Persian Lilac

Having a little bit of fun playing with the images I captured throughout this Spring of all of the beautiful flowers. I photographed Snowball Bushes, Vermilion, Japanese Magnolias, Dandelions, Crab Apples, Tulips, Wisteria and the list goes on and on. But I especially am fond of the Persian Lilac bush which I captured in almost full bloom situated across from the Pavilion at Bernheim.

Had I not been driving slowly around the perimeter road past the Arboretum, well, I would have missed it. But luckily I caught a glimpse just as I turned my head back and realized it was big, beautiful and purple. With that I stopped on a dime. I drove on over to the parking area for the Pavilion. Walked around taking random photos and after I was finished got in the car and stopped just off the parking lot entrance and walked back to the Lilac bush. Ahhh, sweet smelling. What I like most about the Lilac isn't just the smell though, but just how beautiful each little flower looks with its curled up pedals. Add to that all of the little blooms perfectly bunched together. Well, it's just fantastic. And if all of that isn't enough, oh, but for those beautiful purple hues. A picnic for my eyes. And to take it over the top . . . Persian Lilac . . . what a name. It just exudes exotic. ENJOY!

Sugarbush

Several years ago I came across a beautiful flowering plant that I hadn't made an acquaintance with prior to that time, Protea, which also is known in some circles as Sugarbush. This flowering plant with many many species hails from South Africa. In the 17th century botanists from the Cape of Good Hope took a special interest in the plant at which time it was given its name. Believe it or not though, this plant has ancient roots that dates all the way back some 300 million years ago. Wow! What an ancestory.

This flowering plant is hardy and grows densely in low lying areas in the very southern regions of South Africa between two mountainous areas. I personally have become attached to the blooms because of their gorgeous detail. Just look at it. I can't imagine how Mother Nature can create such intricate patterns. This is the perfect flower to mix with other flowers in a vase. So if your honey is contemplating flowers for Valentine's Day, write down 'Protea' and tell him to give it to the florist. They'll know exactly what it is. I guess it's obvious, I'm missing those Spring and Summer blooms. Have a great weekend. ENJOY!