I usually run with a theme. On Friday our lockdown was not lifted, but moved to lockdown lite. Masks continue to be mandatory and our travel is restricted. However we can do a great deal more now. Many businesses have reopened, including bars, cafes and restaurants (subject to reduced numbers of patrons). Some have not. Sadly (from my perspective), libraries, bookshops and nurseries will not reopen before the end of this month. Many businesses are open on a click and collect basis, but these are places I like to browse - and I really want to purchase some vegetable seedlings.
So for this week I am reverting to type again. There will be photos from Floriade Reimagined, and from our garden/jungle. I will try hard to find different subjects for your tired and patient eyes in the weeks to come.
Starting with Floriade Reimagined. Bulbs were planted in community shopping centres and other places across the city. Because of our lockdown I couldn't hunt many of them down - but here are some of the ones I did see.
Then to our garden. We have had a very wet Spring. The garden (weeds and all) has thrived. When we finally get a few dry days there is a LOT of work I need to do.
I really like this ornamental cherry and look forward to it blossoming each year. After a torrential downpour (or six), those blossoms are now pretty pink confetti.
The lilac is out and scenting (I am told) the air in a delightful way. Sadly a succession of sinus issues means that my sense of smell has been diminished.
The banskia roses are coming out too. In some lights the yellow banskia roses cascading down between us and a neighbour look like golden fairy lights.
The daisies are going gangbusters too.
As covid restrictions ease across the country, politicians and some people are talking about freedom. My heart goes out to the health care workers who have and will pay a high price for that freedom.
I hope your week is happy, healthy and fun.
Spring is hitting you!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine being in lockdown now. I'm sure some businesses aren't open because they've gone under.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: Spring is emphatically here - and disappearing fast.
DeleteSome businesses have undoubtedly gone under. Some have thrived. However, businesses don't generally do well when their proprietors or their customers die either.
Good one, Sue.
Delete
ReplyDeleteAnd there you have the ying and yang of it. Your country is much more sensible than mine in initiating restrictions. Our health care system is being decimated.
As for your photos, I never tire of the beauty and bounty you bring each week! Hugs to you and scritches for the furry grump who doesn't care much for rain. :)
River Fairchild: Our health care system is being hit hard too. I am grateful for the workers - and feel for them. And feel for the people who cannot access non covid related care.
DeleteThe Jazzman is in a good mood this morning and thanks you. As I do.
I echo previous sentiments about your lovely Spring colors and the more responsible governance. I love your photos, always a treat. Wishing you a good week.
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. I hope that Lukas is allowing you more sleep. Jazz let me be until just after three this morning.
DeleteHappy spring with beautiful colorful flowers to you Dear friend! We are in fall, (i love it) but i always spring's color very much. Happy Sunday to you Dear friend.
ReplyDeletebread&salt: Spring and autumn are my favourite seasons and I am so grateful that the internet allows me to enjoy them together. Have a wonderful week.
DeleteIt's raining here today after a week of sunshine and I'm bathing my eyes in your glorious colorful Spring flowers. It takes my breath away. I so love flowers. There's a lot of tulips to satisfy everyone.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: I am a big fan of colour too. A big, big fan. We have a sunny day today (the first in a while). I will go into the garden shortly.
DeletePretty flowers EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you.
DeleteI think of triple 5 as being magical (post number) and indeed when I saw your delightful pictures, I was sure of it. Thank you for taking me into your serenity. Sending you much love.
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. I was amazed that this meme has reached this venerable age (and impressive number) too. And am grateful that you enjoyed this explosion of colour.
DeleteI'm awestruck by the depth and perspective of the second flower pictured. It's wonderful, as is the entire ensemble.
ReplyDeleteSorry your senses of smell is impaired, EC. How frustrating. Thankfully these beauties are easily appreciated regardless.
*sense of smell.
DeleteBe well and good to yourself.
Rawknrobyn: Thank you. My diminished sense of smell is a swings and roundabouts issue. There are some smells I miss, and others I emphatically don't. Look after yourself dear friend.
DeleteSpring is very beautiful. I love the idea of Florida’s. Ornamental Cherry trees are a fav of me too. Enjoy your longer days.
ReplyDeleteAnn Bennett: Spring is beautiful isn't it? The birds and I have been revelling in it this sunny morning.
DeleteThose red tulips! Fantastic - it must be wonderful to see these pops of color. Your garden looks lovely, there is so much going on! Yay for the rain, even though such heavy downpours can be hard on the plants. I wish we would get some good rain - there is rain in the forecast for the coming week, and if we get 2 inches (which is highly unlikely), the wildfire season would be over. I'm hoping, I'm so tired of it - much much more than of COVID restrictions.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: You are right - it is wonderful to see these generous splashes of colour across the city. I hear you about the constant worry during fire season too. Our spring growth is lovely BUT when we move into our usual searing hot summer it will provide plenty of fuel...
DeleteBuona domenica.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you - and to you.
DeleteThe tulips offer a fine "rhapsody in red". Lovely.
ReplyDeleteWhat the rain did to flowers in your "djungle", the first night frost did to those in Seanhenge.
You keep enjoying life, Sue.
Sean Jeating: Frost frequently takes our flowers, but we rarely get enough rain so I don't begrudge the damage. Some blooms suffer, but the garden drinks deep. I am revelling in the garden (despite the huge amount of work to be done). Shortly I will go outside. Have a great weekend.
DeleteSo many lovely flowers! That red tulip is stunning, and I love the ornamental cherry and the white lilac. Thank you for taking the time to put these photos online.
ReplyDeleteNZ had a Super Saturday vaccination push yesterday, with good results, but I don't think we're going to make it to 90% fully vaccinated by Christmas, which is the Government's target.
We are lucky to live in a less restricted area (Level 2 instead of 3 or 4), which means I am able to go to the library, thank heavens. I keep coming home with about 8 books at a time, just in case we get pushed back up to Level 3, and of course I don't have time to read all of them!
Take care of yourself and enjoy your garden.
Alexia: My city is going well on the vaccination front - for which I am grateful.
DeleteLots of the city is opening up, but the libraries seem to have been forgotten by the powers that be. Judging by the letters to the editor in the local paper I am not the only one to miss them and long for their return.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Always a joy for me to see your garden.And is that ginormous wisteria around the corner doing its vigourous thing this year?
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the Covid relaxation and hope my region can cope when the usual hoardes flock to the beaches...
dinahmow: That glorious wisteria IS doing its spectacular thing. As are so many.
DeleteAnd thank you. I have been out in the garden pulling some of the many weeds. I am hot and tired and have come in again. For a bit.
Spring has well and truly sprung for you. The lilac looks amazing, weighed down with blooms. It is so long since I have seen one, I've forgotten the smell. You have a guelder rose too? Iris are looking so good. You could offer a a guided tour and charge a dollar, but we can see it for free.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I do indeed have a guelder rose - which is being dwarfed by the yellow banskia rose beside it. No guided tours - I would be too ashamed of the weedy bits.
DeleteThere are another thirty or more of those iris about to come out. I am hoping they look spectacular.
So beautiful to walk among the flowers with you my friend!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: It is a pleasure to have your company.
DeleteI love blossom confetti and massed blooms, tulips certainly, but massed anything that makes a river of colour is lovely. I like the white lilac but I'm glad I can't smell it from here. I'm imagining the golden lights of the banksia rose as a shaft of setting sunlight hits them.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Rising or setting sun turns the yellow banskia into fairy lights. I agree with you about massed plantings - which is probably obvious from our garden.
DeleteIs it all garden scents which give you grief? Some smells (articial) bother me, but thankfully not all of them.
Lovely iterations of Floriade Reimagined. And your own garden is a joy. Beautiful pansies, and everything else.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Our garden is almost crowded enough to eliminate weeds this year. Almost...
DeleteWarm weather is on the way, we are expecting a couple of days at 28 and 30, Wednesday and Thursday, so you should get those on or after the weekend.
ReplyDeleteRiver: We had a bright sunny day today, the first in some time. More rain is forecast for the end of the coming week - which I prefer to those temperatures.
DeleteSuch beautiful flowers and colors. The displays in towns and those in your garden are just lovely. I want some of those cascading yellow flowers that look like fairy lights! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week!
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: Thank you. The banskia roses (both the yellow and the white) put on a lovely display.
DeleteSo many beautiful flowers, it's a feast for the eyes.
ReplyDeleteMay your covid numbers decrease!
My selections will be over here.
messymimi: Thank you. On both counts. I thoroughly enjoyed your selections too.
DeleteLindas flores te mando un beso
ReplyDeleteJ.P.Alexander: Thank you.
DeleteThe bulbs and flowers are so very beautiful EC, it's wonderful to see them.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: Thank you. It has been a wonderful and vibrant Spring here.
DeleteA blaze of red.
ReplyDeleteMike: An enormous blaze of red. I am hoping that in the next few days I will see a sea of yellow iris...
DeleteLots of colour to brighten your day... and ours.
ReplyDeleteOne of my neighbors is a nurse. She says she is "breathing" much better nowadays. People continue to be cautious in order to be able to enjoy that freedom sooner. One of the other provinces is not doing so well.
Caterina: I am very glad to hear that your neighbour is breathing easier. Long may it last. Even our politicians are suggesting that the hospitals will be overwhelmed. I hope they are wrong.
DeleteBeautiful flower pictures. The land of tulipes in Europe are The Netherlands !https://gattinawritercramps.blogspot.com/2021/10/sunday-selections_02002713964.html
ReplyDeleteGattina: Thank you. I will head over to see your Sunday Selections very soon.
DeleteHi EC – tulips are just wonderful to see, aren’t they – glossy coloured and so amazing when the sun shines through their petals. Then the white one with its matching butterfly … the blossom, the early plants … and oh, how I love Banksia roses … gorgeous in South Africa and then when I got back here in my aunt and uncle’s garden – lovely reminders for me.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel easier soon … I just have to keep positive, even with my own good health. Take care and stay safe – enjoying nature as it takes us forward, despite the sadness around us. So many carers are keeping us as safe as they can … with thoughts for those sinuses … Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. I knew that the banskias would trigger memories for you. There are some beauties in this neighbourhood.
DeleteNature is solace and heartbalm for me. Always. Stay safe.
Heartbalm is what we need - and so pleased and to know you enjoy it so much ... you too stay safe - cheers Hilary
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I am so lucky that my particular flavour of heart balm is readily available.
DeleteThere were a lot of lovely tulip plantings in the public gardens, but I personally preferred your garden because there were more diverse blooms. The beauty of it all was they were nicely planted and gave a very different feel from the public areas. I was still quite impressed with all the flowers, though. It was almost like I can imagine what Holland is like in spring. As autumn grows more and more present in my world, I can truly appreciate yours. It makes me believe I have been transported to a magical springtime floral kingdom.
ReplyDeletePlease stay safe and healthy, dear. I know how challenging that can be when others don't believe the rules apply to them. Seems you aren't as bad off as we are in the states, though.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you. I cannot do 'formal' gardens so ours will always look different to the public gardens. I can appreciate them both, but lean towards the jungle look here.
DeleteI am safe - and careful. Look after yourself too please. How is Squiggles today?
It's taken over a week, but Squiggles is finally eating again like there is no tomorrow. Thanks for your concern. How's Jazz?
DeleteBleubeard and Elizabeth: I am very glad to hear it. Jazz had a bad patch and had to go back to the vet. Fingers crossed he is also getting better.
DeleteWhat a beautiful collection of flowery images!
ReplyDeleteBill: Thank you.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThank you for that uplifting boost of gorgeous colour - very much appreciated on this dull and rainy autumnal day in this part of the UK. Your garden looks wonderful - I particularly like the daisies - what a splash of colour!
Keep safe and have a good week.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: We like the daisies too. We have several sorts and several colours and are happy to let them 'run into each other'. The colours of spring are incredibly vibrant aren't they?
DeleteStunning show piece of post, love the gorgeous flowers and stunning colours. xx
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: Thank you.
DeleteWhat is it about daisies that is so heartwarming? Maybe our childhood memories of daisy chains? Though I made a tiny one just a couple of days ago. I totally agree with you about the health care workers, I would willingly stay locked down (as much as it has been long and lonely) until 90% or more have been double-vaxxed. Hopefully lots of people will choose to stay cloistered for a while longer. Happy birding, stay safe
ReplyDeleteKim: Perhaps the daisies remind of us of gardens when we were young? I really like them (and have multiple different types). I hear you on staying in seclusion. I am going out when it is essential and have no urge to rush to public forums. You stay safe too, and I hope that LOTS of birds come to visit you while you cannot visit them.
DeleteI am sure that I speak for many, Sue, when I say that you can show us your garden as often and as extensively as you like. As for "Freedom" that is a moveable concept and for me it is often moving in the wrong direction of late.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Myrna R. summed it up for me. Too often freedom (and rights) have been separated from responsibilities. Which I think is wrong. And thank you on the garden front.
DeleteLindas flores te mando un beso
ReplyDeleteAzka Kamil: Thank you.
DeleteI admire your passion for nature’s beauty. I hope to imitate you some day but on a smaller scale. I’ve become allergic to too much work.
ReplyDeleteFunny how we humans are able to rationalize the meaning of words. When did responsibility get extracted from the word ‘freedom’?
Hope you have a week full of joy.
Myrna R.: Our garden is a LOT of work. Self induced work which is often too much for me. It has become obvious that I need to tone it down - but I am resisting. So far.
DeleteJoy to you too - and a big YES on the forgotten responsibilities.
Your garden is gorgeous. I wouldn't mind taking a walk around it. When things fail us, nature sort of steps in, right?
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
lissa: Thank you. I so very often find solace and heart balm in nature. Awe and wonder too.
DeleteIn every winter there is a spring waiting to be sprung. Or some such delightful quote. I love all the beautiful flowers you have posted as we nudge into winter. Lilacs are one of my favourites as my mother would sing "We'll gather lilacs in the spring again" though she also said bringing them inside was going to portend a year of bad luck. A mixed blessing.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wiswewebwoman: I didn't know that lilacs shouldn't come inside. They haven't hear. Yet. I do love the pared back elegance of winter but am reveling in Spring's lush displays at the moment.
DeleteWhat an amazingly spring-y Spring. I am overwhelmed, delighted and not a little envious of your seasonal fireworks.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): It has been a very beautiful spring here hasn't it? The result of enough rain for a change. And thank you for your lovely comment.
DeleteYour flowers are amazing. Being in your spring/summer is kinda hard to picture, while we here will have summer till, the cows come home?
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: Eternal summer sounds like a nightmare to me. I hope those cows come home. Soon.
DeleteGosh, those flowers are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: They are aren't they? And there is more coming out every day.
DeletePretty flowers❤
ReplyDeleteKinga K.: Thank you.
DeleteSchön die Tulpen und die anderen Blumen Frühling ist eine schöne Zeit.
ReplyDeleteGruß
Noke
Noke: Spring is a lovely time. One of my favourites.
DeleteThe flowers look so lovely and it's good to hear some of the lockdown restrictions are lifted for you, although so sad that libraries are still closed! My kids and I missed the library in out lockdowns here.
ReplyDeleteIt will be strange to have things opening up when there are still cases - we don't have that issue here in Queensland yet as we are Covid 0 but I hope that things don't get much worse for the healthcare workers when everything reopens. They do so much to keep us safe!
Hope you had a good weekend :) We made the most of the nice sunny days after a rainy week, with a local market event and a morning at the park.
Away From The Blue
Mica: I hope the libraries open soon - though if the truth is told I have more than enough books here anyway. I am glad that you had an excellent weekend and hope that you can stay Covid 0.
DeleteBeautiful gardens. Like you, my heart goes out to all those who work in the health and care sectors. They've really taken a battering.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
A Cuban in London: Thank you. They have taken a battering and I suspect have more ahead. For some reason I cannot comment on your latest post. Some days blogger really doesn't like me.
DeleteI love flowers. Your pucs make a blue guy smile. Thanks for always stopping by.
ReplyDeleteBlue
Blue Grumpster: I am very glad that my garden excess made you smile.
DeleteDelightful blossoms! In Singapore, we've gone from lockdowns to opening up everything--with mandatory masks and distancing-- but there's a surge in covid cases here and I'm not going out too much. Your flowers made long for walks in gardens.
ReplyDeleteDamyanti Biswas: I suspect our numbers will surge too, and I won't be going very far. Could you do your garden walks early or late?
DeleteI do try to do both, but this is a very population dense country, and everyone seems to have the same idea.
DeleteDamyanti Biswas: I am sorry to hear that. In the early mornings our streets are all but deserted - which I love.
DeleteI especially love the banksia roses and the yellow climbing rose? the abundance of an old rose is just a glorious thing, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame lockdown lite isn't giving you the exact things you would like but we are edging closer!
I hope there won't be another huge wave of illness for health care workers to deal with but I also don't think we can expect smooth sailing
kylie: That abundance is the yellow banskia rose. None of our other roses are out yet, though some are in bud.
DeleteI really don't have a great deal to complain about. The things I long for with open again.
I worry for the health workers, but have my fingers crossed.
My eyes will never get tired of seeing all your lovely photographs Sue and these flowers are all so beautiful. Glad lockdown is easing and things are getting back to more "normal"! Have a great week ahead
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: Thank you. I am glad that you enjoy one of my obsessions, and yes, lockdown IS easing. Stay well - and look after yourself.
DeleteBuon inizio settimana.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Many thanks.
DeleteHeipsan,
ReplyDeleteThese tulips are so beautiful.
Have a nice new week.
orvokki: They are lovely aren't they? You have a wonderful week too.
DeleteBeauty and more beauty - I always welcome your nature posts and can imagine that I am right there with the blooms and their fragrance instead of looking at a screen while autumn winds blow against my windows.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you've had sinus issues again. That's not a nice thing to suffer through.
I'm with you in hoping your region does not see a big jump in Covid. In some parts of Canada there has been a huge increase, and yet we've had demonstrations at health care institutions against vaccination mandates, and abuse directed against health care workers. I can't imagine the extent of their frustration and hurt after what they've done throughout the worst the pandemic has brought them. It's a sad reversal from the early days when they were so appreciated by so many. We are almost fully open here now, but I am still being very careful because this virus is like the proverbial camel in the tent - give it an inch and it will take a mile.
Now I'm all het up and need to take another stroll through your pictures :) I hope you have a better week this week, dear sister of my heart.
jenny_o: I hope your autumn winds have diminished. We have spring ones here today - and there is still beauty to delight my eyes and my heart.
DeleteHuge hugs. Always.
And on my second pass of your photos, I see the winged creature on the creamy yellow tulip buds! That's a great capture!
ReplyDeletejenny_o: Thank you. I was very pleased to see it - and grateful it stayed still.
DeleteI just love those flowers, especially the bulbs. Very pretty colors, all of them. I am grateful for our governor's edict about restricting tourism and other social events, because it has really resulted in fewer deaths and illness.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: I am grateful for our lockdown - for similar reasons.
DeleteWow, those daisies are kicking butt!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: They are - to the extend I am going to have to cut some of them back savagely so we can walk along the path safely.
DeleteNice flowers - I miss summer already.
ReplyDelete:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: I don't miss summer at all and dread its arrival. I hope your autumn and winter are gentle.
DeleteWow! Amazing photos. Looks so nice!
ReplyDeleteNew Release Books: Thank you. The garden IS looking good this season, and changing every day.
DeleteThere really is some wonderful colour in your photographs, I enjoyed looking at them.
ReplyDeleteSorry to read that you are having sinus issues, I do hope it clears soon.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. My reduced sense of smell is sadly the after affect of a series of sinus infections. I hope the sense returns.
DeleteSue, photos of flowers will always uplift our spirits. How beautiful is the season. All the best as you exit lockdown.
ReplyDeleteDenise Covey: Thank you. Colour and life certainly uplifts my spirits. Always.
DeleteIt is great that your municipality takes the trouble to plant all those tulip buds that will bring so much colour and joy during spring. Another wonderful walk in your garden, Pity the rains brought down so much of the ornamental cherry. Have not heard of banksia roses, banksia only. But the roses do look lovely cascading down. Hope your sense of smell returns, it is lovely with the fragrance of flowers in the air.
ReplyDeletekestrel: I am very grateful for the public plantings too. They are past their best now, but brought a lot of joy to the city. I hope my sense of smell returns too. Rather a lot.
DeleteSpring flowers. So lovely. I love spring when the world greens up and flowers and trees blossom. We are heading into winter but have not had frost yet so some roses are threatening to bloom.
ReplyDeleteThe Blog Fodder: I hope your roses do have a last flush. Some of ours are in bud, and I am watching and waiting.
DeleteAmazing pictures
ReplyDeleteRajani Rehana: Thank you.
DeleteYes I truly am lifted by visiting your page and viewing your lovely flowers, and of course your birds every single time you post them too. You are headed for a wonderful season ahead too. If only tulips lived longer here they seem to end far too soon. Take care of you and enjoy your week.
ReplyDelete21 Wits: Many of the spring blooms are short lived - but produce a HEAP of joy. Thank you - and you have a wonderful week too.
DeleteThe tulips are so bright and beautiful. The daisies are a favorite of mine too. I'm glad at least you are back to lockdown lite.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Thank you. The latest news is that lockdown lite will be lifted even further at the end of the week. And the garden continues to give me joy.
DeleteLOVE tulips! I scrolled through twice :)
ReplyDelete(and when I need a pick-me-up, I often come to your photo posts and just scroll again - they help!)
Jemi Fraser: That is a truly lovely thing to say. Thank you.
DeleteThanks, EC. These are just beautiful. Don't ya love tulips?
ReplyDeleteMy nose works just the opposite, I smell scents that aren't there.
Hugs
Sandra Cox: I do love tulips - and rather a lot of other flowers. Phantom smells? That could be wonderful - or dreadful. Hugs to you too.
DeleteSuch gorgeous blooms! ♥ Alas, I have a brown thumb, so am doubly appreciative of those with gardening talents.
ReplyDeleteDebbie D.: Welcome and thank you. Believe me there are some plants for which my thumb is decidedly black.
DeleteYour garden has the most beautiful flowers, and I enjoyed those from other areas also. Thanks so much xo. I hope with every hope I can muster, that things will be better for you all soon. Hope those sinus' clear up also.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. We are inching closer to opening up again. Which is lovely. Sadly the loss of smell seems to be an after effect of sinus infections, but I do hope it clears.
DeleteBeautiful flowers! Here's hoping everyone will be able to enjoy Floriade in all its glory next year. Your Rosa banksia gave me a sigh of pure joy - maybe someday my garden will look that lush! :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: This spring has been perfect for our banskia - and rather a lot of other things - not excluding the weeds. I do hope we can go back to Floriade again next year, but enjoyed what we saw this year.
Delete