A Splash of Spring Colour

 

Thankfully, spring's arrival this year has been uneventful. Whilst one week had us reaching for our coats and the next, summer wear, we haven't had the soaring temperatures and winds that brought horrific bushfire conditions last year.

Here in sub tropical, SE Queensland, very few gardens have spectacular floral displays, unlike those where many of my blogger readers are from. The drought conditions of 2005 and 2006 resulted in garden lovers choosing to plant  hardy, native shrubs and plants. At present our bottle brushes are quite spectacular, but they don't give that dense colour palette, of a temperate garden. 

During the past few weeks I've spotted glimpses of colour here and there.  

Natives on our Somerset Trail hike, Mt Mee.

Lone trees on a suburban walk.

Golden glow in an acreage garden.

This lovely potted colour was discovered when I changed the usual route for my morning walk.

A couple of years ago the groundsmen of the golf club planted bottlebrushes [calistemons] around the 6th green which we overlook. They aren't well looked after, but this spring they have burst into colour. Here they are in the early morning light.

The wind has played havoc with my orchids, when they have just finally bloomed.

One of the upsides of not being able to travel this year, is that I have spent more time in my garden, and am actually here as spring arrives. 

Little pockets of colour here and there, are enjoyed as I move around the house.

These are the traditional freesia, and their strong perfume wafts through the garden.

The potted colour seen here, was created for a friend for her return from staying with her daughter during Covid. I'm loving them, but missing her.

Note the orchids in the background. 8 purple! I've only ever had one flower before. 

Native, King Orchid

Our Grevillea, Misty Pink, reaching for the sunlight.

We get to enjoy our neighbour's Grevillea, Ivory Whip.

Last week I joined three friends for  an early visit to Toowoomba. Its annual, spring 'Carnival of Flowers 'is the longest running floral event in Australia.  Only 1 1/2 hours drive from Brisbane, its elevation of 691m, makes a big difference temperature wise, with the gardens a riot of colour. This colour will be shared in my next post.

I would love to read your comment.