| Author | Content |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 2, 2007 11:42 PM Post #4042330
| For all who love and dream of the tropics!...come with us! 
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rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 2, 2007 11:50 PM Post #4042357
| Where dreams are not only by the full moon, but the moon flowers. 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:05 AM Post #4042430
| Ok so I don't live in the tropics...so I do what a lot of Tropical Dreamers do...plant things that look Tropical... even though we know we are pushing the envelope...so to speak...
and so for me it is palms and boges...those of us who don't have the right conditions must choose palms that will look lush and tropical and yet survive ...Winters in less than friendly conditions...or like some of our famous adventurers ...baby the tropicals inside over the colder months.
Come into our thread here... and lets talk about how we manage to be tropical under less than friendly weather conditions... if you want to know a bit of some things already covered ...please read part 1 and 2...but for now just a little glimpse of today ...in my back garden...this is where I dream of the tropics...please excuse
this big rambling ...(in the midst of fixing a couple years of neglect)
garden of mine...apart from bird donations I have grown everything here ...most from cuttings and seeds...and plants that have been thrown into a bin at a Nursery where my daughter in law works. Starting with Dawn this morning...it is deceptive calm ...beautiful ...mists rising from the dams ...but the reality is temps will rise to just over 100 and the scalding winds will come in to batter and burn things ...we have already ...many bushfires burning and it is still early Spring here...but for now...dawn in my backyard
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:09 AM Post #4042445
| The quiet time before the day erupts! (hi Rj...love moonflowers too!) 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:17 AM Post #4042475
| Already in the 80's here by 9am ...the sun bazes down already...most Texans relate to this ...I know!
However the wind is not here yet! so it is pleasant and there is no humiditity...which is great for us but not the plants!...does not help when you are on water restrictions...oh well let's see...
now look here a S't John's Cross Spider on my cactus...ooops shhh don't tell anyone about the cactus!
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:21 AM Post #4042508
| And this cactus is enjoying this dry heat in fact he is getting a bit tall to hide 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:25 AM Post #4042537
| My Boges are starting to light up...I love them! 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:29 AM Post #4042556
| Love different colours and I mix the boges up so they are all clashing and rioting 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:34 AM Post #4042580
| They fill the gap in time while you wait for the 4 'clocks...gingers ...lillies and Frangipanis to arrive!(it has just reached 100 and it is 10.30 in the morning... 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:38 AM Post #4042599
| You should smell the air the citrus blossoms are very fragrant!
here is manderine blossom
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:43 AM Post #4042626
| I grow my citrus amongst the flowers and palms...I think they are beautiful...lush fragrant blossoms ...and the pretty fruit...well you get to eat it!...it hides behind more boges 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:47 AM Post #4042640
| I had to go out earlier so here is a peek at a couple of typical homes in this area...a farming area. 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:50 AM Post #4042660
| here... 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:59 AM Post #4042704
| The local golf course...ooops next ...this is a home around the corner 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:03 AM Post #4042730
| I can hear LouC saying "it looks just like Texas" ha ha ha.
gulf course
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:07 AM Post #4042741
| Ok back home... 
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rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 3, 2007 1:16 AM Post #4042776
| So if I make it to Sydney this march do I get to come and tour the fantastical garden? |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:16 AM Post #4042777
| The wind has arrived *gritting of teeth*...it is very strong and very hot
not really a tropical ideal but we can dream can't we ...have a wonderful day/evening everyone!...you should hear the She Oaks ...screaming their heads off...I like it... but guests say they are frightened ...they sound like screaming madmen/women.
(that large leafless tree in the background is a Jacaranda and wil be covered in deep purple shortly... :)
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:18 AM Post #4042786
| All my daves garden friends are welcome...just not all at once :) |
zebraman
Venice, CA (Zone 10a)
October 3, 2007 1:34 AM Post #4042848
| Hey Chrissy100; Your photo's look like they were taken in Los Angeles.You can't go 3 blocks in L.A. without seeing Eucalyptus,Palm trees,Bouganvillas,Birds of paradise,Protea's,Banana's,and anything exotic with a pretty flower.We even have large flocks of wild/feral parrot's and Conure's. |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 3, 2007 1:36 AM Post #4042854
| LOL,
well it's not looking so good anymore..the 2 weeks I wanted to come were last week of FEB and first week of MAR and those 2 weeks were blocked for recurrent training here at work. I should be so lucky with the lottery! suppose to meet up with a friend from MEL, we even rented an apartment...arrrrggh. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:51 AM Post #4042901
| Yes I am beginning to get the feeling we are pretty much the same...guess I need to go out and shoot more natives plants...do you have streets lined with bottle brush trees?...wattles everywhere?...I know you have gums...some folk have said we are like Texas...and Florida is our QLD (Tropical)...isn't it funny ..we are all losing our traits...but isn't it wonderful that we can have plants from all over the World in our own gardens...there are many purists here who say "you should only grow natives"...I don't know how others feel... but my response to them is that if we all felt that way we would be eating yams and wattle seeds instead of the wonderful variety of things we have...I feel the same about our plants...a lot of our native plants just explode in the heat and I would be vey nervous to only have natives in my garden ...so give me a good mix of both ...and lush takes longer to burn. |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 3, 2007 1:56 AM Post #4042920
| In my neighborhood there are bottle brush everywhere...
and the new Toll Way was landscaped with Eucylyptus I won't even try to correct that spelling!
There are still tons of different things though. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 2:05 AM Post #4042945
| So what would be some Texas "natives"
postcard of gum blossoms
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 2:19 AM Post #4042992
| Do you have a Jacaranda festival ?...whole steets are just purple...(even though it is not a native ) it is "adopted" and there are celebrations everywhere 
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rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 3, 2007 2:29 AM Post #4043018
| No, I think Jacarandas are just catching on here. I planted some this year.
http://www.nativesoftexas.com
has a good list of natives. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 2:56 AM Post #4043100
| That's interesting I found something that is an Australian thing... even though the tree itself is not...they must have been around so long here ...most folk think they are native...Sydney Harbour turns purple in Nov and people all cruise around looking at the huge purple trees...people from everywhere go to the Grafton Jacaranda festival. Our wind is most severe at the moment...I took a shot...and the she oaks and other things are bent right over ...while the Norfolk Island Pine (comes from a windblown Island) just stands there...it is amazing 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 3:00 AM Post #4043115
| My lovely boge out the front just dances in it without flinching...see you later:) 
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Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI (Zone 11)
October 3, 2007 5:37 AM Post #4043434
| Lovely pictures! My hat is off to anyone who pushes the tropical envelope! |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 6:01 AM Post #4043468
| Ha ha ha... boy do I push...100 degrees and awful wind ...no moisture in the air at all ...you watch things shrivel in front of your eyes.In Australia it is about no moisture in the hot dry wind...it gets humid in Jan...but until then it is chokingly dry.Good things come from all rotten things...no more worry about aphids...they will be burn't off...but hold on ...snake and fire warning...oh well here we go... Summer in Australia...Spring was nice for 2 mins. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:55 PM Post #4043919
| But before we leave Spring...I borrowed some little pictures of our cooler climate Spring garden displays. 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 12:57 PM Post #4043923
| Tulip time 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:00 PM Post #4043934
| Of course I could grow them if I leave them in the fridge for a few weeks but I would rather grow something tropical...they are pretty though 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:02 PM Post #4043939
| I guess this is a common scene in America 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:05 PM Post #4043945
| And most ozzys dream of cooler gardens 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:07 PM Post #4043953
| We are a funny lot :) 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:09 PM Post #4043961
| Still I suppose if something is beautiful it is beautiful 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:11 PM Post #4043970
| No matter where it comes from 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:13 PM Post #4043975
| more 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:15 PM Post #4043986
| a little more 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:17 PM Post #4043992
| :) 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:19 PM Post #4044002
| So dainty and restrained 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:21 PM Post #4044013
| Nothing dainty or restrained round my way 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:24 PM Post #4044026
| So with that...goodnight :) 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:26 PM Post #4044037
| Sweet dreams ...whatever they may be 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 1:29 PM Post #4044049
| Dream a little dream with me...la la la la...la la ...la 
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KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA (Zone 10b)
October 3, 2007 11:42 PM Post #4046044
| Beautiful pictures, Chrissy! I love the mix of bougainvillea colors.
Our landscape is primarily California natives for several reasons; low water, no fertilizer, less pruning, AND because we like them! I have no problem with folks choosing otherwise, except for cities and developers planting large quantities of invasives that kill off our natives. Scotch broom and pampas grass are two infamous plants that have done that, and some riparian plants that were taking over our small streams and lagoons. People were evidently dumping aquarium plants in our lagoons here and caused all kinds of problems. There are some things that are just beyond the pale and I've heard there is a slowly growing movement of nurseries agreeing not to sell the bad invasives in their areas.
Meanwhile, here at DG, we can enjoy everything vicariously! Aren't we lucky? :-) |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 3, 2007 11:52 PM Post #4046066
| Yes...the same here re weeds ...makes me sad to think some day soon we will have to get rid of agapanthus...and some of those things that are so Australian ...even some wattles are now considered evil...(hate pampas grass...the 70's have a lot to answer for)...we have strict water restrictions too and most of us no longer have real lawns anymore...we mow the weeds...no sprinklers or drippers allowed...minimal hose...only a few hours twice a week...and it is here to stay.
Yes at least we can congratulate and commiserate in dg...it is wonderful! |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 4, 2007 3:25 AM Post #4046926
| Beautiful pictures, Chrissy! Here we complain about the humidity! My goodness! When my daughter lived in the desert she would get nose bleeds because it was so dry, and she had been used to the humidity!
Love your pictures! |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands (Zone 11)
October 5, 2007 9:42 PM Post #4052568
| Thanks for posting the tulips Chrissy - I do miss my tulips. But I have other things to make up for them. In a way its nice to move around and plant new things, watch the whole life cycle of unfamiliar plants, learn new things. But every once in a while a tang of nostalgia hits. Its okay though...don't miss driving in the snow! |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 5, 2007 11:13 PM Post #4052807
| The tulips remind me of when I was a small child in Indiana! My Grandma raised them. I always thought they were so beautiful. I actually saw some in wally world this past spring!
I don't miss driving in the snow either! We had a few days in Virginia and NC and it was enough for me!
I love the warm weather! If only you could have the temps without the fires Chrissy!
I just hate that you have to go thru that. Our prayers are with you sweetie.
Jeanne
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 12:13 AM Post #4052989
| Hey we are still here thanks everyone... wicked winds again today but there is always a silver lining...out the back where it is sheltered ...
the waterfall of colour is starting to have a party...you may have guessed I love my colours...here they come!
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 2:35 AM Post #4053427
| The heat is!...honeysuckle is feeling it! 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 2:40 AM Post #4053436
| Boges revelling in it! 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 2:44 AM Post #4053449
| Hot 100 + winds smashed my Angels :( 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 2:50 AM Post #4053464
| Tropical passionfruit eating my second storey balcony 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 3:05 AM Post #4053502
| There were dead Bogong moths all over the verandah...it's that time of the year again...
an exerpt from the paper:
Then there are the swarms of bogong moths. This year, strong winds have driven unusually large numbers of the native insects to the bright lights of Sydney, where they flutter into office buildings and congregate in city parks.
The moths travel hundreds of kilometres from the other side of the Great Dividing Range, flying on the wind at high altitudes en route to the alpine regions where they spend the summer.
The brightly lit Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of their usual distractions on the long journey south.
They flock there in plague proportions to pester pedestrians and smear commuter car windscreens.
But this year, Sydneysiders are fending off unusually large numbers of the fat-rich former caterpillars from the state's Central West.
Harbour Bridge security guard Eric Glombko, who works the night shift, said he had never seen so many before.
But the migrating bogong is also popular with birds and animals throughout the spring and summer.
"They're just packed full with fat," Australian Museum entomologist Dave Britton said.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 3:10 AM Post #4053515
| That picture does not do them justice... they are fat and the size of a small bird...even to the feathery feel of their almost sparrow sizes bodies...they are said to be yummy ...but I haven't tried them ! |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
October 6, 2007 3:21 AM Post #4053540
| Our climate here 3/4 time could easily qualify for the subtropics. 9 months out of 12 to raise anything tropicals, is a beautiful thing. I think. Even with the hot/humid weather in our region. Spring isn't complete until there are these lovelies in my garden. What's spring if there are no crocuses poke their noses through the frozen ground to signal spring is right around the corner. Then follow by this pure pristine beautiful tulips? I treat them as annual here, and intend to do so as so long I'm able to dig my hands in to the good earth and renew these babies year after years. And be so thankful of the bounty.
Native plants? Being native doesn't alway mean they're no-fuss plants. Sometimes they're difficult to find on the market. And some time, cultural requirements are also tricky. One can make a difference by education, info. disimilation, so novices at gardening will learn and respect the wild, and refrain from growing invasive plants.
You can't point fingers to our forefathers whose responsible for bringing Kutzu into the U.S.A. in the 1900, for by then they didn't know "Every Rose has thorns" so to speak.
So cheers, and happy gardening. :-)
This message was edited Oct 5, 2007 10:23 PM
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 3:40 AM Post #4053585
| Same here...we are only one month into Spring and it is gone already...Summer pushes it's way in every year almost as soon as Winter has gone...we can grow those lovely tulips if we keep them in the fridge a few weeks but the hot winds come too soon every year and we soon learn what does not break our hearts(your spring flowers are lovely :) in the garden...What is kutzu? |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
October 6, 2007 3:59 AM Post #4053633
| Kutzu, is a forbidden word in warmer climate USA. It's a monster of a vine. There was an article about it not too long ago on DG, perhaps you can find it?
Scotchbrooms invasiveness? Not this beauty; a hybrid that doesn't set seed like its cousin the Yellow species. Thanks to our hybridizers out there. 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 4:22 AM Post #4053668
| Thanks I will look it up...is that a genista? she is pretty! |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 6, 2007 5:24 AM Post #4053753
| Chrissy, glad that you are still with us! We love seeing your pictures, hearing your descriptions, and stories, about a land that we can only dream of, or see on tv.
It's been a joy to be able to communicate personally with you...never thought I would be able to correspond with such a sweet person so very far away.
I feel like I have really gotten to know you and loved every minute of it! I was telling my oldest granddaughter about the elephant poo story and was just in hysterics. She was laughing at me, and the story. We had so much fun.
I really thank DG for this opportunity to get to meet people from all over the world and find how much we really have in common! Who knew? |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 8:41 AM Post #4053886
| Why bless you darling ...I feel the same way about you ...and all of the other wonderful people too...I've had some sort of tummy trouble for a couple of days and could not do my computer (awful addiction now) stuff...ha ha ha...so funny ...if someone would have told me about 2 years ago that the computer would put me in touch with so many parts of the World...I would not have believed it...and I sure as heck would have jumped into the cyber world much quicker instead of quivering at the different options on my microwave oven!!!!
So bless you honey ...I am blessed!
Winter ...Spring Summer or Fall all ya gotta do is just.. call...and I'll be there yes I will you've gotta friend...(Carol King"s version)
:)
chrissy |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
October 6, 2007 1:42 PM Post #4054271
| Bright and shine everyone. Chrissy this is just for you. Your singing gave me a big smile this morning.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/66910 |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 6, 2007 1:58 PM Post #4054318
| Thanks for that...a lovely way to say good night...it is five mins to the witching hour so for me it is time for bed...there is a cool breeze and a splatter of rain ...a lovely way to end the day!
Nite everyone!
for those of you waking up...to a bright and beautiful day one of it's kind never to be lived again...a brand new day...
It's a beautiful day...don't let it get away ...it's a beautiful day!... |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 7, 2007 12:08 AM Post #4055838
| Well here we are ...indeed a beautiful day ...decent mild temp...a light sprinkle overnight...hooray!
What a difference a day makes ... just 24 hours ...la la
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 7, 2007 12:14 AM Post #4055856
| the roses ...ooooh wish you could smell the air...chanel no 5 
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 7, 2007 12:20 AM Post #4055877
| And one of my pretty bottlebrush... misty mauve...you folk have commented that they are common where you are...but this one lives here in oz! ha ha ha
Have a good one everybody!
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Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 7, 2007 4:57 AM Post #4056794
| Chrissy, how do they get so big? What on earth do you feed them? They are beautiful! Loverly... |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA (Zone 10b)
October 7, 2007 5:10 AM Post #4056822
| That's showing pink on my computer, Chrissy, is it? We only see red bottle brush here. That's beautiful. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 7, 2007 1:18 PM Post #4057227
| The bottlebrush is a lovely smokey pinky purple...a very pretty colour...that is the smaller one the one out back has not flowered yet and it is about 15 ft tall.
I think the things are just bigger here...the weather...the soil...
don't forget they live in the ground all year.
I am very happy to have something finally that you folk don't already have:) |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands (Zone 11)
October 7, 2007 8:21 PM Post #4058321
| Chrissy - not many people grow everything that you grow! So you should be happy all the time! One of us may have a couple, someone else has a couple...but you have so many! An absolutely fantastic garden jungle! |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 7, 2007 10:01 PM Post #4058539
| Absolutley Shari...Chrissy has a wonderful garden! I would love to see it in person as well...someday! |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands (Zone 11)
October 7, 2007 10:09 PM Post #4058561
| Oh me too!!! |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA (Zone 10b)
October 7, 2007 11:37 PM Post #4058825
| I missed the name - misty mauve! Smokey pinky purple is better! It's a lovely color. |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI (Zone 11)
October 8, 2007 5:26 AM Post #4060027
| Man, Chrissy! You have every plant known to the free world! Lovely to learn all about your area and beautiful garden. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 8, 2007 12:39 PM Post #4060384
| Ha ha ha thanks everyone... not really that many but quite a collection
like most gardeners you want everything!...when I moved here it was almost a clean slate to work on...no design ...no plans just "I want it all"...Winters still see me sometimes putting large blocks of ice on the mulch of some stone fruit if the it is not cold enough...or sees me putting black rubber tyres around something
I am trying to stop a heavy frost from destroying...over many years... like anything...it is all about learning...you reach a point where you have enough experience to have a feel for what will work and what won't...I have been blessed with the land size and borderline weather with a bit of fiddling you can grow almost anything...I know most of you have the experience but not the weather to do everything you would like but we gardeners are a greedy lot and yes we want it all :) |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 8, 2007 1:51 PM Post #4060649
| Yes we do! |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
October 8, 2007 4:38 PM Post #4061352
| I concurred with everyone. The love of gardening, let me tell you is contagious!
Here is the lantern-like buds of Starfish's blossoms to come soon. :-) (Frost tender if you take a wild guess). 
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KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA (Zone 10b)
October 8, 2007 4:51 PM Post #4061427
| I've never seen the buds on that plant, only the open blooms. I think I prefer the former! The flowers are interesting, but when they are full of flies it's hard to appreciate them. lol
This message was edited Oct 8, 2007 10:11 AM |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 8, 2007 9:07 PM Post #4062205
| Excuse my ignorance what is a starfish? is it a succulent?...like the one that smells like dead stuff? |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 8, 2007 9:10 PM Post #4062211
| Sorry did not blow that up...of course it is! wow the buds are great! |
jadajoy
Newport News, VA (Zone 11)
October 8, 2007 9:19 PM Post #4062244
| chrissy
Just love your blooms! wish my cactus flowered like yours. Everything looks like it grows so much bigger than here, I visited Sydney in 1997, guess I'm gonna have to pack up and move there :-) |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 8, 2007 9:57 PM Post #4062384
| Hey J...like someone said we are like Texas and Texas Is famous for "big stuff"...sadly like a lot of other places the gardens are shrinking due to the cost of land...you can now build a home ..
A M'c Mansion on less than 5oo square metres...which translates to living less than 6ft away from your neighbours walls...I love people but...the big house on a postage stamp would kill my spirit and I worry for the future generations who won't know what a garden is...guess it will all be a Sims world in a couple of generations...the consequences I don't want to know about:(
You know the science fiction movies where the children are shown a tree and the parents have to explain what a tree is to the awe struck child. Sorry for blathering on ...but in the next 10 years almost 70 000 new homes are going in ...just 10 mins from here...so that may mean moving...because I don't think I can do that. It also means that the food producing farms may be gone as developers wave big bucks under their owners noses and the rezoning forces huge rates onto these hard working people...sorry but that brings me down a bit...don't want things to change ...but I guess we all have to make way for the future.
|
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands (Zone 11)
October 8, 2007 10:04 PM Post #4062415
| I know exactly what you mean Chrissy! I sympathsize and empathsize. Everywhere I have ever lived, has become overgrown with cement. Houses, malls, walmarts! I would never make it in those Sci-fi worlds of tomorrow. Maybe that is why I love my little island - not much you can do to change this. |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA (Zone 10b)
October 8, 2007 10:10 PM Post #4062437
| Same here, Chrissy. We just got a notice in the mail that a huge development is planned for one of the valleys near us. Sounds disastrous in every way; water, traffic, noise. Guarantee these will be squeezed in cheek by jowl, too. :-( |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands (Zone 11)
October 8, 2007 10:22 PM Post #4062472
| Geesh K - if it weren't for Camp Pendleton, San Diego would just be another suburb of LA! |
jadajoy
Newport News, VA (Zone 11)
October 8, 2007 10:44 PM Post #4062542
| so sorry Chrissy. Hopefully it wont happen too soon or too close to you.
I think it is happening everywhere. People here are splitting their lots and building tiny starters in spaces so small you wonder how a house will fit until it goes in. Just looks ugly and causes more traffic and more people and higher taxes. but where can you go? |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 9, 2007 12:52 AM Post #4063079
| That started happening in our neighborhood. While I am a strong advocate of no zoning, or neighborhood home assiciations telling me what colour my fence has to be painted, we did have to get together and place a moritorium on lot splitting. There is a section of the street that looks like San Francisco housing with that 6 feet in between. |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA (Zone 10b)
October 9, 2007 1:10 AM Post #4063161
| A good friend of ours just got her real estate license and I can hardly stand to be around her sometimes. I've always thought the human component was taken out of real estate long ago - it's just money, money, money. It just seems wrong to be making fortunes off of people putting a roof over their family's heads. I don't know what the answer is - it will probably never change. I haven't looked into the details on this development yet, but the brochure says it goes beyond the county general plan by 7000%. Sounds like hyperbole, but I'll have to check it out.
Enough of that - too depressing! I noticed today that my holiday cactus (must be a Thanksgiving one) is setting buds and looks like it will have a nice bloom. It's a small one I got to replace the big one that froze. And my (western) redbud has a few blooms on it - funny thing this time of year, but I read that they sometimes do this. Such a pretty color. |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 9, 2007 1:30 AM Post #4063257
| It's the same here. We have a neighborhoold nearby with the houses so close. I told DS the other day, you could put a board out one window across the fence over to the neighbor's window and walk across! They built those houses probably 20 years ago!
Most of the neighborhoods around here are NOT like that, but that one sure is.
There is so much traffic in this what used to be a little town, that if you can avoid going out either of am, noon, or between 4:15-6:30 pm it's much better...and forget Saturdays! Nothing but Traffic! It used to be so quiet! Now you would think you were in Houston! (No offence RJ). I thoroughly understand. I think it's everywhere.
My daughter is so happy that their area is building up...I said, "Good, let it all go out your way! Maybe Baytown will slow down some! Fine with me!"
But at least with all of the progress we still have yards and beautiful flowers!
That's why we have to have our jungles in our yards or there won't be any anywhere else...LOL |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands (Zone 11)
October 9, 2007 1:37 AM Post #4063286
| That was one thing I really liked about Denver. The suburbs would be putting all these huge developments that all look exactly alike ...just the epitome of urban sprawl. But in the city of Denver, for every 10 houses built there had to be one block of park land. I really like that, and hope it doesn't change. Gives room for growth, and green at the same time. |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 9, 2007 1:48 AM Post #4063333
| Yes, that is a great idea! More places should do that! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
October 9, 2007 1:51 AM Post #4063347
| I wisk KC would put more parks in downtown. They keep polling everyone asking what is number one on their want list and it is more green space. But the city doesn't listen.
On the other hand though, downtown is coming alive again with a new entertainment district and a new arena that has almost all concerts sold out. Including 9 Garth Brooks concerts.
So far where I live development has been very few and far between. That is changing but so far it won't affect my small neighborhood. Just the town. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 1:55 AM Post #4063358
| What happens here... is you can't even fit a trailer or boat...I don't know the correct word for yours but trailer here means the thing you put behind the car to take rubbish to the tip or bring plants etc home in...well the blocks are that small...that is forbidden because there is only a postage stamp for a garden...lots of scary stuff going on like the giant strelizia being planted in the tiny courtyards...rubber plants and weeping figs...why ? no privacy...I can't begin to imagine the problems in a decade or so...oh well
the biggest problem is water!
Look ok change the subject...how can I remain sad when I go out the back and see this it will never be perfect and I don't know what kind of garden it slots into but man! do I have colour!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 2:00 AM Post #4063376
| And little grapes starting up 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 2:03 AM Post #4063388
| And figs for christmas 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 2:08 AM Post #4063406
| How can I be sad? 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 2:12 AM Post #4063417
| So you can colour my world with sunshine every day 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 2:15 AM Post #4063429
| Ha ha ha 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 9, 2007 2:16 AM Post #4063432
| Chrissy, I think your going to get us through the winter with the pictures! We were all lamenting the shorter days and the up coming cold. Certainly, we don't have much to complain about here since winter is Dec through Feb here in the south.
No kidding! I think I was just saying to Jeanne on saturday, how many institutions make a living off of home ownership?!
It's not too noisy in my neighborhood, although in winter with leaves gone and the air thin you can hear alot more! |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 2:19 AM Post #4063440
| Sunshine yellow... orange blossoms laughing faces everywhere ...yeh 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 2:27 AM Post #4063453
| I hope I can repay the happiness everyone gave me through a fairly nasty Winter...and with great delight let me show you my buddah's hand blossoms if you look carefully you will see each unfurled blossom is like a tiny clenched fist...showing the style of the fruit to come 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 2:33 AM Post #4063481
| Last but not least my wild cecile brunner ...someone gave me a bunch...I stuck a stem in and oops ...it escaped into the paddock outside my fence...wonderful musky scent 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 9, 2007 3:12 AM Post #4063589
| That buddahs hand is a new one for me! It's very cool looking. Almost too real! |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
October 9, 2007 3:33 AM Post #4063660
| Chrissy; lovely, lovely. Beautiful garden and plants. |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 9, 2007 4:50 AM Post #4063883
| Oh Chrissy, I love your garden! It is wonderful! |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 8:12 AM Post #4064038
| Rj the Buddah's hand is truly amazing ...it is a citrus that is a form of Medic...used in ancient rituals.
One fruit perfumes the whole house and it is a huge talking point. Later in the Summer there will be huge "hands" with twisted fingers
kinda spooky in a way ...except for the lovely perfume and the beautiful golden yellow...if you could sniff those blossoms right now...well you would know why it was used as an offering in temples.
thanks for walking through the garden everyone...it's been a lovely day :) |
Marcy_1
New Madison, OH (Zone 5a)
October 9, 2007 5:40 PM Post #4065249
| Most lovely gardens, Chrissy !! I love it!! |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 9, 2007 7:28 PM Post #4065536
| I wish I could sniff them! :0) |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX (Zone 8b)
October 9, 2007 10:02 PM Post #4066014
| Absolutely gorgeous Chrissy! So coloUrful!!!
Janet |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 9, 2007 11:15 PM Post #4066231
| I'll have to put that on my "aquisition" list for this spring!
Then all you texas gals can come and enjoy the perfume! |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 11:53 PM Post #4066368
| Here a a "borrowed" picture of a buddah's hand fruit ...you can candy the peel...snap off little bits of the "fingers" to add a delicious
lemon flavour to you cooking...one Enlish visitor almost fainted with joy at the sight of a bowl of buddah's hand fruit on my counter!
Happy gardening everyone...( remember that movie where the hand walk run around scarying everybody?) ha ha ha
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 9, 2007 11:56 PM Post #4066384
| Oops should have put my glasses on...please excuse the wrong keys in my Buddah's hand chat * blushing* |
Marcy_1
New Madison, OH (Zone 5a)
October 10, 2007 12:00 AM Post #4066400
| Chrissy, that is so cool! I have never heard of it before. |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
October 10, 2007 12:02 AM Post #4066420
| Oh how cool is that! I just mesmerized with the fruit of such interesting plant.
On the SE corner of our great States, this Stap.'s blossoms surprised me. There is odorless, beautiful Star-fish shape blooms. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 10, 2007 12:06 AM Post #4066437
| Do you know the latin name?
LOL..yes...I remember that movie with the hand...
My brother and I were in a hotel room as kids, the folks were at dinner, and the we were watching contraband. ...I was spooked the entire night looking underneath the bed and wardrobes. I think the original was a Vincent Price movie..it still gives me the willies |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 10, 2007 12:06 AM Post #4066443
| Gosh they could almost be related...don't you just love the bizzare and unusual?...fabulous! |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 10, 2007 12:12 AM Post #4066470
| Well in case you mean the Buddah's hand it is a Citron medic I think. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
October 10, 2007 12:17 AM Post #4066492
| I had a Carrion Flower aka Stinky flower, and whatever else you can come up with, earlier this year. I took it to work and our Hort Director took one look and freaked out. He wanted to know what it was doing in there and when was it leaving. LOL. I told him I was gonna put it in his office since he had a strong reaction to it. He started backing away from me at that point. lol
I finally killed it though I did manage to give out a couple of divisions of it and my grandma still has the one I gave her. Going strong still.
And no I don't miss it!! LOL |
LouC
Desoto, TX (Zone 8a)
October 10, 2007 12:18 AM Post #4066494
| Lily, is that a bloom on a cactus? Beautiful.
Chrissy, the "hand" too. You have done so much to educate us Yanks. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
October 10, 2007 12:21 AM Post #4066507
| Christi, that is a cactus. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
October 10, 2007 12:23 AM Post #4066518
| Link to PF info on the carrion flower.
http://www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2273/ |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 10, 2007 12:24 AM Post #4066520
| A little info on the hand...:)
TM
Shake The Buddha's Hand, Lucky, Lemony And Almost All Fingers
By Marty Martindale
Count on it.
Take an ancient, unevolved fruit, revive it, give it a contemporary, connect it to a well-known person, maybe add a touch of the ethereal, and it’s bound to summon curiosity. We’re talking about Buddha’s Hand, the redux of Fingered Citron, Buddha’s Fingers or Fragrant Citron. Not always reasonably priced, people in the Asian world ascribe upbeat, positive qualities to this fruit. They feel the hand is an imparter of good luck, happiness, longevity and prosperity, little wonder they place one near their cash register.
What, exactly is it? Buddha’s Hand is a lemon-flavored fruit with no juicy pulp under its skin. Further, the Hand lacks a lemon’s bitter white pith, seeds and juice. It’s grown commercially for its fragrant zest on small three to five foot evergreen-like trees.
What does the fruit look like, and how did it get its name? Buddha’s Hand looks like a vividly yellow, palmless human hand with far too many fingers, sometimes up to 20 gnarled fingers. Others describe Buddha’s Hand as a little like a large piece of bright yellow coral; still others say it looks like a bright yellow squid.
Historically, Buddha’s Hand is considered one of the oldest citruses originating in the foothills of the Himalayas, in India about 320 C.E. As it arrived in China, they called it “foshou,” the Japanese named it “Bushukan.” Its connection with Buddhist monks is sketchy. Gradually it became one of the earliest citrus fruits known in Europe.
Non-traditional medical practitioners offer pieces of the Hand as a stimulant, an expectorant and general tonic. Others, in Asia in particularly, used it as a showy room air conditioner. It also served as fragrant sachet pieces in chests of drawers. Its leaves tend to repel moths.
Citron never was used for other than medicinal purposes until around 75 BCE, when Pliny the Elder wrote of soaking strips of its rind in vinegar, fish sauce and other sauces. In the first-century Marcus Gabius Apicius, early, famed nobleman and gourmand, included notes on it in his first cookbook.
These days, we are no longer limited to plain oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes. Each has acquired some interesting cousins:
From limes, Kaffir Limes
From oranges come Oro Blancos and Blood Oranges.
Grapefruit flavor greets us as the Pomelo.
Buddha’s Hand imparts a lemony flavor.
Recent promotions of these fruits turn up on innovative martini menus and on television when chefs use these fruits in demonstrations.
We can find the yellow Hand in flamboyant produce markets. High in vitamin C, it contains little other nutrients. To buy a good one, choose a firm, blemish-free fruit with a sweet, clean fragrance. Store it in plastic wrap and store in your refrigerator crisper drawer. One keeps about two weeks at room temperature, longer refrigerated. They are available from September to March.
KITCHEN USES FOR BUDDHA’S HAND:
The rind is very thick and grated into any recipe calling for lemon zest.
Small strips of the rind is easily candied, or turned into homemade marmalade.
Shave and sprinkle zest over fish, in salads, pilafs, relishes, casseroles, and soufflés.
Sprinkle in homemade quick breads and biscotti
Add to sauces, salsas, compotes and smoothies,
Use in sorbets, sherbets, desserts, puddings, confections, custards, cookies, cakes and other baked goods.
Use it to flavor liqueurs, vermouth and vodka.
|
LouC
Desoto, TX (Zone 8a)
October 10, 2007 12:29 AM Post #4066540
| Chrissy, you are a veritable encyclopedia. Where in the world do you have access to such wonderful information...don't worry...I don't want to steal your thunder...I am just in awe.
LouC |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
October 10, 2007 12:30 AM Post #4066543
| Wow!! Great info on the Buddha's Hand! I am gonna pass this info along at work and see if maybe we can get some for the greenhouse. I know there is no way it is cold tolerant here. But we have greenhouses just for that. :~) |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 10, 2007 12:35 AM Post #4066565
| Chrissy can I copy that to my blog? For my aquisitions?
if not..you can tell me to talk to the hand!..buaaahahhahah |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
October 10, 2007 12:37 AM Post #4066570
| LOL. Good one rj!! |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 10, 2007 12:41 AM Post #4066581
| The info was put thee for you Rj...of course! :)
I hope you all enjoyed it! |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 10, 2007 12:52 AM Post #4066633
| Now for something interesting our very own Seymour right here in Sydney a huge deal!
...
About the Titan Arum
First unveiled to queues of 16,000 Sydneysiders in October 2004, the anticipated blooms of two Amorphophallus titanum or Titan Arum will catapult Sydney’s Botanic Gardens Trust into an elite group of scientific institutions around the world achieving multiple flowerings of a species that rarely flowers in the wild.
Emitting the unmistakable odour of rotting flesh, particularly in the evening, the Titan Arum is also referred to as the Carcass flower and, with a growth rate of approximately 10 centimetres a day and a height of between 1-3 metres it is certainly the world’s largest flower.
The spectacle, however, is short-lived, with flowers lasting only 3-4 days.
Vulnerable to poaching in its natural habitat of Sumatra, Indonesia, the Titan Arum is listed as endangered. The anticipated bloomings, however, will allow scientists and horticultural staff from Sydney’s Botanic Gardens Trust to cross-pollinate in the hope of producing seed to aid conservation of this rare plant.
Director of the Botanic Gardens Trust, Dr Tim Entwisle, said the spectacle and rarity of the flower meant that it was sure to attract record crowds.
'This is not surprising, considering the largest recorded flower was 3 metres tall, growing from an underground tuber 400 times the size of a potato and weighing some 100 kilograms.
'While we do not expect our blooms to stand quite that tall, it is highly unusual to achieve two flowers within such a short time span. For the public, this will mean that the flower will be on display for a longer than usual period.'
The first of the Titan Arum flowers is expected to be in full bloom on Sunday 5 November 2006 and the second is anticipated approximately one week later.
Titan Arum facts
Other names: Corpse Flower, Bunga Bangkai
Translation of Latin name: 'giant deformed penis
Native habitat: equatorial rainforests of central Sumatra, Indonesia, where it is endangered due to poaching and habitat distruction
First discovered: in 1878 by Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari, who sent seeds to England’s Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew
First bloom in cultivation: 1889, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Other known blooms: Less than 17 have been recorded in the United States. Other recordings in Bonn and Stuttgart (Germany); Brest (France); Cambridge, Kew and the Eden Project (UK); and Gothenburg (Sweden);
History in Australia:
First flowered in Australia at Flecker Botanic Gardens in Cairns
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 3:37 AM Post #4070705
| My happy Senna diddywhatsit is flowering ...soon lots of pretty candle flowers! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 3:42 AM Post #4070715
| Such a happy plant 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 3:51 AM Post #4070730
| A beautiful Spring day today...I have removed barrow loads of Spring jasmine... talk about triffids!!!!...it eats everything in it's path...but the reward was seeing my beautiful wall of colour ...you can't tell from the photo but the roses at the back of the "waterfall"
are a wonderful blush sugar pink...it is a climber called seduction because it opens creamy white and "blushes " sugar pink around the outer petals a very pretty ...romantic rose...a counterpoint to the boges riotous ways!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 3:55 AM Post #4070738
| So pretty 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 4:00 AM Post #4070746
| I can walk around underneath the waterfall of colour...the wonderful perfume...pretty soon the 8ft gardenias will flower...and the 4'oclocks 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 5:35 AM Post #4070910
| Those are beautiful pictures Chrissy! Just lovely!
You just threw the jasmine cuttings away??????? OOOOOOH!
Jeanne |
LouC
Desoto, TX (Zone 8a)
October 11, 2007 1:32 PM Post #4071465
| Takes my breath...so beautiful.
christi |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 1:41 PM Post #4071490
| Ooooh sorry but they are triffids here they gobble up everything!
gee thanks LouC...how did you go with MIL's PC ? |
LouC
Desoto, TX (Zone 8a)
October 11, 2007 1:45 PM Post #4071504
| Several schedule changes later we are going today. Hope I can do it. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 1:52 PM Post #4071531
| Good luck...gotta stop meeting this way ...almost midnight ...have a lovely day ...nite LouC ...HUGS |
LouC
Desoto, TX (Zone 8a)
October 11, 2007 2:05 PM Post #4071579
| It is 9 am here on Thursday. What day is it there? |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 2:08 PM Post #4071591
| This is just past midnight and friday now...g,night :) |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA (Zone 10b)
October 11, 2007 3:57 PM Post #4071915
| This was so funny, I had to share it. Chrissy, do your 'toos dance like this in the garden? lol
http://birdloversonly.blogspot.com/2007/09/may-i-have-this-d...
Not my fav music, but you have to hear it to see this guy really has the beat. |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI (Zone 11)
October 11, 2007 4:10 PM Post #4071955
| LOL, LOL ! Great video! |
Marcy_1
New Madison, OH (Zone 5a)
October 11, 2007 4:51 PM Post #4072049
| Hi kaperc... I would love to share that video with another DG member on the ORVG forum! I don't know how to get it over there though?
This lady just rescued a cockatoo named Ozzie...and she would love this video. Can you help? |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA (Zone 10b)
October 11, 2007 5:02 PM Post #4072082
| Hmmm...several ways, depending on what you are familiar with, Marcy.
You could just Right Click or highlight the link in my message, copy it, and paste it into your message to your friend.
Or, Right Click on the post #, copy that, and paste it.
Or, click on the post #, then copy the URL at the top of your browser.
I know some folks are very familiar with one option, but not with others. Do any of these make sense? If not, give me your friend's member name and I will send her the link for you!
I'm just leaving for errands, but will check back when I get home. Hope this helps.
Kathleen
|
jadajoy
Newport News, VA (Zone 11)
October 11, 2007 6:10 PM Post #4072282
| kaperc
Love, just love that video!!!
Thats it Chrissy. I am packing and will be there soon. Look around for a homestead for me :-). |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 7:25 PM Post #4072491
| Kaperc, what a cute video! He's a doll! So talented! LOL! |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
October 11, 2007 7:31 PM Post #4072508
| That was a riot of a Coockatoo, I've have copied the page and shared it with some of our MSG's group. It made everyone's day. Thanks. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 8:05 PM Post #4072589
| Thanks so much for that ...ha ha ha what a nice way to start the day...lovely birds ...and famous for their cheeky and intelligent ways!
I just love birds and we are lucky enough to have some wonderful ones...the big black cockies come in and eat the She Oak "nuts" every year...it is one of the highlights of our gardens.The rosellas ...Major Mitchells and the Sulphur crested are all commonly seen everywhere...wonderful! |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
October 11, 2007 8:22 PM Post #4072639
| Spicey Jatropha in blooms for Chrissy. :-) The close up magnifies the actual flowers, they're no more than a quarter-size. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 8:29 PM Post #4072654
| Lovely wall of colour!
I remember the farmers outside of Melbourne had another word for the cockatoos...they didn't seem very fond of them. I never saw so many in my life..they were very beautiful |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
October 11, 2007 8:33 PM Post #4072662
| Hiya RJ Bob, hope your day is going well. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 8:47 PM Post #4072694
| Hi,
thanks...its is a beeeaaaauuuutiful day here... |
Marcy_1
New Madison, OH (Zone 5a)
October 11, 2007 8:48 PM Post #4072699
| Kaperc...thank you...I figured it out...lol!! |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 9:06 PM Post #4072753
| Yes, RJ it sure is! Just gorgeous! You couldn't askf for a prettier day!!!!!! |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 9:15 PM Post #4072777
| Thanks for the pretty pink flowers L l ...very interesting leaves too morning everyone...nice to know everyone is experiencing a beautiful day...ours has just begun really it is just after 7 on a lovely Friday morning in Australia!
What are you all up to? |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 9:43 PM Post #4072855
| Draining the Intex pool. We normally do this for the winter, but this time it has a leak in it, so after it is drained it will go to the garbage. We've had it three years so we definately got our money's worth out of it!!
I'm debating whether or not to put a flower bed there instead! We'll see
We have had a gorgeous day. It was perfect to be outside! |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands (Zone 11)
October 11, 2007 9:44 PM Post #4072857
| Glorious color Chrissy! I do so much enjoy seeing all your pictures! Thanks! So glad you figured out the camera thing!!! |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 9:49 PM Post #4072872
| Chrissy you are definately doing very well with your camera! Fantastic! |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 10:21 PM Post #4072956
| I'm at work...No matter how beautiful the weather, my job seems to find the places it's not. Right now the operations at our hub in Newark is dismal with a cold front passing through...delays...
so while the sun shines here..we are busy busy busy with nasty weather half the country away..:( |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 10:35 PM Post #4073005
| well that's nof fun! It's too pretty to be inside! |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 10:37 PM Post #4073020
| Gee 77 If you threw a big bunch of plastic over it you would have a sort of Winter greenhouse.
OK I confess...I love the picture thing ...it's another way to bring the garden inside!...maybe next year a "proper camera" ...so meanwhile excuse the too brights etc cause I can't zoom etc on this one...here is an orchid cactus or whatever they are (new to that) It is as big as my fist and a much deeper colour than the pic
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 10:43 PM Post #4073051
| Sorry it is not good where you are Rj...here is a little mate... lives in my black bamboo ...does a good job getting rid of bugs 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 10:49 PM Post #4073082
| My cardomon...after clearing tons of jasmine yesterday my lovely plants are starting to emerge...can you see it? 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 10:56 PM Post #4073103
| My bleeding heart will race all over the place shortly 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 11:02 PM Post #4073121
| Pictures of lily...la la la 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 11:04 PM Post #4073126
| Cool spider. I've discovered a big brown nocturnal spider that lives in the garden. It is fairly big, and will spin it's web at dusk, then at dawn it takes the web down and disappears...
Do you ever notice in your midnight garden, the butterflies and dragonflies taking refuge hanging on the underside of leaves!? it's so cool. Knowing they have that refuge.. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 11:09 PM Post #4073140
| Yes Love the midnight garden...I go off to bed at that time but always have one last look ...wow never heard of a spider packing up his web before that's really interesting
Midnight at the oasis...send your camel to bed ...heaven's sporting a half moon... |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 11, 2007 11:23 PM Post #4073182
| LOL,
I had never heard of the spider either...and if I hadn't watched her pack up in the mornings..I might not have believed it. |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 11, 2007 11:46 PM Post #4073235
| That is way cool! |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands (Zone 11)
October 12, 2007 1:04 AM Post #4073550
| I wish my spiders would pack it up...I hate walking through the webs every morning when I'm watering! Yuck! But small price to pay I spose. |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 12, 2007 1:27 AM Post #4073634
| LOL..I know...at night when I walk out onto the deck I have a stick to clear the way. "the garden staff" |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 12, 2007 1:39 AM Post #4073660
| I use the stick at dawn ...but only if they have been naughty and blocked my way...they eat a lot of bugs...and the webs are pretty so long as you don't have to walk into them ...it's the spiders that hide under things you must watch here ...the *#%* red backs...sneaky little monsters...love hiding in rims and pots...under stones...alongside the trap doors and funnel webs...nasty. Happy gardening! |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX (Zone 9a)
October 12, 2007 1:42 AM Post #4073674
| Oh yes..these are directly webbed accross the passageways on the deck, sometimes even attached to the chairs. |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX (Zone 9a)
October 12, 2007 3:09 AM Post #4074142
| I don't like spiders! :0( |
zebraman
Venice, CA (Zone 10a)
October 12, 2007 3:43 AM Post #4074301
| Hey Chrissy100;Which of these taste better?
Black Opal Soft Eating Black Licorice or Black Opal Gourmet Australian Licorice.
Also I have heard that Kiwi's taste like chicken.Do they? |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
October 12, 2007 11:03 AM Post #4074683
| I have had kiwi before and to me did not taste like chicken. First time I have heard that one. lol |
chrissy100
Sydney
Australia
October 12, 2007 12:50 PM Post #4074960
| Well sorry z I am not a sweet eater ...so I can't tell you which is best...but I am sure it's all very good.
The Kiwi is a protected bird in New Zealand...so I don't think you will be eating any ...in answer as to what they taste like hmmmmm...since they are related to the Emu ...I guess they taste like Emu...I have never tasted them either...but have been told they taste like gamey chicken...
Did you know the Kiwi...lays 1 huge egg almost a quarter of it's body size...the male incubates it .
Pepper sweetie I think the kiwi you tasted was a Chinese gooseberry remarketed in the name of kiwi to promote sales...it was a very successful campaign! and they are very very good for you.
77 and Shari spiders are just trying to do their thing...I admire their beautiful webs and find them a great friend in the garden as they eat a lot of the insects...but having said that...some are scary!
and I try to avoid those...just think how many spiders do human beings kill ...compared to spiders killing humans...so who really is the scary one in the garden? ha ha ha ggggggrrrrrr!
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Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
October 12, 2007 2:00 PM Post #4075091
| Chrissy; what a refreshing way/perspective of our wildlife and the garden. I wish I'll grow ;horizontal growth, and compassion and wisdom, as my garden grows, for vertical growth has proven that has been terminated some where about 4 decades ago. lol.
Kiwi? They're lovely can be grown as nornamental here in our zone. :-) As far as taste? I prefer the one found on our groceries markets. Got to support our farmers 'cause they do a better job in producing those flavorful ones. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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