Snow peas

Some snow peas growing along a tee-pee structure.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

I showed a picture of the plant from my previous blog “Is this a weed?” - http://www.ginac123.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/is-this-weed.html

My gardener friend, Ian was quick to respond with an answer – it’s a Verbascum!

According to Wikipedia ‘Great Mullein has been used since ancient times as a remedy for skin, throat and breathing ailments. It has long had a medicinal reputation, especially as an astringent and emollient, as it contains mucilage, several saponins, coumarin and glycosides. Dioscorides recommended it for diseases of the lung and it is now widely available in health and herbal stores. Non-medical uses have included dyeing and making torches….Because of the plant's hairiness, Verbascum thapsus is resistant to grazing and contact herbicides.’
More info can be found here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbascum_thapsus 

Sugar

Sugar cane stamp.

Bergenia

Commonly known as Elephant’s Ears (Bergenia cordifolia), I see this robust plant thriving in a lot of gardens. This one is even growing in the crack of the concrete.

More info about bergenias can be found here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergenia

White daffodils

Here are some white daffodils.

Is this a weed?

I’m still trying to figure out if this fluffy plant is a weed. It has large leaves with a texture similar to Lambs Ears (Stachys byzantina). What is this plant called?

Australia on Collins

Colourful umbrellas decorate the space above the food court inside the shopping centre, Australia on Collins. This is the final month of winter and it already feels like spring is in the air.