Xiang Lake - Xiaoshan

Apparently not a lot of people know about the lake at Xiaoshan - Lake Xiang. It certainly is very beautiful with wonderful landscaped gardens around the lake. It was a Sunday so many people were enjoying the scenery.

Water on the Lily Pads.

In my last few days in China I visited a former student in Xiaoshan, which is near Hangzhou. Actually the international airport that services that region is at Xiaoshan. I had caught the bus from Shaoxing, which travelled from that city through Keqaio and on to Xiaoshan - it was all built area with very old housing and industrial buildings along the route. Somewhat depressing really, and when I arrived SY was not far away and turned up in her new red car.

The city was busy and she could not get a park so she drove to a newer area where the city was being rebuilt. Wider roads, modern buildings and more parks. The shopping centre was very quiet and there was plenty of parking. We had lunchat a little restaurant, before she drove out to a lake. A very pretty lake.

The photos above were taken around the lake. I am not sure whether they are lily pads or lotus. I thought lotus leaves usually swayed above the water, but there were lotus flowers and no leaves other than these sitting on the top of the water. I thought the little pools of water sitting on the lily pads were fascinating.

It had rained heavily not long before we arrived and the water on the lily pad was no doubt from that rain.

Flowers in Jiefung Lu

Jiefung Lu is the main street of Shaoxing. This area a week ago was quite desolate. Road workers who had been employed on upgrading the road over the past few weeks had lived in a makeshift tent to the left of the picture.

The flowers that had been there had died and what was left was a pretty miserable display.

On my last day in Shaoxing, I passed this area only to find all new plants had appeared and the place was all cleaned up and was looking quite spectacular. The city has spruced up for the World Choir Games which start in the city on July 15th, 2010.

I'm impressed with the way they use seedlings in pots to create spectacular show pieces.

The White Orchid

It has been a while since I have been in my fern house and yesterday as I checked progress of the motley lot of plants there, I found a white orchid in flower.

It is some time since we have seen this in flower, so it was a thrill yesterday to see it.

Now it is in the house - and looks stunning.

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)