RHODODENDRON

Spring flowers galore this year!

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

PHLOMIS

Phlomis is a genus of over 100 species of herbaceous plants, subshrubs and shrubs in the mint family Lamiaceae, native from the Mediterranean region east across central Asia to China. The name Phlomis derives from a Greek word for "flame", and may refer to the leaves' use in ancient times as lamp wicks. Common names include Jerusalem sage and lampwick plant.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

BLACK TULIP

Blooming in our garden at the moment!

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

BLUEBELLS

Hyacinthoides hispanica (syn. Endymion hispanicus or Scilla hispanica), the Spanish bluebell, is a spring-flowering bulbous perennial native to the Iberian Peninsula. It is one of around 11 species in the genus Hyacinthoides, others including the common bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) in northwestern Europe, and the Italian bluebell (Hyacinthoides italica) further east in the Mediterranean region.

It is distinguished from the common bluebell by its paler, larger blue flowers, more erect flower stem (raceme), broader leaves, blue anthers (where the common bluebell has creamy-white ones) and little or no scent compared to the strong fragrant scent of the northern species. The Spanish bluebell is also cultivated as a garden plant, and several named cultivars exist with flowers in various shades of white, pink and blue. 

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

THREE-CORNERED LEEK

The three-cornered leek (Allium triquetrum) is an invasive weed in the Amaryllidaceae family, which is native to the Mediterranean and which can carpet large areas very quickly because of its rapidly germinating seeds that quickly form a dense clump of leaves and flowers. Both the English name and the specific epithet triquetrum refer to the three-cornered shape of the flower stalks. In New Zealand this plant is known as "onion weed".

Pretty though this three-cornered leek may be, don't be tempted to pick it as a cut flower because it does reek strongly of an oniony smell! However, you can pick it for eating, as all parts of the plant are edible. The leaves and flowers can be added to salads, and the bulbs can be substituted for garlic. The taste can be described as subtly flavoured like a leek or a spring onion. It may be consumed raw or cooked.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.

CAPE DAISY

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

PETUNIAS

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.

FLANDERS POPPY

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

WISTERIA

Wisteria (also spelled Wistaria or Wysteria) is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family, Fabaceae, that includes ten species of woody climbing vines native to the Eastern United States and to China, Korea, and Japan. Some species are popular ornamental plants, especially in China and Japan.

The botanist Thomas Nuttall said he named the genus Wisteria in memory of Dr. Caspar Wistar (1761–1818). Questioned about the spelling later, Nuttall said it was for "euphony", but his biographer speculated that it may have something to do with Nuttall's friend Charles Jones Wister, Sr, of Grumblethorpe, the grandson of the merchant John Wister.

Wisteria sinensis, shown here flowers in the spring (just before or as the leaves open). The flowers of this species are fragrant, and the seeds are produced in pods similar to those of Laburnum, and, like the seeds of that genus, are poisonous. Wisteria is an extremely hardy plant that is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

ALOE

Aloe arborescens (krantz aloe, candelabra aloe) is a species of flowering succulent perennial plant that belongs to the Aloe genus, which it shares with the well known and studied Aloe vera. This species is also relatively popular among gardeners and has recently been studied for possible medical uses. The specific epithet arborescens means "tree-like". It is is endemic to the south eastern part of Southern Africa. Specifically, this range includes the countries of South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.

WATTLE

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

JONQUILS

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.

CINERARIA

Cineraria is now generally treated as a genus of about 50 species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to southern Africa. The genus includes herbaceous plants and small sub-shrubs. In the past, the genus was commonly viewed in a broader sense including a number of species from the Canary Islands and Madeira which are now transferred to the genus Pericallis, including the Florist's Cineraria (Pericallis x hybrida). The uses for Cineraria include topical application for the treatment of cataracts.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.

PREMATURE SPRING!

Yes, the daffodils and hyacinths are out in full bloom in our nurseries, even though we are currently in the last Autumn month of May in the Southern Hemisphere. The flower industry is force-blooming hundreds of thousands of bulbs so that they are available for Mother's Day this Sunday. I'm not complaining it's just odd and a bit (well, a lot, really) unnatural...

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

RUDBECKIA 'OPHELIA'

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

AUTUMN ROSE

With the second month of Autumn nearly over, our chrysanthemums have started to bloom profusely. A few roses persist to bloom and this fragrant pink beauty is an example, with golden chryssies in the background.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

CHRYSANTHEMUM

First Chrysanthemum of the season. A double, burgundy hybrid growing in our garden.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

ZINNIA AND BEE

Zinnias are currently in bloom in our Autumnal garden and the bees are feasting on them! They certainly provide vivid splashes of colour in th elate Summer and Autumnal garden.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

SUNFLOWER

Helianthus x multiflorus 'Flore Pleno' is a robust, perennial plant that produces double yellow flowers throughout the summer. Its deep green foliage is an excellent screen or foil to showcase small plants. Flowers of Helianthus x mult. 'Flore Pleno' are scattered all throughout this "green wall" which makes it an excellent choice for the back of your border.

This is a good plant for cut flowers and blooms for 4 weeks or more. It can be planted in containers and attracts butterflies. Prefers average, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Well drained soil is good for overwintering, but give Helianthus a good soaking if August begins to overpower. Can be divided in spring every 3-4 years. Cut back by one-half in early to midsummer to prevent staking.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.

DAHLIA

Dahlia Hybrid ‘Hypnotica’ is a garden variety adored for their large and uniquely shaped flowers coming in a range of colours ('violet' shown here). Great for cut flowers and adding a range of colour to the garden over the warmer seasons of the year.  Flowers from Spring through to Autumn.  Grows best in fertile soil in a full sun to part shade position.  Water regularly during establishment and maintain through the warmer months. Fertilise during spring and follow up in summer to help encourage healthy growth. Prune as required to maintain bushy form.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme