I love Pineapple Lilies/Eucomis.
If you don’t have enough space for these beauties,
try a little Aloha lily instead.
They are perfectly happy in a pot.
Keep them watered with a weak fertilizer.
I love their little pink “pineapples.”
FLOWER
I love all Elephant Ears/ Colocasias.
I have many varieties.
My favorite is Mojito.
Every leaf is a different mosaic of blacks and greens.
No two leaves are alike.
Even the tiny leaves have beautiful patterns.
They thrive in shade or partial sun. They love water.
So lovely. So easy.
Mix it up with a Mojito.
FLOWER
There is a castle in Napa Valley, California.
If you can’t travel to Tuscany, you can get a taste of Italy at the Castello di Amorosa.
I felt like I was back inside the walls of Volterra
with all its stonework
and iron dragons.
Standing guard are knights in not-so-shining armor.
The Great Hall walls are covered with colorful frescoes of
queens, kings, and fair maidens,
flowers and birds.
Below the tunnels are full of cold, aromatic barrels of wine.
Glistening and tasty wines
with magical names like La Fantasia and Simpatica.
What started as Dario Sattui’s dream is now a delight for all who visit.
FLOWER
I have been inside many lighthouses on our Atlantic coast.
This is the first lighthouse I have visited along the Pacific.
The Point Reyes Lighthouse was full of surprises.
I am used to spiraling steps going UP into a tower on a flat sandy shore.
In Marin County, California you must climb DOWN more that 300 steps
to get to the lighthouse, which is located about halfway down the rocky cliffs.
I must admit that I waited high on the windy cliffs and took photos,
while the rest of my party descended into the lovely, red-roofed structure below.
Mr. Flower took the photos of the inside for this post.
I always appreciate travelling somewhere new to see different sights.
It makes me see everything with fresh eyes.
The FLOWERS on the move.
Rutherford Hill Winery.
Thanks for the tip Surreyfarms.
This place is a dream!
FLOWERÂ Continue reading
I have spent the week in a lovely hotel.
Across this busy highway is a fabulous plant store.
I can not legally drive the rental care.
I am not allowed to cross on foot, so….
I have begged rides across. HA.
FLOWER finds a way!
I found a new baby in California.
Kanga Pink Anigozanthos.
It has fuzzy pink blooms that looks like paws.
There are other colors, but this pink is my favorite.
I must decide if I love it enough to ship it back to North Carolina.
Of course I do!
FLOWER
It is a Glad day in my garden.
The colorful spikes of Gladioli are in bloom.
I have acquired many types over the decades.
My favorite hybrid is the well-known Priscilla.
I am also enjoying a new mix for the second year, called Mardis Gras.
Interestingly these Mardi Gras bulbs only bloomed white last year.
Their only distinguishing feature was the purple stamens, instead of the usual white.
More vibrant colors have emerged this season.
These flower spikes must have support or they will bend over, especially after a rain.
This year, I planted them inside a circle of tomato rings with a tall Hibiscus in the center.
It has been a much better arrangement than the “Glads Flop” row last year.
FLOWER
I have never had a Hoya that bloomed until now.
I think the secret is to ignore them. Â This one could not be reached with the hose.
My other three show no signs of blooming.
I first spotted little brown clusters hanging down from the stems.
Then the clusters enlarged and turned a pale shiny pink.
Then one by one the flowers opened to reveal the red, star centers.
The cluster slowly became a beautiful ball.
Today the clusters of flowers were fully open.
This is a real thrill!
FLOWER has a new flower.
floweralley 