Focusing on the little things bring deep happiness and contenment
When a plant is easy to grow and propagate, and never any trouble do you find that you also take it for granted? Cordelines are like that with me, I can just cut the top off, stick the cut end into the ground and it will grow a new plant. If I want a whole row of cordelines I place the stick horizonatally in the ground, cover with a bit of dirt and a new plant will pop up at every node. I add them here and there to break up the green.
Now the cordelines are in flower, and over the weekend I took a step back and looked at these plants through new eyes. Just look at a close up of these lovely flowers.....
The firespike is forming hard lips which remind me of a clam....
My favourite though has to be the ground orchid, and they are now front and center lining the path in the back - you dont have to go looking for them anymore.
The fact is that happiness does not come from the big events of life, but is made up of innumerable little things.
Wandering through my garden, camera in hand, and discovering hidden beauty - that gives me happiness, peace and deep down contentment.... how about you?
I dont know why I have never really looked that hard at the cordeline flowers. Maybe because they come at a time when the garden is growing so profusely and all the large tropical flowers are in bloom.
Once I started really looking I noticed quite a few "hidden" beauties.
These chleredon (I thought that was what they are called, but cannot find it on the internet - I normally put the correct spelling on a tag too) are planted at the end of the path, that is quite dense with vegetation at the moment, so you have to go searching. It is worth it though when you find these beauties.
These chleredon (I thought that was what they are called, but cannot find it on the internet - I normally put the correct spelling on a tag too) are planted at the end of the path, that is quite dense with vegetation at the moment, so you have to go searching. It is worth it though when you find these beauties.
The fact is that happiness does not come from the big events of life, but is made up of innumerable little things.
Wandering through my garden, camera in hand, and discovering hidden beauty - that gives me happiness, peace and deep down contentment.... how about you?
Such beautiful pictures. Would cordylines grown in the Hunter Valley ?
ReplyDeletethat is an interesting question Kim. I did a quick search and the Hunter Valley botanical gardens came up with some cordelines (not the same variety) I could send you a branch and you could give it a try if you wanted. E-mail me your address if you would like to do that. My e-mail is at the bottom of this page.
DeleteOh, I'm the same way, just a little trip around my garden once a day is so relaxing. I'm so amazed that you can grow Cordylines so easily.
ReplyDeleteAlison,
Deletewell there are plants that you can grow that I cannot.... I can get lost out in a world of my own in my little garden
Those cordyline flowers really are lovely close up. I suppose because we mainly grow them for their foliage the flowers do get overlooked. You've made me have a closer look at the ones I have flowering here. I've been so busy lately I think I need to take your advice and just wander around the garden appreciating the beauty.
ReplyDeleteMissy,
DeleteYes I hope you take the time to wander through your garden - you might find some plants that really need to make the move with you!
Beautiful flowers Gill. I wish I had more flowers in my garden...
ReplyDeleteSami,
DeleteI do love flowers, and it is funny that I dont really like to pick them and bring them indoors...
Thanks for sharing... your macro flower shots are simply awesome, Gillian! The Firespike is fascinating, the red flowers reminds me of the Lipstick Plant. Your last sentence is spot-on for me too... just love wandering in our garden for that daily dose of joy, peace and fulfilment!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day,
Jacq (from www.jaycjayc.com)
thank you Jacq, I just have a very simple camera and take lots of shots, then choose the best. I think my lipstick plant might start flowering soon, but is in deep shade and might not like that. It is nice connecting with other gardeners who feel the same way! :)
DeleteYour garden and your photographs are beautiful! I completely agree with you about happiness coming from small things and gardening contributes to that such a lot. My own garden is a swamp at the moment while I dig out the failing turf, so I'm living vicariously through your lovely one:-)
ReplyDeleteCatherine,
DeleteThank you, hopefully my photos gave you some pleasure. Big jobs like that can be a real pain - hope you get it sorted out soon.
The cordyline flowers look so lovely. Mine has bloomed before but I've never thought of taking photos as it has been ingrained im my mind that they are planted for its colourful foliage.
ReplyDeleteThe white flowers are Clerodendrum walichii (bridal veil). They are lovely too.
Stiletto,
DeleteYes their lovely flowers seem to be ignored by everyone! thank you for the correct name - I was close!
Bee-yooo-teee-fulllll!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love all your blooms, and especially the white clerodendrum. I agree with you, we do tend to take cordylines for granted. I am amazed that you get yours to grow so easily. I must try your method.
DEEPEST envy - really can tell you're in a far more tropical locale than i am! the vivid colours are luscious. i especially adore the firespoke - i have never seen that before. thank you for such a beautiful look in your garden.
ReplyDelete