This large evergreen shrub can grow to 20 feet (6m) so not one for a small garden. In spring it produces abundant clusters of creamy-yellow flowers and both they and the foliage are scented. It usually flowers in May, but in some years can flower in March. These were seen in March here in Cornwall this year.
(click to enlarge to full size)
This pretty shrub was covered in flowers in early June (Bonython Garden) I think it is Halesia carolina (Snowdrop tree or Carolina Silverbell), but I don’t think I have seen one before. It is so pretty. Originating from south-eastern USA it is a hardy tall shrub/small tree. The spreading branches are heavily laden with white flowers whose dainty handkerchief skirts and yellow stamens hang down like nodding bells. It usually flowers in the UK in May, so a little late this year.
Genus Ipheion (starflower, spring starflower) are small bulbous perennials with onion-scented, narrowly strap-shaped leaves and sweet-scented star-shaped flowers in late winter and spring. These started flowering later than the accompanying blue muscari, but together they make a wonderful sight. As they are all planted in shallow terracotta pots they can be moved around the garden, but they do seem to love being in a sunny spot. Next year I think I will add some of the blue and purple ones to the mix.
(click to enlarge to full size)
This double white camellia has been with me since Ludlow. When we moved two years ago it was covered in flowers, but last year only had two. During last summer I watered and fed it and gave it a mulch of fresh Ericaceous compost and in the autumn buds began to form. After two ‘fallings over’ (it is in a container) due to storms and high winds at the beginning of the year, I brought it into the cold conservatory where it has remained. By avoiding the snow and the frost the blooms this year have been glorious. Perfectly white and perfectly formed waxy petals. I just wish camellias came with fragrance as every time I pass by I want to sniff it.
click to enlarge to full size
Helleborus niger
The second flower to bloom in my garden on February 11th. Though with far fewer buds than last year.
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
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.
Becky from “A life of a 40 something” is posting a flower a day throughout September, in the square format. She’d love you to join her.
day 28
Arum Lilies
Becky from “A life of a 40 something” is posting a flower a day throughout September, in the square format. She’d love you to join her.
day 26
Osteospermum
Earth laughs in flowers 