(click to enlarge to full size)
Hebe ‘Silver Queen’ (Hebe elliptica ‘Variegata’) has variegated yellow and green leaves and a deep rich violet-blue flower which appears in summer and in the late autumn / winter. Attracts hoverflies too – though I didn’t see the chappy in the right-hand corner until viewing this image on the computer.
(click to enlarge to full size)
Melianthus major or honey flower is one of 6 species that are indigenous to South Africa. The exotic looking plant has gorgeous serrated leaves with pleated centres and has bright red flowers which cluster at the base of the leaves. The plant is also known as “don’t-touch-me-bush” in South Africa because of the smell of its foliage. I can’t say I have noticed any unpleasant smell. The smaller form Melianthus comosus might be a better option for an English garden adding a touch of the tropics to the border.
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
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
An evergreen shrub. The height varies depending on the cultivar: dwarfs are less than 1.5m (5′), mediums are 2m-3m (6′-10′) and talls are over 3m (10′+). Flowers can be single, semi-double or double. They come in red, pink, orange, yellow and white, often with several colours in the one flower. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a paler reverse. Variegated varieties are also available. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was probably native to Southern China and south-east Asia.
Earth laughs in flowers 
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