Sunday 5 October 2014

Bridge of Beautiful Rose Petals

You will see that the bright gold rose has a garden-friend walking along the edges of the petals.  The small red back of the ladybug (or ladybird) is always happy sight among flowers, where they help a gardener keep the plants free from the nuisance of various small, damaging pests - though on the elegance of a rose they often look like cheerful, misplaced buttons sewn to an evening gown!

Tuesday 23 September 2014

Parnassia grandifolia (Celastrales - Celastraceae)

Despite its common name, Parnassia grandifolia (Celastrales - Celastraceae) is not a grass, but a perennial herb, forming clusters of slightly succulent, shiny leaves. Its large, white flowers with green veins and bright orange anthers are really beautiful. Parnassia grandifolia is native to central and south eastern US. It grows in alkaline seeps and is an indicator of rich, old forest.

Friday 12 September 2014

Cream Roses and Sunlight.

You can see true rose-colour looking out from deep in the shadow of the coiled petals.  They are light, delicate blooms almost like porcelain; the flower is "Perdita" by David Austin, named after Shakespeare's heroine.

Monday 8 September 2014