Spring flowers

Pictures of Spring flowers and the rest of the garden.

Rhododendron flowering

Azalea and variegated rhododendron flowering

Erysimum

I bought two wallflowers (Erysimum "Bowles Mauve") a few months ago, heavily discounted to $2 each. What a bargain! Despite the plants looking rather tired, I knew they would come back to life come the warmer weather. I transferred them into larger pots and placed them in the sunniest part of the garden. Spring is finally here and they are both flowering profusely.

Globe artichokes

Finally, a sunny day. The artichokes have gone through a growth spurt. The apricot tree has started to bloom, but very few flowers. The nasturtiums have added a refreshing green background amongst the grey. The rapini has gone into flower to add some cheer.

Dried chillies

Still stuck indoors due to rain. In the mean time, here are some dried chillies from last year (and some even older) to inspire me to get started for the warmer weather. I like how they have kept their red colour all this time. They dangle amongst a Chinese lucky charm and some restaurant leaflets.

Apart from culinary and decorative uses, I like growing chillies because the fruit can be crushed and mixed with some water in a spray bottle and used as a caterpillar repellant.

Zanzibar Gem

Springtime has arrived but unfortunately it’s raining all week. I’m taking refuge indoors which also means more attention given for indoor plants. This is Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia), and even with the low light available, has managed to grow even more leaves. My first encounter with this plant was in a shopping centre. I find the shiny leave irresistible. I thought nothing more of it. Then I spotted it in Bunnings and discovered what the plant was called. Apparently, after handling Zanzibar Gem, wash hands well with soap and water; every part of this plant is said to be poisonous!