garden today – wet and warm. The Spring feeling is in the air and the blues have melted and the spirits are high. I’ve been in the garden all day yesterday – pulling, clearing, weeding, cutting……..

I wonder what colour this Iris will be??

[one_half]I have groups of Irises all over the garden[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Going to be a glorious Spring!![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Sparaxis in bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Festuca Glauca a strong favourite[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The Blue Bed – all the flowers blue or purple![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Azaleas loving the rain![/one_half_last]

[one_half]More Sparaxis, heavy with rain[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My Raspberry Lavender, lovely colour[/one_half_last]

A single Freeshia – what a delight!

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half]Veggie patch all wet – again![/one_half]

[one_half_last]View from the front porch[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Newly cut grasses – waiting for the spring growth[/one_half]

[one_half_last]View from the back porch[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Front lawn needs mowing[/one_third]

[one_third]Rose bed clipped[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Erigeron creeping furiously[/one_third_last]

[one_half]Getting my seeds planted, while weather poor[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Took Thyme clippings – growing very well[/one_half_last]

I am quite surprised how much I managed to get done this weekend, despite the rainy weather! My garden is budding and growing in leaps and bounds. The rain is always welcome in my neck of the woods – only not days of it!

I hope my next post is on my Irises blooming!! 🙂

Happy gardening xxxxxx

 

Categories
Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Something stirring in my garden

I have not been getting the “spring is a coming” feeling! I have been so preoccupied with work and family birthdays and just feeling cold these past weeks in August that my poor garden has been so neglected. I have to admit that the “feeling has not been there”. I gave my favourite hobby a break. But the blooms are happily awaiting spring, regardless of the absent gardener. I have seen new colour and flowers and new shoots and buds today…… something is stirring in my garden…. wow, look!!!

[one_half]Azaleas are taking[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Love the flowers[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Lavender is blooming-Yipee![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Purple and raspberry colour[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half][/one_half]

[one_half_last][/one_half_last]

[one_half][/one_half]

[one_half_last][/one_half_last]

[one_half]Broad bean flowers in my veggie patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Borage blossom buds[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Lobelia, lavender, dietes & borage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Gerbera still blooming[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half][/one_half]

[one_half_last][/one_half_last]

[one_half]Blueberry bush starting to bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Meadow still a good show[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Mint bush[/one_third]

[one_third]Lemon tree in the meadow[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Veggie patch looking bushy[/one_third_last]

I am so excited to see that the garden is about to explode with colour!!! Bring on Spring!!! I’m definitely going in the garden this weekend!

Happy Gardening xxxxx

Categories
Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous Recipes

Garden on a plate

Wow – that was some storm we experienced over the weekend. I was so worried that the hail storm was going to ruin my veggie patch and when it rained cats and dogs, it was going to wash everything away! Glad to report that there are only small pools of water and the garden has survived. So much so, that I could pick an amazing lunch salad from the greens all around my garden. Take a look at the colourful plate of goodies – even edible flowers.

This collection of greens makes for the most delicious salad. I have experimented with edible flowers and include the peppery nasturtium flowers and the cucumber tasting borage flower. I have also added chamomile fronds and these are so delicate and have their own unique flavour. This is why I garden – to create beautiful plates of food. All it needed was a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon (from my lemon tree!) – nothing more! The flavours speak for themself.

The beautiful borage flower is also packed with healthy goodness.  This is called the happy plant, historically known to bring comfort and joy! It is said to be mildly antidepressant. It has anti-inflammatory properties and used by the pharmaceutical industry for its oil (this contains gamma-linolenic acid). Borage is used for its leaves, flowers and seeds. What a marvelous plant – also used in the garden as a green fertilizer! Multi-tasking at its finest!

Did you know that Nasturtiums is known as “Mother Nature’s Antibiotic” because it is packed with Vitamin C? It is great in assisting fighting colds and flus by assisting the immune system. The leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible! It has a fresh peppery flavour so a big must in any salad! And the colours are eye catching, brings a simple salad to Master Chef level!!

The salad greens are a variety of seedlings I bought – oak leaf, curly red, cos and butter lettuce. The rest were sown from seed, such as the english spinach, broad been shoots, fennel  shoots, tender celery tips and new swiss chard leaves.

My first ever attempt at growing Baby Chinese Greens – tatsoi (a spinach mustard), Mizuna (a lettuce), Arugula (we know it as rocket) and Bok Choy (also known as Pak Choi – a chinese cabbage). What you see here (above) in Bok Choy. It is the tender new growths that I use. I am busy thinning, so it is a great way to use these in salads.

This is, for me, the the joy of gardening! My edible garden! What makes you happy about your garden??

Enjoy xxxx

Categories
Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous

Edible flowers in my garden

I came across an article on edible flowers some time ago and while I was thinking of something to blog about, I remembered this and I was quite surprised that I have quite a few of them that grow in my garden (some from Spring to Summer). Of the 35 or so flowers mentioned, I have 21 of them!! These blossoms are used in teas or salads. The borage flower has a light cucumber flavour, the chamomile has a honey flavour and it great as a tea, The marigold is spicy and bitter,  and the lemon blossom is good for making citrus water. The jasmine has a delicate sweet flavour and the lemon verbena is perfect for a lemony tea. If you want something spicy or peppery, use Nasturtiums or carnations.

Personally, I would make teas out of the sweet blossoms, like Verbena, Borage, Jasmine and Chamomile and know that they are health giving and delicious to drink. The others I can add to any plate or table for decoration – whether I will actually eat them is another thing!

[one_half]Lemon (Citrus) blossom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Chamomile[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Fuchsia[/one_third]

[one_third]Mint[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Rosemary[/one_third_last]

[one_half]Thyme[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lavender[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Pansy[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lemon Verbena[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Coriander[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Squash flower[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Borage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Chive[/one_half_last]

The corn flower

[one_half]Sweet Basil[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Dandelion[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Sunflower[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Viola[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Carnation[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Marigolds[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Nasturtiums[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Jasmine[/one_half_last]

Well, not all beautiful flowers are edible – some are actually poisonous!!  Can you believe that the Azalea, Clematis, Daffodil, Deadly Nightshade (Belladonna), Delphinium, Nandina, Iris, Lobelia, Potato flower, Sweta Pea, Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow are ALL in the POISONOUS CATEGORY?

Well, be careful and Happy Gardening xxxxx