Interesting Bird of Paradise flower.

Bird of paradise plants are native to South Africa but are now found in mild climates everywhere. This plant provides dramatic blooms that resemble a bird with a crown. It is also known as the crane flower. The true leaves on the bird of paradise so closely resemble those of a banana plant that the bird of paradise was once classified in the same family. It now has its own classification: Strelitzia reginae.

Bird of Paradise flower in our garden.

A view from the top shows the beautiful purple or blue petals. These heart shapes are the female parts of the flower.

Note in the beginning it has 6 orange or yellow sepals and two of the purple petals.

Then a day later more sepals and petals come out of the flower bract. There are always sets of 3 orange sepals to 1 purple petal.

Source of information from http://www.ehow.com/facts_7221039_structure-bird-paradise-flower.html

Nikon Coolpix S6200 photos

I have been playing around with the new Nikon Coolpix camera and I have had quite a few disasters. I keep on cutting off the dogs ears as I press the button down the camera moves down and the poor dog is minus his ears :)

Here is one which worked out quite well. I was standing far away so this is a long distance shot.

I hope to get the hang of it soon.

I am happy with the macro photography.

Testing how close I can go :)

Enjoy your day.

Random stuff from the internet.

I did some chores early this morning and as you can see by this post I am taking a break.

Is this not cute?

It is difficult to describe my mood today.

Huh!?

Send text for safety tip.

Old Lady Apple.

Washing machine feeling ill.

Have a great day and be good.

Pink Flowers.

There are a lot of splashes of pink in our garden. I love planting pink and white together, I think they compliment each other well.

Clouds

   This photo was taken in March.

It was 30°C and extremely sticky and uncomfortable but beautiful clouds were in the sky  :)

This photo is unedited - the sky really is this blue.

 

Huge bud.

Bud ready to open.

... a few days later ...











































I don't know what it is called. 

 

Calliandra common names powderpuff and fairy duster.

This is still one of my favourite plants in the garden. On an overcast day it is most striking and beautiful. I love to see the round pink buds uncurl into those white dainty dusters.