Special Effects
Monday, June 13, 2011This agave has been in my garden for more than four years already. However, I am still very intrigued by its patterned leaves each time I see the plant. And now that I am growing it in the full sun, the spiky leaves are not facing downwards anymore. They have all grown upwards.
Eventhough this Amaranthus Illumination is still short and small, its foliage has now started to show its red colour. The plant grew from a sproutling about two months ago. The name 'Illumination' is so befitting. The red colour is really illuminating the plant!
At one corner of the garden, my yellow Desert Rose has blossomed a flower. The pic below showed how the flower looks on the second day with its colour having faded a little. The plant really has good survival spirit. Every time when it rains and rains, it will lose all its leaves but once the sun is out again the leaves will grow back and flower also.
Next to the Desert Rose are my herb plants. I am happy that they love the sun and don't mind the rain. And I love the wonderful aromatic smell every time I am near or watering the plants. At the foreground is Sage. Sweet Basil and Rosemary are in the background.
In front of the Desert Rose is my orange Hibiscus. Its textural flower add not only colour but also visual contrast to my garden. The shrub has not many leaves now but I am so glad to see the flower even if it is only one...
Another flower that's going to add the same effect as the hibiscus is the inflorescence of my dwarf Heliconia. However, its colour and form is much more striking and bold in colour and form. The plant has taken about five months to produce a new stem and an inflorescence since the last flower.
Here are little flowers of my Nong Nooch Vine and Verbena. They seem to be living happily together, hehe... I hard-pruned the Nong Nooch Vine more than a month ago. Now the plant is flowering again... 'resting' on the Verbena and looking delicate.
My Persian Violet's dainty flowers are now blooming in profusion again. Its mild scent is sweet smelling... like the flowers :-D
These flowers of Episcia are striking and it has rough leaves. The flowers brighten up the shade while the leaves feel coarse to the touch.
In the pic below you can see what I meant earlier when I said the hibiscus has not many leaves, like a sparse bush. I wish the weather to be sunny consistently. Otherwise, the leaves of some of my plants (like the hibiscus) will turn yellow and drop off due to prolonged wet soil.
Happy discovering the different things that your plants bring to your garden :-D
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25 comments
If only i am nearer, i might be bartering with some of your plants. That dwarf Heliconia is lovely, i think i prefer it than our natural ones, which grow profusely like invasives.
ReplyDeleteI am much nearer but do not fear. I'm not begging for your plants though I must admit they are very pretty. I like the way you took the photo of your Persian violet.
ReplyDeleteAs I was typing, my sofa shook! I don't think it is the earth quake. Probably caused my a huge truck passing by. I've never felt the sofa shook before in my life. Strange.
Steph, Guess what! What I felt just now was really an earthquake!
ReplyDeleteYes, the usual heliconia are quite invasive in my garden. Your dwarf heliconia seems to be good natured!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie! Your agave is looking awesome. That kind really like the sun. Everything looks so great! You have a wonderful garden.
ReplyDeleteI love agaves and find their spikes fascinating - like they're saying watch out, treat me nice or else ...!
ReplyDeleteI meant to say to One - hope you're OK, must be weird to experience an earthquake.
ReplyDeleteI wish I live near you. So many plants to learn and you will be a very good guru.
ReplyDeleteThat last picture really shows how wonderfull your garden must be, with all different sorts of plants and colours. They all look amaxing to me :)
ReplyDeleteSteph, I am glad to see that your garden continues to give you joy. I hasten to add that you also have a knack of sharing that joy with others.
ReplyDeleteNever seen Agava plant before or may be i was so ignorent! Awesome plant!
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
ReplyDeleteYour agave is so lush and beautiful. I don't think I've seen one before.
And the dwarf Heliconia, now that I KNOW I've never seen before and it is a rare beauty.
Brad
Hi Steph, Your Episcia looks stunning and I like the new colors your Amaranthus Illumination is showing.
ReplyDeleteHave always loved all your blooms, sometimes those I havent come across like the Persian violet, such lovely little blue flowers!Your herb patch looks so healthy.
ReplyDeleteSteph! It's a joy to see your healthy plants! There's always something new to me...such is your variety! I like the dwarf heliconia and your pale adenium. I usually see them in bright colours. Wonderful agave and herbs!
ReplyDeleteSteph, it's me again! I'd be delighted if you check out my latest post. I uploaded a video where my nephew is singing.:)
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing your pink balsam I got a plant from the nursery with pink blooms. A happy purchase! The ornamental chilli plants are not doing well but there is one chilli on one plant!
Hope your week is good!!
Hi Steph, i am here again, i can see it is common to have 2 comments each, haha. I just came back to check on your post, but what is keeping you back? come on now!
ReplyDeleteGardening is such a satisfying hobby. Your blooms are pretty wonderful. I love the agave!
ReplyDeleteall your blooms are beautiful - the agave is fat and lucious!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, Kanak, thanks for visiting second time.
ReplyDeleteOne, that's quite an experience. But hope for no more!
Thanks everyone for your visit and compliments. I am like the plants you grow as well. Happy gardening :-D
Steph,
ReplyDeleteI love that you have your herbs going... I think before you said you weren't sure if they would be OK in your garden, right? Anyway, I love the look. Can't wait to hear what you'll be cooking. Cheers!
Hi Avis, you remember well! I started with rosemary. After that, sage and basil. So far I have been using them in small amount to add flavour. I need to check out more recipes. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteKakdah would be very happy touring your garden...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely pretty - Amaranthus Illumination! And the Orange Hibiscus is lovely. Happy gardening!
ReplyDeleteBangchik, it would be a very short tour as my garden is really small hehe...
ReplyDeleteAsha, thanks. Happy gardening to you too :-D