Tag: Leopard Tree

What’s Hot and What’s Not

At every turn, you can find a gem of a flower or you can hit a gremlin!! Today was my day! I stuck my head out on this cold day and to my surprise found lots to photograph! So my post today was suitably named “What’s Hot and What’s Not!” Let me show you what I found …..

WHAT’S HOT: Lemon season!! Love them for salad dressing and for Lemon Cordial!

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: Lots of lemon blossoms!![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S NOT: Lemon tree leaves are yellow![/one_half_last]

WHAT’S HOT: MY first peas are coming out!! I have sweet peas and mange tout!

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: Beautiful Spinach[/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT: Delicious Broccoli[/one_half_last]

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: More peas – mange tout![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT: My first potato!![/one_half_last]

WHAT’S NOT: Argh!!! Ahipds!! Tons of them! They seem to be just sitting on my Artemesia! I thought that this plant was a pest repellant! Perhaps it is acting as a trap crop – is this possible??

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: Blue berry blossoms![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT: Borage about to bloom.Growing wild![/one_half_last]

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: Almond blossom! This year a crop?[/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT: Bees!!![/one_half_last]

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: More blossoms with a lil’ visitor![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT:More bees!![/one_half_last]

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT:Love my lavender! Bee friendly![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT: Calendula-great medicinal flower![/one_half_last]

WHAT’S HOT: My JoJo Tanks are FULL!! So I am happy that I have enough for my summer!!

[one_half]WHAT’S NOT: Totally overgrown! Needs a trim![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S NOT: My Leopard Tree is not looking its best![/one_half_last]

So my garden is as active as ever before. So much happening! Love to see the bees!!

PLANT A BEE-FRIENDLY PLANT THIS SPRING!

Happy Gardening xxx

Tags aphids, flowers, garden, lemon tree, Leopard Tree, organic vegetables

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

Essence of my Winter Garden

Post author By Barbara
Post date June 11, 2015
4 Comments on Essence of my Winter Garden

I love the softness and the coolness of a winter garden. After a harsh summer, it is a pleasure to see so much green. The mist envelopes the mornings and everything looks magical – the spiders webs look like jewellery. I hope you enjoy the walk through my June garden……..

Lets see whats happening in the front garden

[one_half]The front grass bed[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The front of the house[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Chasmanthas in my raised bed[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Raised beds very textured[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Cleaned rose bed[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Overworked wheel barrow[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Grasses with spider jewellery[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Tanks filling up[/one_half_last]

My beautiful Leopard Tree!

[one_half]My Artemesia – Powis Castle[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Such a fragrant and beautiful bush![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Always a bucket to catch more rain water[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Always fun things welcoming you to the garden[/one_half_last]

Lets see whats growing in the winter veggie garden

[one_half]Tamsin’s (my grand-daughter) Garden Peas[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Red Butter Lettuce! A new variety![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Italian flat and curly parsley-snail deterrent[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Broccoli with chives-companion plants[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Kale-well used in all green juices![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Thyme-natural bug repellent near brassicas[/one_half_last]

[one_half]A flourishing Yellow plum tomato[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Self-seeded tomato-clay pot for frogs[/one_half_last]

Another home in the Grenadilla Vines – a spider?? It looks like she strung up glass beads around her front door! Nice styling there!!

The old chicken coup is now a garden shed!

What’s happening in the back garden??

[one_half]Winter colours setting in[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Quince tree turning golden[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Back deck is well lived on[/one_half]

[one_half_last]New cosy couches to relax on[/one_half_last]

[one_half]New seedlings for the veggie garden[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Summer deck not in use![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Pepper Tree hanging over[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Coup area still a feature-sans chickens[/one_half_last]

Thanks for taking a walk with me around my garden………

Happy gardening xxx

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Tags Leopard Tree, organic vegetables, plants, roses, veggie garden

Barbie's garden Bloggers Harvest Day Gardening Home page features

Garden revival

You know that feeling when you go away on a holiday and come back to your home – it feels like you are a stranger! It takes awhile to become familiar again with your garden. That’s how I felt!

I felt as if I had been away or hibernating – I had to spend at least a day just greeting everything that was actively growing or peeping out of the soil. So many plants that have re-seeded and started to take over. And the bulbs I was hoping would survive have not disappointed! The Chasmanthe and the Louisiana Irises just make me brighten with pride! I had to chop and carry away all the overgrown borage and nasturtiums – they were like monsters. I should have taken photos….. but I did take a lot of photos of what is happening in my garden revival…..

My first Louisiana Iris this spring!!

[one_half]Quince blossom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Peach Blossom[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Love the blossoms[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Almond Blossoms[/one_half_last]

[one_half]New Almonds – can’t wait[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Blueberry blossom[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Borage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Fuchsias just starting[/one_half_last]

[one_half]This is a spekboom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lovely lavender[/one_half_last]

[one_half]New rose leaves-patience![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Confetti bush-indigenous[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Angels’ fishing rods-Dierama[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Leopard tree is in seed[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My grasses are coming through-Pennesetum[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Chasmanthe and Iris in raised bed[/one_half_last]

And what’s happening in the vegetable garden?

[one_half]My edible greens-salads, rocket & spinach[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Coriander[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Chives and Pyrethrum – bug busters[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Flowers, fruit and herbs together[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Empty chicken coup[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Fig tree budding[/one_half_last]

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From sunny calendula to the sweet peas – the blossoms and the blooms, I am so enjoying my garden again!!

If I can get this everyday, I am rewarded and grateful.

Happy gardening xxxx

Tags blooms, flowers, garden, gardening, lavender, Leopard Tree, organic garden, organic vegetables, trees

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Growing up revisited

Just a quick post to show the new seedlings growing. I can see the difference between the kale and the chinese cabbage now with the second set of leaves (I am sure they have a more scientific name) coming through. I am excited about the kale – I saw a recipe with kale and it looked so scrumptious! With so much nutritional value, it can only be a great addition to any plate! I also harvest a variety of lettuces daily for our lunch salad! No more red, juicy tomatoes, but I do have the small yellow Blondekopf tomatoes. Very sweet and there are always lots of them!

Here we have the kale

[one_half]Kale[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Chinese Cabbage[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Rocket[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rocket in the raised bed[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Ok – I think this is more cabbage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Potato plant emerging[/one_half_last]

[one_half]A necklace of Blondekopf tomatoes[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Some lettuce in a bald patch[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Oak leaf lettuce[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rosemary[/one_half_last]

What else is growing in my garden that I haven’t talked about for awhile?

[one_third]Passion Fruit Vine[/one_third]

[one_third]Fennel[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Lemon Tree[/one_third_last]

[one_half]Bulbs in the raised beds-must be Sparaxis[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ixia with Lupins[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Birdies love the birdbath[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Grasses are still attractive[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Fairylights in the Leopard tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Black pod of the Leopard Tree[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Powis Castle Artemesia in the rose bed[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rosemary & fennel in the veggie patch[/one_half_last]

Lots still happening in my garden and as I can see, there is still a basketful of goodies I can collect from the veggie patch!

Have a Happy Gardening week xxxxxx

Tags bulbs, lemon tree, Leopard Tree, tomato, vegetables, veggie garden

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous Perenniels

Autumn colours

I was inspired today!! I looked out of my window this morning and the recent fresh rains brought out such beautiful Autumn colours! So I took my camera and explored the wet garden. I found the most interesting perspectives and saw my garden in a different light! Lots of colour that I thought I had lost…

[one_half]Lupins in a plant pot[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Minty green and edible too[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My basket makes for a pretty picture[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ipomoea brings great colour to the garden[/one_half_last]

Sweet yarrow flowers are a favourite of mine.

[one_half]Garden gnomes are all around[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Artemesia also a big favourite[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The new chickens are quite at home[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The guavas – a winter fruit[/one_half_last]

The gorgeous Ice Cream bush – love the changing colours

Euphorbia – delicate and wintery looking

These are a new addition – not sure, but I think it is feverfew!

[one_half]The ground well-mulched[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The Lemon tree is bursting![/one_half_last]

[one_half]A fig leaf in full autumn colours[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I love this foliage-forget the name[/one_half_last]

Fallen leaves are everywhere!

The black pod on the Leopard Tree!

[one_half]Peach tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Quince tree[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Blueberry bush[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Pruned and ready for winter-Gaura[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Roses are looking beautiful[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Full bloom and smells just great![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Leopard Tree bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Flowers in the wheelbarrow[/one_half_last]

The Artemesia – Powis Castle is a huge mass – I love it!

[one_half]My Grass Feature still interesting[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My dry river bed has amazing character[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The birdbath[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Bucket of weeds-very interesting[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Grasses still beautiful[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Love the colour of this grass[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Salvia Hot Lips are a talking point[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Easy growing and always flowering[/one_half_last]

I hope you enjoyed the wander around the garden as much as I have!

Not going to do much gardening…… but I am going to enjoy the new perspective!

Happy Gardening xxxxx

Tags autumn, autumn leaves, garden, Leopard Tree, salvia

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels Trees

Front garden activity

This has been such a busy weekend in the garden for me – no longer could I stand the disheveled look and the hanging, overgrown bushes. I had the energy and the will-power to get it right! With my boots and gloves on, I got out the lawn mower, edge trimer, wheelbarrow, sheers and spade! The neighbour was thunderstruck! She could not believe that I did it all single-handedly! I even had time to fetch more apricot pips and a new (old) bench that was given to me by my best buddy! Thanks for the new addition to my front garden – it stands proudly and awaits friends to come and rest awhile!

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I absolutely love it – it fits perfect into my style of garden. Thank you again and we both wait for your next visit!

The front garden is looking good – the one Leopard Tree had a burst of growth this summer – the other always seems to be 6 months behind!

[one_half]My Leopard Tree in the Grass feature[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Grass feature looking dried out![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Barrow of flowers managed through summer[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Grass mowed and edges cleaned[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Leopard Tree One[/one_third]

[one_third]Leopard Tree Two[/one_third]

[one_third_last]New Bench[/one_third_last]

I am exhausted but pleased with the clean up! Now I need to feed the garden. I have placed an order for Neutrog (organic fertilizer). I have found it the best and gives my garden a burst of new vooma! Can’t wait!

Happy gardening xxx

Tags garden, grass feature, lawn, Leopard Tree, organic garden, pond plants, trees

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous Trees

Leopard Tree in May

I have to highlight this special tree – my Leopard Tree (caesalpinnea ferrea). I have to stand in awe sometimes when I walk out on my front deck and see the Leopard Tree going through it’s next seasonal change. (previous post on the leaves here) It literally changes from week to week. The bark is now maturing and the beautiful colours are coming through. This is the reason it is called a Leopard Tree because of its spotted bark. It is also known as a Brazilian Ironwood Tree.

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[one_half_last][/one_half_last]

This is such a beautiful tree and when full grown will give us a beautiful canopy – can’t wait! I can see the difference in size and shape between the two trees I have – the one in the background is obviously younger. It is also a different shape and colour. The bark has not yet matured and it’s cycle is so different to the one in the grass feature. For instance, it flowered and sprouted new leaves 2-3 months behind the other tree. It gets the same water and feeding time as the other Leopard Tree. Hmmm… maybe we need to give it more love!

Oh look – today the bark is curling and peeling!! I believe this shows the age of the tree, by the colour of the bark.

Enjoy your garden. As you can see, I have lots of cleaning up to do this week xxxxx

Tags Brazilian Ironwood, Caesalpinia Ferrea, Leopard Tree, tree

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Trees

Leopard Tree in bloom

It is such a wonder to watch my Leopard Tree develop. It has so many different “seasons” and this can happen all in a week!! Last week I stood on my front porch and could see the lime green leaves – so delicate and they were all open. I spotted something yellow on top and sure enough – there were flowers!! Very strange time to flower, but, hey! I’m not complaining! I needed something new for GBBD for March. So they start flowering at the end of summer and I will monitor how long they will bloom.

[one_half]Love the changing greens of this tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Light green when the leaves are open[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Delicate lovely yellow flowers[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I just love this foliage![/one_half_last]

Check this out – 1 week later:

Now this week I see a totally different tree! Take a look at all the new leaves – this was just after a tiny bit of rain we had this week. Funny, the two Leopard Trees are about 2 weeks apart in “age” the one tree is shooting new leaves and the other not yet a flower…so I am waiting for that one to bloom. I guess the one in the Grass Patch gets a wee bit more attention. And I have dedicated this tree to my late mother and she does love to dress up!

[one_half]All these new leaves shooting out[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The one in the grass patch gets more water[/one_half_last]

Brand new leaves only 1 week old.

[one_half]Difficult to capture true essence of the tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Full of new leaves and a few flowers[/one_half_last]

Now you know why I am so fond of these trees. The best part is their bark so the next post I do I will focus on this.

Happy gardening xxxx

Tags Brazilian Ironwood, Caesalpinia Ferrea, flowers, foliage, Leopard Tree, trees

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Trees

Leaves of a Leopard Tree

I have been consistently delighted with my two Leopard Trees I planted back in April of this year! They have shown me so many different sides and moods, from variations of colour to leaf shapes when open and when closed. Did you know that the leaves actually close when the sun goes down? I have also noticed that they close when it is very windy! I guess this is how they conserve water! Their bark is multi-coloured and when I water them, they have this lovely green tinge!

Every month seems to show a new face…… have a look!

[one_half]In September[/one_half]

[one_half_last]In October[/one_half_last]

[one_half]In November[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Also in November[/one_half_last]

These are just my favourite trees!!

Happy Gardening xxx

Tags Brazilian Ironwood, Leopard Tree

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous Perenniels

Bugs eye view

It is amazing what we see through our eyes. But what if we could see through the eyes of a bug? It is of course impossible for humans to percieve what an insect sees, but we think that a compound eye, consisting of 2 to 20 000 lenses will project a sort of mosaic image. So our eyes are very sophisticated to see near and far, like we do.

What an amazing world opens up to us when we add lenses to our eyes, in the form of a magnifying glass, macro lenses on cameras or microscopes. I love looking closely at things, flowers, leaves and insects. I also have a nicroscope in my kitchen that I use often to see what is bothering my plants – a fungus or an insect. When I can get that on camera for you, I will definitely post it, but in the meantime I will use my camera!

[one_half]Borage in bloom[/one_half]