I will post on plants in future posts.
It was an amazing adventure.
The link to the place we stayed is below. It was wonderful.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/740793708702267436?source_impression_id=p3_1690163431_X0yvPSfCfhIXLCf6
FLOWER
I have stepped away from my garden to explore another part of the planet.
FLORA
I love the scent of Cardoon blooms,but I must be careful as I sniff them. Each tufted head is full of bees.
They love wiggling around in the purple, mop-head blooms.
I spotted some beetles in the fray.
This plant has huge leaves, lovely buds and irresistible blooms.
FLOW
If you want a group of plants that makes a quiet statement try some Pineapple Lilies.
There are several types of Eucomis, but this on thrives best in my North Carolina garden.
I purchased this Eucomis from one of my favorite places on Earth, Brookgreen Gardens. This South Carolina attraction has both sculpture and gardens. It is a must see. They host fabulous events.
https://wordpress.com/post/floweralley.org/1380
FLOWER
Last year my four hibiscus plants were out in the yard around the fire bowl in big pots. I planned on doing the same this summer. The hungry deer had different ideas. One hibiscus plant died over the winter, so I cannot blame them for that. The other was brutally eaten beyond any chance of recovery. The surviving two had to be wheeled into protective custody inside the fence on hand trucks.
I guess they will spend the remainder of their lives behind bars.
The peach double seems to have recovered rather nicely.
The red had more limbs removed , but is finally blooming.
Hibiscus blooms are even lovely from the back.
I am glad I was home to rescue these lovely plants from our hungry herd.
FLOW
This is a striking daylily. It is larger than most and the colors are vivid.
I was going to move ‘Spider to Fly’ because it was too close to the steps.
I have changed my mind. I like to be able to see it from above and get close to it.
Spider to Fly is a new favorite.
FLOW
I absolutely lover Stargazer lilies. Their color and texture are hard to ignore.
Their aroma draws anything with a nose closer. It is hypnotic in nature.
But beware of getting too close while entranced. That rusty, dusty pollen has a dark secret.
It stains everything it touches. Sniffer beware.
If you want to clip some for an arrangement, it is best to snip off the stamens first.
FLOWER
A parade is a show moving by as one stands still. Spectators must pay close attention so as not to miss the small, special elements that give the whole thing its spark. My goal was to catch those jewels among the steady flow.
There is a technique to this scan and zoom kind of photography that is very dynamic compared to taking pictures of flowers in a stationary garden.
Here is a gallery of my favorite special sparks.
I love the Blowing Rock parade!
FLOW
If you are a fungi fan, you will love this book.
I used to teach biology so this is right up my alley. Ha
FLOW in mountains with no internet
floweralley 