Central Plateau, North Island

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

Tuesday, 9 May 2017

An Autumn Day in our Garden

 

Cherry Trees along the driveway

Come with me as we have a gentle stroll though the flower gardens  and trees.The Cherry blossoms have all gone,and golden/bronze leaves are glorious.

Cherry tree branches and blue skiesthrough the Cherry Tree branches

The ornamental grass has tall feathery flowers, and  sparkles like ice crystals in the sunshine.

Another feathery grass, with flower heads that sprkle in the sunlight

One deep purple snap dragon, all by itself, self seeded in the front garden.

snap dragon, a lonely one that self grew.

One of the many pink Alstromeria plants, a bee is in the centre flower. Buds still show a promise of more to come.

 Alstromeria providing a bee with some food

Last year a dear friend brought me a huge display of Luculia flowers, this is their photo,  and I fell in love with their beauty.So much so, we bought a small shrub. It is frost tender, so all last winter it has been protected, with a huge bucket. The odd leaf was burnt, but now it is thriving, and has stems covered at the end with so many buds.

Luculia flowers

Here  is the small shrub, that can grow to a tall tree in years to come,  hidden from any early frosts, the purple Tibouchina on guard on the left,  a tall handsome tree now, and the graceful red sage  taking its rightful job as a shelter on the right.

Tibouchina, Luculia, and red sage

Closer up, those buds are beautiful already.

Luculia buds close up

The Tibouchina shrub was a birthday gift some years ago.We planted it out in the open, it struggled with any cold morning, so it was moved, nurtured, covered each night in the winter, and now well over 8 feet tall. This is one lingering flower straight out of the Canon Camera.Sunlight and shadow in the afternoon.

Tibouchina close up ,SOOC

 

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“ The flower bud unfolds, showing so

gradually the hidden  beauty  within”

Greetings from Jean

25 comments:

Nancy J said...

Did any of my friends in Canada see the Madrid Open, we had very small snippets, but I watched just the scores live!!! And in case you didn't see the result, or see any of the play, I will not reveal the winner!!!

Paige said...

Jean, I never tire of seeing beautiful blooms! Thanks for sharing!

Razzle Dazzle Quilter said...

I enjoyed my stroll through your garden. Beautiful!

Mystic Quilter said...

Your garden is looking lovely Jean. I had a neighbour on the North Shore who had a Luculia in her garden, the beautiful blooms have always fascinated me. Your Tibouchina also brings many memories, I think we'll have to put one in this garden again!! Best of luck tomorrow!

Tanya said...

So many beautiful flowers. I love that ornamental grass and know what you mean when you say it sparkles.

Out To Pasture said...

What lovely blooms, Jean. Thank you for the enjoyable tour. I've heard that N.Z. Is a gardener's paradise.

Kate said...

I love looking at your flower pictures. They look so exotic, and of course, purple! My little tulips are closed up tight, just waiting for some warm weather and sunshine. Both are is short supply at the moment.
Thank you for the lovely flowers.

Jane said...

It's lovely Jean! You have plants that I'm unfamiliar with, so interesting. Hope you have a beautiful Autumn and plenty of time to enjoy it!

Hugs
Jane

QuiltinLibraryLady said...

Your flowers are lovely! We're finally getting some spring-like weather here in the middle of the U.S. Believe it or not, we woke up to about 9" of snow on May Day....after all-day rain, sleet & snow the day before.

Janet said...

This is Autumn in your garden?! WE don't have that much flowering beauty in spring! You have a lovely garden. Thanks for taking us on a tour.

Raewyn said...

A lovely tour....Autumn is such a beautiful time.

Our photos said...

Wow, that is beautiful ! You have got a little paradise as your garden !

Jenny said...

As always - your garden looks lovely!

Carol Mattingly said...

Oh what beautiful flowers in your flower garden. Just too many colors to choose from. Hope you are enjoying the cooler weather. We are about to heat up here in Tennessee. Carol

Jenn Jilks said...

Our Genie wasn't covered. I so sad!
It's lovely seeing the changing seasons! xo

Allie-oops Designs said...

What a glorious garden!!!!

KB said...

Your garden is incredibly beautiful, obviously cared for my a loving hand. Thank you for the wonderful tour. Happy Autumn!

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

I can't believe this is your Autumn showing Jean. Really so glorious all of them and I loved reading the descriptions. Some are brand new to me.

Mersad said...

You have such a beautiful Garden with a lot of nice and colorful flowers. Hope it keeps growing nicely.

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

Fundy Blue said...

Your autumn garden is lovely, Jean! I especially enjoyed the pink Alstromeria, because I had them in my wedding bouquet. I love how some of your beautiful flowers came from friends, and how you have nurtured them. We're breaking out in spring here with soft baby leaves everywhere! Take care, my friend!

Jenn Jilks said...

They aren't broadcasting the entire thing here. We are getting reports, though!
I adored your stroll!! We're gearing up for summer. Lots of fun.

Sandra Walker said...

I have never heard of either Tibouchina or Luculia (they are just lovely!!) but I know well Alstromeria. They are usually an annual here but along Lake Erie where I now live if you protect them well over the winter you can overwinter them. I will have to try one of these years as I do love them and have grown them in pots. Don't you just love the change of the seasons visible in our gardens?

Cathi said...

Your flower garden is gorgeous! Autumn looks like an absolutely beautiful season there! You live in a beautiful place!

Jenn Jilks said...

I forgot to buy snapdragons today! It was on my mental list!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I must have missed this post while I was away! What a lovely stroll thru your garden. The flowers, trees and grasses all look beautiful. I love the curvy drive! Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week ahead!