Flowers on Friday

One of the most dramatic flowers at this time of the year is the golden Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’.  Also known as ‘Black-eyed Susan’ with large, golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers up to 12cm (5in) across with cone-shaped, blackish-brown centres from August to October.

This knee-high plant bridges the gap between summer and autumn providing welcome colour to the garden. Best planted in drifts among other late flowering perennials, Rudbeckia works well in prairie-style schemes with ornamental grasses. They like a sunny spot and to be kept moist especially when in flower.

Bees, butterflies and other pollinators love it too.

White-tailed bumblebee. August 2019. Click image to enlarge.

Alternative Advent #21

In the period leading to Christmas some people buy an Advent Calendar to check off each day before December 25. Usually intended for children, it appears that in recent years there has been a rise in the popularity of luxury ones aimed at indulgent adults who feel the necessity to treat themselves on the run-up to the big day itself – from expensive candles and perfume to miniature bottles of Prosecco or Whisky and even chunks of cheese.

So I thought to balance all this extravaganza I would offer you an alternative in the form of a flower a day from Sunday 3rd December until Sunday 24th December.

All images taken on a mid-November day along the George V Memorial Walk alongside Copperhouse Pool in Hayle using my Olympus OM-D E-M10 and 40-150mm lens

Alternative Advent #1

In the period leading to Christmas some people buy an Advent Calendar to check off each day before December 25. Usually intended for children, it appears that in recent years there has been a rise in the popularity of luxury ones aimed at indulgent adults who feel the necessity to treat themselves on the run-up to the big day itself – from expensive candles and perfume to miniature bottles of Prosecco or Whisky and even chunks of cheese.

So I thought to balance all this extravaganza I would offer you an alternative in the form of a flower a day from Sunday 3rd December until Sunday 24th December.

All images taken on a mid-November day along the George V Memorial Walk alongside Copperhouse Pool in Hayle using my Olympus OM-D E-M10 and 40-150mm lens

 

Macro Monday #25

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Irises in my garden

(I. pseudacorus is a vigorous herbaceous perennial forming extensive colonies to 1.5m in height, with bright yellow flowers up to 10cm in width, the falls with brown veining in the centre, in mid and late summer.

Common names: Iris Aquatica. Iris lutia. Yellow Flag. Yellow Iris. Fleur de Luce.
Segg. Sheggs. Daggers. Jacob’s Sword.

Flower Portrait: Macro #14

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Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke / Sunchoke)

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Flower Portrait: Macro #12

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Rudbeckia (Cone flower)

April Flower: Marsh Marigold

Marsh-marigold is a member of the buttercup family, a large, almost luxuriant version of its smaller cousin with bright yellow flowers and dark, shiny leaves

Helianthus

“AUTUMN CARRIES MORE GOLD IN ITS POCKET THAN ALL THE OTHER SEASONS.” —JIM BISHOP

Spring Sensation: Rhododendron Anthony Koster