Crocosmia by Gardener Dave

Crocosmia by Gardener Dave

Occasionally when I find a plant I like and am curious about, I like to research it for more information. Many years ago on a trip to the British Isles, I saw a plant in a garden that attracted my attention because of its bright color and unique bloom shape. I saw a name on a label, and determined to find out more about it when I returned home.  I found that most of its cultivars are not really hardy hereon the Front Range, but wanted to try it anyway. 

Crocosmia – a perennial in the iris-gladiola family – is a South African native.They grow from underground corms which are unusual in forming vertical chains with the youngest corm on top and the oldest buried the most deeply.  The leaves are linear and parallel-veined. The lowest corm is reported to “…have ‘contractile’ roots which try to drag the corm chain deeper into the ground”.  I have had mine for 3 years and have not yet dug them up to examine the corm chain structure, but they may have had problems “sinking” in our mostly non-loamy soil. They like enriched sandy loam soil with good drainage and moderate moisture. They grow 2-4 feet tall in a season in our climate.  I plan to dig mine up this fall after blooming and replant some of the corms. I am curious to see what they look like. The corms should be easily separable for propagation, and should be fall-planted for next season blooms.  Although hardier than glads, they are semi-hardy in our Front Range climate, and should have winter mulch if planted in the open garden. Otherwise, dig and store them like gladiolas.

 

Thanks to Gardener Dave and his love of Crocosmia's has helped me to find out what this plant is I have.  Its flowers are spectacular.  My friend told me her mother called them "Dirty Shirts"  because you always find them in dark corners.

I took some photographs of my potted Crocosmia's and I know you will love them.  I make twine from the green foliage as it is very strong and changes to a beautiful brown colour.

Images @ Eminpee Fotography

Ewige Blumenkraft

Eternal Flower Power.

Roses are especially a symbol...   read more  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ewige_Blumenkraft

Images @ Eminpee Fotography

Chrysanthemum.

Etymology...  I love etymology: The name "chrysanthemum" is derived from the Greek words, chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower)
I have many in my garden and they are so wonderful.  I got a tiny cutting from a friend awhile back and now I have so many gorgeous plants.  I wanted to know more about them and so I set out to do so by the way they seem so hardy as well. An Autumn flower.  I searched the old Wiki

  
Chrysanthemums, often called mums or chrysanths, are perennial flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae which are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. About 30 species have been described. Florists sometimes abbreviate the spelling to "xants".

In Australia,the chrysanthemum is traditionally given to mothers for Mother's Day, whilst men will wear it in their lapels to honour mothers, as the flower is naturally in season during autumn.

Chrysanthemum plants have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by the NASA Clean Air Study.

INSECTICIDE USES INTERSTED ME GREATLY
 Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum [or Tanacetum] cinerariaefolium) is economically important as a natural source of insecticide. The flowers are pulverized, and the active components called pyrethrins, contained in the seed cases, are extracted and sold in the form of an oleoresin. This is applied as a suspension in water or oil, or as a powder.

Pyrethrins attack the nervous systems of all insects, and inhibit female mosquitoes from biting. When not present in amounts fatal to insects, they still appear to have an insect repellent effect. They are harmful to fish, but are far less toxic to mammals and birds than many synthetic insecticides. They are not persistent, being biodegradable and also decompose easily on exposure to light.

They are considered to be amongst the safest insecticides for use around food. Pyrethroids such as permethrin are synthetic insecticides based on natural pyrethrum.

Further to this post it is dedicated to my late great mate Texsy who sadly lost her life on the road at Bellingen.  She would have loved  this post. She loved gardening.
Images @ Melonpopzdropz Flickr

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The Look out point close to the resort!

Straight up the hill from where we are staying is this magnificent little gem of a place.  Its just a short walk up the hill and there are various walking tracks that criscross this to the other resorts on the other side of the ring road and that makes walking to these quicker if you are game in the night time. Dingoes get about then so it is wise to be careful.

ULURU and Kata Juta National Park

I walked up through here many times already and I am sure that I will fully experience this little piece of paradise. The entire place is packed with plants that are the renowned bush tucker that Aunty Alison collects for her exhibitions to the people in the resort. I took the pics of the full moon up here as well.

Image by Mezza - The Viewing point hill

Pandora's curiosity got the best of her, and one day she opened that box.

Out came plagues and misery and mischief. She managed to shut the lid tight before hope escaped.
It's the only weapon we have left to fight the others.” ― Jodi Picoult,  My Sister's Keeper
 

Red roses of love and other bruises that make us all good losers
Image by Brice Brennan - Mary with Red roses

Climb up on some hill at sunrise. Everybody needs perspective once in a while, and you'll find it there. Robb Sagendorph

It is easy to find a beautiful back ground setting here in this area. We are blessed with the natural colours of dawn in the background of this shot.  I just love the awesome colours with the lily in the foreground.  All of this is at dawn On the Hill.

Good Morning!

There is plenty of time to get this kind of perspective both in what the quote above says and also in the photographic image we were trying to achieve here.  Just attempting to get it with the back ground blurry but pretty.  I think I got that here and I was  happy with it.

It isn't easy to get any of these images up here because the Midgees are lethal but this morning the gentle wind must have kept them at bay as I didn't seem to be bothered by them today. I have been told they aren't around so much when its windy.  I tend to keep this in mind now I know this.

http://www.quotegarden.com/nature.html

Image by Mezza - Lily On the Hill in Urunga

Climb up on some hill at sunrise. Everybody needs perspective once in a while, and you'll find it there. Robb Sagendorph

It is easy to find a beautiful back ground setting here in this area. We are blessed with the natural colours of dawn in the background of this shot.  I just love the awesome colours with the lily in the foreground.  All of this is at dawn On the Hill.

Good Morning!

There is plenty of time to get this kind of perspective both in what the quote above says and also in the photographic image we were trying to achieve here.  Just attempting to get it with the back ground blurry but pretty.  I think I got that here and I was  happy with it.

It isn't easy to get any of these images up here because the Midgees are lethal but this morning the gentle wind must have kept them at bay as I didn't seem to be bothered by them today. I have been told they aren't around so much when its windy.  I tend to keep this in mind now I know this.

http://www.quotegarden.com/nature.html

Image by Mezza - Lily On the Hill in Urunga

State in your mind and Chant with your mouth...

Today we have been learning more about ancient practices and today we were learning about the beginnings of the five Reiki Principals


The secret art of inviting happiness, The miraculous medicine for all diseases.  At least for today:

Do not be angry, Do not worry,

Be grateful, Work with diligence,

Be kind to people.

Every morning and evening, join your hands in meditation and pray with your heart.  State in your mind and chant with your mouth.

I learned about the heart chakra first because I was told by a Reiki master that my heart chakra was so large it was taking up my entire chest area.  This was an interesting statement to me as I knew nothing much about Reiki.  I steered away from it in the years past as people were charging people money for this practice.  When anyone charges money for the gifts from God I get worried and its a big problem in my book.  So I never really embraced it when I was younger in my teens and early twenties etc. because of this.

I head out in the early mornings to do this sort of thing before the sun.  I go with an expectant heart and I go with a desire to see the best in the world today.  I can only concern myself with the now as I practice this because now is all I have is that moment.  The last moment is already gone and the next is waiting for the now to die before it steps onto the stage of existence.

We didn't get to go today as the day is very grey in colour and it is looking very much like rain. But there is always tomorrow and so today must be a day for other things and a starting off from a different perspective today.

Lets start with lots of dancing this morning!  .Dancing is something I do for health and happiness as it makes me happy and raises my heart rate at the same time.  I wasn't lucky enough to ever attend a dance class in my entire life.  Many of my peers attended such when we were children.  I watched on as they performed and I learned as a small child that these things were not for me.

 

 Formal training in any direction was above all held away from me and classed as a total waste to spend any money like this on such a human being as myself.  Harsh thinking and it was even harsher living under it believe me!

This could be the reason I struggle with strange thoughts as I do a lot.  It isn't easy when you have to bolster yourself against manipulative psychopathic people who are intent on breaking your very spirit!  All consciences missing from their very makeup of being and a hate for my mother like no other on this earth.  Strange living under this guise I can assure you.  The stuff I was forced to believe is unbelievable.



Image By Mezza -  Beauty in Nature with the Bird of Paradise and  Pansies appearing as if to dance.

State in your mind and Chant with your mouth...

Today we have been learning more about ancient practices and today we were learning about the beginnings of the five Reiki Principals


The secret art of inviting happiness, The miraculous medicine for all diseases.  At least for today:

Do not be angry, Do not worry,

Be grateful, Work with diligence,

Be kind to people.

Every morning and evening, join your hands in meditation and pray with your heart.  State in your mind and chant with your mouth.

I learned about the heart chakra first because I was told by a Reiki master that my heart chakra was so large it was taking up my entire chest area.  This was an interesting statement to me as I knew nothing much about Reiki.  I steered away from it in the years past as people were charging people money for this practice.  When anyone charges money for the gifts from God I get worried and its a big problem in my book.  So I never really embraced it when I was younger in my teens and early twenties etc. because of this.

I head out in the early mornings to do this sort of thing before the sun.  I go with an expectant heart and I go with a desire to see the best in the world today.  I can only concern myself with the now as I practice this because now is all I have is that moment.  The last moment is already gone and the next is waiting for the now to die before it steps onto the stage of existence.

We didn't get to go today as the day is very grey in colour and it is looking very much like rain. But there is always tomorrow and so today must be a day for other things and a starting off from a different perspective today.

Lets start with lots of dancing this morning!  .Dancing is something I do for health and happiness as it makes me happy and raises my heart rate at the same time.  I wasn't lucky enough to ever attend a dance class in my entire life.  Many of my peers attended such when we were children.  I watched on as they performed and I learned as a small child that these things were not for me.

 

 Formal training in any direction was above all held away from me and classed as a total waste to spend any money like this on such a human being as myself.  Harsh thinking and it was even harsher living under it believe me!

This could be the reason I struggle with strange thoughts as I do a lot.  It isn't easy when you have to bolster yourself against manipulative psychopathic people who are intent on breaking your very spirit!  All consciences missing from their very makeup of being and a hate for my mother like no other on this earth.  Strange living under this guise I can assure you.  The stuff I was forced to believe is unbelievable.



Image By Mezza -  Beauty in Nature with the Bird of Paradise and  Pansies appearing as if to dance.

Like water, be gentle and strong. Be gentle enough to follow the natural paths of the earth, and strong enough to rise up and reshape the world. — Brenda Peterson

Beautiful Drops.

 I guess its a bit like that with me.  I am constantly checking the depth of trouble I am in.  What is new?  I am very outspoken at times and should realize that I have a gift to be able to do this now uninhibited by anyone.  Not a boss or a colleague or even my children. 

My partner supports most things I do as long as he is fully briefed on the issue.  I guess what I need to do for myself is get my teeth into something, but not before I go on my trip to Uluru.  I am still hoping that I can go with Sue and Uncle Tom, they did promise.  I would feel honoured.

The flood waters once again are residing and I am fairly sure I will be able to broadcast my radio show tomorrow.


Image by Mezza - Beautiful water drops on Coronation Street Bellingen

Like water, be gentle and strong. Be gentle enough to follow the natural paths of the earth, and strong enough to rise up and reshape the world. — Brenda Peterson

Beautiful Drops.

 I guess its a bit like that with me.  I am constantly checking the depth of trouble I am in.  What is new?  I am very outspoken at times and should realize that I have a gift to be able to do this now uninhibited by anyone.  Not a boss or a colleague or even my children. 

My partner supports most things I do as long as he is fully briefed on the issue.  I guess what I need to do for myself is get my teeth into something, but not before I go on my trip to Uluru.  I am still hoping that I can go with Sue and Uncle Tom, they did promise.  I would feel honoured.

The flood waters once again are residing and I am fairly sure I will be able to broadcast my radio show tomorrow.


Image by Mezza - Beautiful water drops on Coronation Street Bellingen

Open afresh your round of starry folds, Ye ardent marigolds! Dry up the moisture from your golden lips.

John Keats...

They say the scented variety are the potent breed of marigolds that deter pests.  Well my marigolds are so bright they attract everyone.  They also say that marigolds do attract slugs.

I have planted them all through out my garden and I have collected the many seeds they produce so willingly after their blight flowers have spent.

The Marigold is a very hardy little plant to have around because it does keep insects away and it is so easy to grow.  I grow them well.

Image by Mezza - Our Marigolds

Open afresh your round of starry folds, Ye ardent marigolds! Dry up the moisture from your golden lips.

John Keats...

They say the scented variety are the potent breed of marigolds that deter pests.  Well my marigolds are so bright they attract everyone.  They also say that marigolds do attract slugs.

I have planted them all through out my garden and I have collected the many seeds they produce so willingly after their blight flowers have spent.

The Marigold is a very hardy little plant to have around because it does keep insects away and it is so easy to grow.  I grow them well.

Image by Mezza - Our Marigolds

CLEAN and WHITE: Four

White:

Folk collect blue and white china.  I collected up some blue and white which is far less fragile than china is. The Australian Kookaburra is very pleased with his position.  He's scouting for worms!

Stars

A white dwarf, also called a degenerate dwarf, is a small star composed mostly of electron-degenerate matter.
 

A Black Dwarf is a hypothetical stellar remnant, created when a white dwarf becomes sufficiently cool to no longer emit significant heat or light

We have had a lot of talk about Stars lately.  Lots of talk of this brown Dwarf star called Nirbiru which is nearing  our planet now.  Some say its not real, others are thoroughly freaked by the possibility.  There is some notable weather issues occurring.  I think its there.  I have seen some strange stuff in the night sky in the last year.  So much so it takes me out there to look at the night sky with great purpose!

Image By Mezza - Kookaburra on the White Flag pole Urunga 2011

CLEAN and WHITE: Four

White:
  Lots of people collect blue and white china.  This combination of Blue and white is less fragile here in this image and is  nothing short of spectacular.  The Australian Kookaburra is very pleased with his position, he is scouting for worms!

A white dwarf, also called a degenerate dwarf, is a small star composed mostly of electron-degenerate matter.
 A Black Dwarf is a hypothetical stellar remnant, created when a white dwarf becomes sufficiently cool to no longer emit significant heat or light

We have had a lot of talk about Stars lately.  Lots of talk of this brown Dwarf star called Nirbiru which is nearing  our planet now.  Some say its not real, others are thoroughly freaked by the possibility.  There is some notable weather issues occurring.  I think its there.  I have seen some strange stuff in the night sky in the last year.  So much so it takes me out to look at the sky with purpose!

Image By Mezza - Kookaburra on the White Flag pole Urunga 2011

SIMPLY RED Trois

You don't have to put on the red light.  Roxanne, you don't have to wear that dress tonight.
~ Roxanne - The Police - 1978

Sting wrote the song, inspired by the prostitutes he saw near the band's seedy hotel while in Paris, France in October 1977.  The name Roxanne was inspired by a poster on the wall of the hotel of the play "Cyrano de Bergerac". 

"Panache", is a french word  meaning   flamboyance of manner and with reckless courage.  This describes both Cyrano de Bergerac's character in the play  and the beautiful bloom in the photograph. "
For anything to grow here it takes absolute reckless courage and a certain flamboyancy to go with it.  It gets very hot in that spot in summer.

TROIS - French word for the numeral three (3)

Image by Mezza -Red blooms with Panache by the brick wall

SIMPLY RED Trois

You don't have to put on the red light.  Roxanne, you don't have to wear that dress tonight.
~ Roxanne - The Police - 1978

Sting wrote the song, inspired by the prostitutes he saw near the band's seedy hotel while in Paris, France in October 1977.  The name Roxanne was inspired by a poster on the wall of the hotel of the play "Cyrano de Bergerac". 

"Panache", is a french word  meaning   flamboyance of manner and with reckless courage.  This describes both Cyrano de Bergerac's character in the play  and the beautiful bloom in the photograph. "
For anything to grow here it takes absolute reckless courage and a certain flamboyancy to go with it.  It gets very hot in that spot in summer.

TROIS - French word for the numeral three (3)

Image by Mezza -Red blooms with Panache by the brick wall

PRETTY IN PINK - ocho

 PINK PEACH BLOSSOM

The peach tree (Prunus persica) is a species of Prunus native to China that bears an edible juicy fruit called a peach.

For thirty years I have looked for a swordmaster.
Many times leaves fell, new ones sprouted.
One glimpse of peach blossoms -
now no more doubts, just this.
-   Lingyun Zhiqin's enlightenment poem, as retold by Zen Master Dogen

Blossoms are either pink or white depending on the species or variety. Peach (including nectarine) blossoms, most cherry blossoms, and some almond blossoms are usually pink. Plum blossoms, apple blossoms, orange blossoms, some cherry blossoms, and most almond blossoms are white.

Pink Trivia:  The most romantic color, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.

eight = ocho (och-o) in Spanish


Image by MezzA - Peach Blossoms from Ian's  yard Morgo street

PRETTY IN PINK - ocho

 PINK PEACH BLOSSOM

The peach tree (Prunus persica) is a species of Prunus native to China that bears an edible juicy fruit called a peach.

For thirty years I have looked for a swordmaster.
Many times leaves fell, new ones sprouted.
One glimpse of peach blossoms -
now no more doubts, just this.
-   Lingyun Zhiqin's enlightenment poem, as retold by Zen Master Dogen

Blossoms are either pink or white depending on the species or variety. Peach (including nectarine) blossoms, most cherry blossoms, and some almond blossoms are usually pink. Plum blossoms, apple blossoms, orange blossoms, some cherry blossoms, and most almond blossoms are white.

Pink Trivia:  The most romantic color, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.

eight = ocho (och-o) in Spanish


Image by MezzA - Peach Blossoms from Ian's  yard Morgo street

PRETTY IN PINK . .. siete

“Picasso had his pink period and his blue period. I am in my blonde period right now.”

Hugh Hefner

Pink is one of my favorite female artists .. Alicia Moore she is a mum now at 32 finally she gave in!  She will be like me an old mother, but at 30+ you understand much much more, this is an important point in rearing our offspring.  One must be in the correct mental space

siete (see-yet-eh) = 7

spanish / english

LUXURY ACCOMDATION in BELLINGEN ...http://www.lilypily.com.au/

Acmena is the name of the Children's detention centre in Grafton

Image by MezzA -  Pink Lily Pilly blossom with dew drops on Morgo   (Acmena smithii)