Wednesday 31 December 2014

Happy New Year 2015!


The CAPE GLOSSY STARLING (Lamprotornis nitens) had a wonderful festive season with his friend Tweetie in my garden!

Here's wishing you a wonderful 2015 filled with LOVE, JOY and INSPIRATION!

.

Thursday 25 December 2014

Christmas morning in the garden 2014

Christmas day dawned with lots of sunshine and not a cloud in sight, the first time in many years that we've had no rain on Christmas Day. I was drawn out early by the bird songs and bright sunshine, and my garden seemed to agree that it was a glorious day!

An early-morning visit from the Indian Ringneck Parrot that has been visiting my garden for the past week. With the peach tree full of fruit and the bird feeders that I supplement with apples and other fruit, I think he might just decide to stay!









May you have a wonderful festive season and the force of gardening be with you!

.

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Angel wing

Angel wing 
you inspire 
light 
hope 
love 

:: 
You faded away... 



A few years ago I was heavily into Begonias and a favourite was the "Angel Wing", a beautiful plant with exquisitely coloured leaves and beautiful pink flowers. I also had a couple of the more usual Begonia cultivars, but seeing as there are more that 1,500 species, I rarely even knew the names of those I bought. (Information from some nurseries regarding the plants they sell is sometimes pitiful, leaving you up to your own devices of trying to identify something.)

Begonia "Angel Wing" (Begonia aconitifolia × B. coccinea) is a hybrid Begonia which resulted from a cross between Begonia aconitifolia and B. coccinea. The hybridization was made by California plant breeder Eva Kenworthy Gray in 1926.

The plant gets its name from the shape and colors of its leaves. Usually, 'Angel Wing' grow upward on one stem. They flower and produce blooms that range in colors from red to white. The leaves grow with a wide range of colors also. The top of the leaf is often a dark green with metallic silver specks. The underside is a deep red.

Often, these plants are used as year-round houseplants. They are fairly easy to grow for a gardener that understands begonias. Since they are native to the tropics, the ideal growing conditions include high humidity, good circulation of the air around the plant, a lot of water, and a lot of light. The more light, the more brilliant the color of the leaves.

Angel Wing Begonias will grow well under shade cloth, lattice or in early morning/late afternoon sun. They will burn if grown in direct mid-day sun. The flowers are edible, with a sweet tart taste. 

Sadly I gave my Begonias away when we moved and maybe, just maybe (because I found they take a LOT of care!) I might consider getting another one.

:: 


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