Merry Christmas…

and Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone has a great time, and here’s also wishing you a happy 2012.

Flowers to come home to

The weather was cold and windy, but Melbourne’s weather is lovely today. There was no wind so I managed to take some photos.

These plants have been left to fend for themselves over Melbourne’s winter while I was away, with a dripper that feeds water once a week. It was nice to come home to see some flowers :)

 

These plants have been untouched, so here are some blooms with spider webs.

This is the first time I am seeing so many of these Kalanchoe blooms. Maybe I should go away more often.

The Crassula Diane is a very hardy variety, and may have taken over some pots…

 

The Jade Plant is also quite hardy

Succulents all squished together – it’s survival of the fittest

If you can, grow tall – I’ve got to do something about these

And these…

There are lots to do… Happy gardening.

San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers (Part 3)

Continue from Part 2

I took many photos at the Conservatory of Flowers, but these will be the last few that I am uploading (for now)

I did not take note of the name of the one on top, but I am sure this one is a Euphorbia (but please correct me if I’m wrong)

This was labelled as Euphorbia Lactea or “White Ghost” – I love this a lot.

The cage-like container and the coat hanger (?) work well…

Have a nice week.

Botanical Garden. San Francisco (Part 1)

Sorry that I have not posted for a while. The truth is I hadn’t taken many photos of plants or flowers for a while. In my other blog, I upload photos of my travels and art frequently, so please visit me there too!

I visited the San Francisco Botanical Garden recently, and I hope that you will enjoy these photos.

I brought my sketchbook to draw.

But it was such a pretty place that I spent most of my time walking around and taking photos.

I wouldn’t mess with this guy…

I found the succulent garden

Another photo from the succulent garden

A couple of roses

And some yellow flowers which I think were in the fragrant garden.

Thanks for dropping by.  More photos in Part 2.

A few more photos…

I am getting confused with names of succulents. They are either Sedeverias, Sedums, Graptoverias, Aloes, Crassulas, Kalanchoes, Aeoniums  or some other “similar” sounding names…

Whatever they are called, I love them. Here are a few more from the balcony.

This photo prompted me to write the opening paragraph. I love this baby… but I cannot tell you the name unless I hunt for its tag…

Sometimes I come across Blue Chalk Stick as the name of this lovely plant. I think it’s easier to remember than Senecio…

 

Kalanchoe… I think this specie is easier to recognised by the shape of its leaves.

Echeveria and sedum… someone asked if this blue grey bloom was a ghost plant in an earlier post.  That would be an easier name to remember…

Sedum (probably)… wearing my Learner Gardener’s hat, this plant should not be classified as a succulent. Unlike the others, it loves water, so it messes up my watering routine. 

Visit Teri’s Painted Daisies on Monday for Cactus Monday links.

Vegetables

are less confusing, I think...

There truth is I’ve given up on vegetables. They also mess up my watering routine and I don’t cook enough… These are my last few photos.

Have you seen a lonelier chilli?

Vietnamese mint makes me feel good as a gardener, like I’ve done something right. It just grows and grows and keep growing….

Oregano is also a happy plant on my balcony.

I love the smell of Rosemary. I cannot help but touch it.

Happy Gardening!

I’ll be taking a break for a little while. Please visit my other blog, as I will still be Enjoying the Good Life.

Watery succulent

Happy Cactus Monday.

I am glad I remembered today! Visit Teri’s Painted Daisies for more Cactus Monday Links.

Back to the starting line

A friend offered me a yucca cutting some months ago. Reluctantly, I said “No, thanks. I haven’t got the space.”

No more plants please!

Recently, when I was at at friend’s house, she asked me if I would like some basil. I hesitated. “To cook with or to plant?” I asked, but it didn't matter what her answer was. I don’t cook much and I am running out of space on the balcony.

“To plant”. She went on the explain that she had basil growing in a pot, all ready for my balcony. How sweet of her!

“Thanks, but no” I answered. I don’t usually say no to plants.

It has been a year and a half…

..since I started gardening on my balcony, and since I started this blog. There were many experiments and lots of fun… but I think I will have to make some decisions about the space, and plants to keep and nurture. …probably easier that than deciding what to do with the rest of the plants!

 

What the experts say?

I consulted the books and these are just some things I need to consider:

• To plan on paper first
• Think about how I would like to use the space
• Think about my lifestyle
• Colour schemes and textures

So much to consider, so much to do. The last year and a half was like  kindergarten gardening… now I get to start the next phase and do it all over again at Grade 1.

What’s your experience?

Succulent bloom

Hope you had a nice Christmas. Happy Cactus Monday.

I am wondering if I should have titled this post “Monday Mystery”.

I have to use a photo from my archive for this post. These were photographed on my balcony but  I cannot remember what they were…

Since I don't remember seeing them recently and I have just looked, I am wondering what happened to them… Probably died when I wasn’t looking - gulp!   Bad gardener! It looks like a sedum but I am not sure…

Anyway, Happy Cactus Monday and Happy New Year.

Visit Teri’s Painted Daisies for Cactus Monday links and a cute cactus braving the cold.

Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney (2)

Continuing from Part 1

I took these photos in the Succulent section of the gardens.

 

 

Happy Cactus Monday, and Merry Christmas everyone!

Visit Teri’s Painted Daisies for more Cactus Monday links.

Still pretty... no?

The colours in this photo makes me think of watercolour...

Happy Cactus Monday everyone. Another pink bloom; this time from my ice plant.

Visit Teri's Painted Daisies for more Cactus Monday blooms.