Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Thursday, 6 February 2014

February colours in the Garden

 

The mornings are a little cooler, days still hot,  the sun is  rising later  every morning. Subtle signals in the garden that autumn is on its way.

Leaves turning to russet gold, the yellow day lily flaunts its last blooms, and the Gossamer Grass leaves have their red/pink seed heads that show at the very end of summer.This is a beautiful plant also known as New Zealand Wind Grass, as it waves so delicately in the slightest breeze.

autumn leaves  in February 2014

Last bloom of the day lily for 2014

gossamer grass

 

Gossamer grass fronds #1

The water lily blooms have gone, and coloured leaves tell me it has signalled a change in the season.

Water Lily leaves #1

Quotation of the day  from John Steinbeck

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”

 

Greetings from Jean

17 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

really lovely. i like grasses, too - as much as wildflowers.

i'm ready for our spring to touch texas. :)

Carol Mattingly said...

The way you describe Autumn approaching is beautiful.

Ela said...

Nancy, beautiful flowers and colors
Greetings from a cold Poland

Susan Heather said...

I'm not ready for autumn - time is speeding up too much for me at the moment.

eileeninmd said...

Lovely colors and images. I love the grasses too, they are pretty blowing in the wind. Have a happy day and week ahead!

Linda said...

These are beautiful, Jean. The last one reminds me of Claude Monet's paintings.

KB said...

Those are glorious photos. I especially love the water lillies since I rarely get to see them.

It seems that signs of autumn come to you before signs of spring come to us!

Sandy said...

Just found your blog through a comment you left on Seasons in the Valley. Your quotation is so true. We are anxiously awaiting the melting of the snow so we can appreciate the beauty of spring. I'm in Ottawa, Canada but dream of visiting NZ again. My son will be there at the end of February and I am so jealous that he will be able to enjoy the warmth of the southern hemisphere. Great photos.

Nancy J said...

Hi all, thanks for lovely words, I,too, so like the grasses, we have lots of varieties here, and did you know, I learnt a new word this week " Zanboni", and I think nearly all of you in the north need one of your own, as long as there is ice, you will use this and have your own perfect skating rink!!!one clever man who invented this marvellous machine. And if not that, maybe a snow plough to play with!!! Take care, Jean.

Razzle Dazzle Quilter said...

Ah so you think the season is changing too! We have lots of leaves turning and today the chookies started to drop feathers. We're wondering if they are heading into their first moult.

Linda

Jim said...

Perfect quote to read and realize we need both seasons. Beautiful photos Jean and I really like that grass....so wispy reflecting the sunlight. As you probably know we got another nor'easter yesterday....everything is covered in white once again and it so fresh outside! Sophie and I were just out playing in the garden. She could play all day!!
Have a wonderful day Jean.

Michaele said...

I like how you don't use the American spelling of color. Thanks for the wonderful shots and the hope for the seasons change here. May you not experience a winter like we have.

Nancy J said...

Weather update... drum roll!!!! 33.3 Celsius a while ago, photos of the gauge tomorrow. Too hot for anyone to be out there. Take care, all of you in the far north, either with the remnants of the last storm, or the beginnings of the new one, Is this a record year for low temps and snow days? Cheers, Jean.

Karen said...

Lovely seasonal photos! It won't be long before our temperatures are soaring that high. I don't like summer!

Lori Skoog said...

I so agree with your quote for the day. This winter really makes me appreciate the other three seasons.

Barbara Lilian in France said...

Just found you while I was doing a bit of blog peeping. Loved seeing your photos of where you live. Your grasses swaying in the breeze. I can't wait for mine to regrow after the winter looking dry but at least a feature. Even though we've had no snow this winter, I'm searching my garden for signs of spring here in rural France where I live. I'll be signing up as a new follower. Maybe you might like to pop over to visit and see some pics of where I live.

Nancy J said...

Hi Barbara, welcome to my blog, we are oceans apart, but I have another new friend, as close as our words are. I'll pop over to you too . And for all other Northeners, so good to see Canada up there with the medals at Sochi, US too, sadly NZ a long way behind!!! Never mind, competing is all part of life, Cheers to you all, Jean.