AUTUMN BLOOMS

This year autumn is very noticeable for some reason. Even though the summer hasn't been too hot or too long, autumn is making its presence felt and somehow one is aware of it all the more. It brings with it many offerings of flowers. And of course first position of honour goes to the chrysanthemums.

Chrysanthemums in our garden.

Fuchsias in the morning sunshine.

And some exotics from the florist!

Bromeliads always put on a splendid show.

Many of the succulents are also flowering.

A decorative Opuntia (prickly pear) species.

The cyclamens are enjoying the autumn weather and putting in on quite a show.

This is the Silver Vase Bromeliad (Aechmea fasciata) which seems to like conditions in our garden and rewards us with many showy, large and long-lasting blooms!

The humble geranium is a striking drop of colour in dark garden corners...

African violets (Saintpaulia) have some stunningly beautiful flowers.

This is a new arrival in our garden. The magnificent Zantedeschia 'Hot Chocolate' cultivar.

Blue-coloured flowers like this pansy are my favourites.

This Banksia is an Australian native that looks very striking.

It's a good year for the camellias, which seem to appreciate the early cool weather.

A flower-loving mosquito that was tasting some nectar here and...

And here, on this Alyssum flower.

Autumn is a lovely season, isn't it?