Uncategorized

A Lighthouse on a Different Shore

| Flower Roberts

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.

IMG_2364

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

IMG_2357

to get to the lighthouse, which is located about halfway down the rocky cliffs.

IMG_2358

I must admit that I waited high on the windy cliffs and took photos,

IMG_2353

IMG_2356

 

while the rest of my party descended into the lovely, red-roofed structure below.

IMG_2363

 

Mr. Flower took the photos of the inside for this post.

IMG_2373

I always appreciate travelling somewhere new to see different sights.

It makes me see everything with fresh eyes.

IMG_2385

The FLOWERS on the move.

So Close and Yet So Far.

| Flower Roberts

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!

The Cutest Plant in California

| Flower Roberts

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

A Glad Day

| Flower Roberts

It is a Glad day in my garden.

IMG_1920

The colorful spikes of Gladioli are in bloom.

I have acquired many types over the decades.

My favorite hybrid is the well-known Priscilla.

IMG_1918

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.

IMG_1937

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.

IMG_1931

It has been a much better arrangement than the “Glads Flop” row last year.

FLOWER

The Town Parade

| Flower Roberts

We always watch the parade from the funeral home. They have an awning for shade.

The Troutman parade never disappoints.

It’s a mix of characters and critters,

IMG_1632

IMG_1662

cars and campers,

IMG_1648

IMG_1653

patriotic symbols and patriots,

IMG_1623

IMG_1633

and of course there’s a band,

IMG_1625

advertisements for businesses,

IMG_1629IMG_1664

even real animals

IMG_1666

IMG_1660

but my FAVORITE of all slipped quietly by in the midst of all the action and noise.

IMG_1642

A precious little lady in her bonnet, shyly waving to the crowd.

IMG_1641

Oh! I love a parade.

FLOWER

Blackberry lilies

| Flower Roberts

The lovely flowers of Belamcanda chinensis are always welcome, no matter where they show up.

This is an iris relative.  Its leaves are very similar to an iris, except they fan out from a central stem.IMG_1524

The name comes from the black seed clusters that resemble blackberries. (Not pictured)

There is a wide range of colors.  They have mixed  over the years.

I love their wiry, tall stalks and the butterfly-like flowers.IMG_1501

Upon close inspection you can see their pretty little spots.

IMG_1520

Easy to grow, propagate and move.  Just don’t eat the seeds.

FLOWER

 

An Easy Aster

| Flower Roberts

Peachie’s Pick Stokes Aster/ Stokesia laevis is really showing off right now.

IMG_1466

This wonderful plant has ragged purple blooms.

IMG_1359

that are popular with bees and butterflies.

IMG_1462

I have divided it over the years.

IMG_1499

It seems to thrive in any sunny location.

IMG_1360

FLOWER

Coincidental Combos

| Flower Roberts

I am all about the plant.  I plant them where they will thrive.  If they don’t do well in one spot, I move them.

I do this over and over.  So when a lovely combination occurs, it is usually serendipity rather than skillful selection.

Here are some combinations that I find fortuitous.  I can’t take any credit for the mixes and matches.  I will, however, take full credit for the health of each plant. They are my babies, along with the bunnies.

IMG_1367
Hot Chocolate Calla and a yellow spider lily
IMG_1387
Alstroemeria and yellow Coreopsis
IMG_1444
“Lily of the Incas’
IMG_1369
Giant Yellow daylily (no name) and Black Knight Buddleia
IMG_1334
Lucifer Crocosmia and Hot Chocolate Calla
IMG_1459
Jewels of Opar ‘Limon’ /Talinum paniculatum with ‘Orange Marmalade’ Crossandra infundibuliformis in the background
IMG_1442
Bleeding Heart vine (not yet red) / Clereodendrum thomsoniae and Fairy Lily/ Zephyranthus robustus

FLOWER goes with the flow.