Piccabeen Palm

Piccabeen, Bangalow or King Palm - these are found in the east coast of Australia especially in rain forest areas.

The are fast growing trees and the berries make a great show - especially in the tree tops.

(These were photographed at Mt Tamborine Sky Walk on January 2nd, 2010.)

Mt Tamborine Flowers

Unknown tree

I've seen this tree on many occasions but I have no idea what it is. There are many of them in flower at the moment. I have no idea whether they are some imported species, but somehow think that they may be a native species.

The mass of bell like flowers fall from brilliant greent leaves and make a spectacular sight.

I just don't know what they are. Shall have to try and find out.

(This photo was taken at Fort Lytton, Queensland)

Day Lilies

Once upon a time I was not familiar with day lilies but I found one in a shop with the same name as my mother, and for a while had a whole row of them growing and blooming them at the side of the house.

They tend to die off, then come back with many flower spikes with buds, that open to a beautiful flower.

Sadly they are not useful as cut flowers, but make a magnificent show in the garden.

These blooms are in my daughter's garden, and flower well late in spring, or early summer despite her neglect. I love the different colours.

Yesterday as I was taking the photos grand daughter number two was impressed that I was interested in taking photos of her mother's flowers, and promised to phone me if more flower. We did not confirm the details, but I hope she means that if more of the plants inthe garden burst forth in bloom she will tell me.

There are many buds on the plants that are already in bloom, and another 6 or so plants still to show their colours.

My Orchid

I don't know the name of this little orchid. I bought it at a market years ago and until recently it was on a tree in the garden, but the tree split and was chopped down, and at the same time we had a small fern house erected in the back yard. Now I have about five of the orchid plants attached (with computer cable ties) to the wall of the fern house, and in the last few weeks one has flowered. Only one.

Above is a photo of one of the flowers.

Neglected Roses

My daughter does not like the roses in her garden - they have survived abject neglect for many years but still throw up some amazing blooms from time to time.

On the bud in the bottom picture you can see the infestation of bugs.

Sometimes plants don't mind neglect.

Hippeastrums

The Hippeastrums in my own garden have not flowered yet, and so far there are only two buds so I don't expect much this season.

Some in my garden have clearly died (we are not allowed to water our gardens because of the drought). The ones in the pots have survived.

These blooms are in my daughter's garden. She does nothing to them - how they have survived is a mystery.