Fotografaire - Blog and Photography

Wonders of the Downside

The cone flower’s petals are in a constant state of looking on the downside on life, as their perky heads stand upright. They love sunny garden spots, and thrive on the sun’s rays. They can tolerate dry heat, light shade, and don’t need constant watering. When watering them, good drainage is important.

Their cone-shaped heads are usually vibrant in tone, and contrasts with the petals of the flower. They are a hardy blossom, blooming through December or January, depending when frost occurs. They are self-sowing, and can reproduce or propegate them from seeds.

The cone flower is not only popular for its vibrant beauty in the garden, but also for what some claim is their herbal or medicinal use…and is known as Echinacea in its herbal form.

~~Notes From the Garden

Hibiscus Blossoms

The Hibiscus plant or rosemallow, has large blooms, and there are almost 300 species of them, in both perennial and annual plants. Some hibiscus are also in shrub format, and I understand that they can be trained to be a small tree, also.

Hibiscus plants are a beautiful addition to any garden. They have showy blossoms. They can be planted in the ground, or kept in large pots. There blossoms are trumpet-shaped, and have five leaves. When I say the blossoms are large, I mean large. The size of the flower ranges up to 6-7 inches, depending on the species. The petals are often used as a tea, jams, and/or vegetables.

I have two wonderful hibiscus plants on my porch. I keep them in large pots. Their blossoms are absolutely gorgeous.

If you are looking for a beautiful, showy, and large blossom plant for your yard, hibiscus is the plant for you.

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Notes From the Garden

Springing and Singing Along

The garden is beginning to show signs of spring, as blossoms jump out from the ground, alive with color, vibrant tones and contrasts are everywhere.

My tulips are gorgeous, and my rose bushes are thriving. The rain of the past few days has helped the buds to blossom.

Yellows, oranges, pinks, multi-colors all reach upwards to soak in the sun. The photo above is just one very small section in my yard, one of my many, many garden areas.

Butterflies were lighting on the flowers, earlier, this morning, flitting back and forth and looking graceful. Birds chirped, flew back and forth, singing along to the tune of nature. Their songs resounded throughout the yard. Nature was at its finest.

~~Notes From the Garden

Early Birds

The euphemism is true. Totally true. The early bird does get the worm. I am witness to that fact. I have seen the robin redbreast on many occasions, the past couple of days, get the worms for breakfast, after an evening rainfall.

This little fellow had just finished eating his morning meal, and sat down on the edge of one of my bird baths for a rest, and for a drink of water. There were several other family members and friends of his on the ground, pecking away in between the blades of grass, looking for their morning eats.

They are fascinating to watch through my binoculars out of my den window. Spring brings the robins around, flitting along the yard, flitting from lawn to lawn. They are one of my favorite birds, and I remember them from my childhood, remember watching them through my bedroom window, loving their sounds and their interaction with the environment. That hasn’t changed. I still love watching them.

~~Notes From the Garden

Springing Along

The first day of spring was yesterday. The sun was out, temperatures were on the warm side, and there was a slight breeze. We are having the same weather today. I went out this morning, roamed in my garden, and took some photos.

My crocus plants have begun to bloom. They are so lovely and vibrant, their bright purple tones with accents of yellow.

I bought the bulbs in September, and planted them in late fall…November. Their blooms should last a few weeks.

Other flowers are beginning to bloom. My yellow pansies are. They are so delicate and beautiful looking.

The garden is beginning its spring journey. There will be more photos along the way.

~~~Notes From the Garden