The idle comments of a passionate Australian gardener, whose 'Growing Delight' is sharing the everyday bits'n'pieces with other lovers of gardening, and through photography, the beauty of the Australian landscape.
Alice, your gardens are so beautiful. I am so jealous that you are just getting into your best gardening months! boy, you sure can grow these African daisies (at least I think that is what those beauties are).
Yes, Zoey, African Daisies (Osteospermum) everywhere, all self-sown now. I pull them out by the barrow load and mulch them but they are good value - flower forever and so drought tolerant. The Gazanias (all the yellow/orange/red flowers) self-sow in hundreds. The tall bright green plants in the last two photos are self-sown Larkspurs. There are literally thousands of them, all over the grass/weed areas too. Of course, Alyssum just comes up like grass anyway. I posted these photos for my daughter in the Netherlands; not sure if they will make her more homesick though.
Wow, your garden looks spectacular! Unfortunately mine is going through a tough, dry, hot period at the moment. A lot of plants leaves are burnt and wilting and now with water restrictions I can only water three mornings a week (I usually forget two of them!). But gee whiz, you give me the inspiration to 'keep at it'.
Shell - have you only just returned from holidays? I've been checking your blog each day and thought you must have still been away. I hope you had a really good time.
We've had the best start to Spring for several years, even the countryside is green again. The rain really soaked in and we've had enough rain falling regularly to keep the ground moist. I haven't seen things grow so quickly for years. I hate the thought of the weather getting hot and dry in a few weeks time.
Your garden looks fantastic, the pictures make me wish it was spring here in the UK.
Thanks for your kind comments, and I will try to see "Travelling birds", as I find migration one of the most amazing phenomena.
It's funny, you leaving a comment, I was just thinking about australian birds. I took my son to feed the ducks on sunday and there was an escaped black swan feeding with the mute swans. That in turn made me think of the diamond dove (another escapee) we had in our garden just last spring.
All these flowers are really impressing! I especially love the pic with the brickwall, the blue sky and the white cherry tree. So beautiful! I'd like to come over at once!
Hi Sandy - the burgundy leafed shrub is a DODONAEA (commonly called Hopbush). There are about 70 in the species, mostly occuring in Australia. It mostly grows to about 2 metres tall and is fairly drought tolerant. The flowers in the last photo are indeed Ajuga.
I love looking at all these pictures. You do have a wonderful green thumb. Keep them a-coming.
ReplyDeleteAlice, your gardens are so beautiful. I am so jealous that you are just getting into your best gardening months! boy, you sure can grow these African daisies (at least I think that is what those beauties are).
ReplyDeleteYes, Zoey, African Daisies (Osteospermum) everywhere, all self-sown now. I pull them out by the barrow load and mulch them but they are good value - flower forever and so drought tolerant. The Gazanias (all the yellow/orange/red flowers) self-sow in hundreds. The tall bright green plants in the last two photos are self-sown Larkspurs. There are literally thousands of them, all over the grass/weed areas too. Of course, Alyssum just comes up like grass anyway. I posted these photos for my daughter in the Netherlands; not sure if they will make her more homesick though.
ReplyDeleteWow, your garden looks spectacular! Unfortunately mine is going through a tough, dry, hot period at the moment. A lot of plants leaves are burnt and wilting and now with water restrictions I can only water three mornings a week (I usually forget two of them!). But gee whiz, you give me the inspiration to 'keep at it'.
ReplyDeleteShell - have you only just returned from holidays? I've been checking your blog each day and thought you must have still been away. I hope you had a really good time.
ReplyDeleteWe've had the best start to Spring for several years, even the countryside is green again. The rain really soaked in and we've had enough rain falling regularly to keep the ground moist. I haven't seen things grow so quickly for years. I hate the thought of the weather getting hot and dry in a few weeks time.
Your garden looks fantastic, the pictures make me wish it was spring here in the UK.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comments, and I will try to see "Travelling birds", as I find migration one of the most amazing phenomena.
It's funny, you leaving a comment, I was just thinking about australian birds. I took my son to feed the ducks on sunday and there was an escaped black swan feeding with the mute swans. That in turn made me think of the diamond dove (another escapee) we had in our garden just last spring.
Hope you have a long (damp) spring. Regards.
All these flowers are really impressing! I especially love the pic with the brickwall, the blue sky and the white cherry tree. So beautiful! I'd like to come over at once!
ReplyDeleteYour gardens are wonderful and lush. What is the burgundy foliage in the top photo and is that some sort of Ajuga(blue flower)in the bottom photo?
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy - the burgundy leafed shrub is a DODONAEA (commonly called Hopbush). There are about 70 in the species, mostly occuring in Australia. It mostly grows to about 2 metres tall and is fairly drought tolerant. The flowers in the last photo are indeed Ajuga.
ReplyDeleteAlice, your flower beds are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteLove looking at the beautiful flowers, is this really your yard? Or a professionally landscaped area? Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete