A Generous Neighbor

Walking along the street today, I noticed a lovely lilac stretching out over the sidewalk. It was just about the same shade of lavender as the lilac my grandmother had in her yard. I adored that tree and would stand under it when it was in bloom being enveloped by its amazing scent. I loved to stick my face into the beautiful mess of flowers and just breathe.

I did the same today on the sidewalk, stopping to enjoy a moment of peace and nostalgia. At that same moment, the owner of the lilac tree came home and said to me, "Feel free to pick one and take it home with you. The season is so fleeting we should appreciate them while they're here." I couldn't agree more and thanked her profusely, pulling down a branch and tearing off a lovely pair of blooms.

Now my flat is graced with the intoxicating smell of lilac and I am feeling quite content.

Orchid Show, Glasgow Botanic Garden

Scottish Orchid Society display

Earlier this month, the Glasgow Botanic Garden hosted a wonderful orchid show in the Kibble Palace (one of two main glasshouses). Orchids are really spectacular plants. The variety of sizes, colors, textures... even scents! One lovely plant smelled just like vanilla, which makes perfect sense as vanilla comes from a Mexican orchid. Not only are they gorgeous, they give us one of desserts most-loved flavorings!

A pretty pair of paphs

Another pretty pair of paphs


The variety that I am drawn to the most are the Paphiopedilum, a variety of Lady's slipper orchid (two pairs of Paphs are shown above). Different Lady's slippers can be found where I spend my summers in northeastern Vermont, so these are my favorites. There are plenty of other lovelies as well, including some that I think look like psychedelic Holstein cows. Please enjoy the orchid eye candy!

The usual suspects

Orchid smorgasbord



What do you get when you take a Holstein cow,
dip it in butter-yellow and magenta,
and turn it into an orchid?
This!


This post is dedicated to the memory of my cousin Freddie, an avid orchid grower and lover. He passed away on 30 April 2012 and he will be missed dearly. My orchids will always remind me of you, Freddie.

Daffydowndillies

The daffodils at the Glasgow Botanic Garden are putting on a spectacular show, with the diversity of daffodils beautifully displayed.  Below are a selection of the astounding variety this humble spring bulb can exhibit.

Some of them are brightest yellow.

 Some are yellow and small, and some have twisted petals.

Some of them appear depressed, while others seem perky and pleased. 

Some of them are pale, pale yellow, and some are yellow and orange.

Some of them are white and yellow.

Some are white and orange. 

Some of them are purest white, and some have doubled centers. 

Some are mixed with all their fellows.

Some form stands alone.

Every spring the daffodils appear and we smile at their cheery yellow faces.  But this year, take a closer look and marvel at what variety can be found in a single field of daffodils.  What are your favorites?  I am quite partial to doubles and orange & whites myself.