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A Castle For Wine

| Flower Roberts

There is a castle in Napa Valley, California.

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If you can’t travel to Tuscany, you can get a taste of Italy at the Castello di Amorosa.

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I felt like I was back inside the walls of Volterra

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with all its stonework

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and iron dragons.

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Standing guard are knights in not-so-shining armor.

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The Great Hall walls are covered with colorful frescoes of

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queens, kings, and fair maidens,

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flowers and birds.

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Below the tunnels are full of cold, aromatic barrels of wine.

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Glistening and tasty wines

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with magical names like La Fantasia and Simpatica.

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What started as Dario Sattui’s dream is now a delight for all who visit.

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FLOWER

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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I always appreciate travelling somewhere new to see different sights.

It makes me see everything with fresh eyes.

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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.

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The colorful spikes of Gladioli are in bloom.

I have acquired many types over the decades.

My favorite hybrid is the well-known Priscilla.

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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.

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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.

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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,

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cars and campers,

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patriotic symbols and patriots,

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and of course there’s a band,

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advertisements for businesses,

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even real animals

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

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

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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.

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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.

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This wonderful plant has ragged purple blooms.

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that are popular with bees and butterflies.

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I have divided it over the years.

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It seems to thrive in any sunny location.

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FLOWER