genuine piece of magic. columbine flowers.

I only know one piece of real magic. Here it is. Aquilegia, or columbine, is a much loved early summer garden flower. Here is a lovely one from my garden,

It's a flower that those who love gardens know really well, and they are a delight in the flower border. The name 'columbine' comes from the latin 'columba' meaning dove. Have another look at the flower. Can you see the little doves?

And now you will always see them. And I think that's a genuine piece of magic.

Haiku. below zero

below zero
quiet caring night
carefully lays a blanket
over sleeping grass


                              When is this cold weather going to go away?

www.francescakay.co.uk

Poem. Heralds of change. Daffodils

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Heralds of change

A splash of cold as

sharp spring rain is falling,

Nature wakes.

Stout stems and long leaves

moving in harsh spring wind,

New season comes.

Look at these flowers

glowing in pale sunshine,

Winter creeps away.

Bright trumpets pointing

through spring to summer glory,

The world is turning.

Wild daffodils are my favourites, so dainty and yet so hardy in the cold days of February and March. 

This poem has rather more capital letters and punctuation than I usually use, but it's spring, so why not!
 www.francescakay.co.uk

How to Keep Orchids

Orchids are really easy to keep, if you follow some simple rules.

All these orchids are on a windowsill outside my bathroom upstairs.

Here are my four rules for keeping orchids.

Orchids need a bright windowsill, but no direct sunlight, or at least very little. This is most important.

They need misting regularly.

Outside the bathroom they get some steam from the shower. Or in a kitchen they like the steam from the hot water in the washing up bowl. But you can do it with a mister.

Feed them with a little fertiliser like Baby Bio. I don't think they need special orchid food. Water regularly but sparingly.

Orchids come in transparent pots. The roots like light, so I think it's best not to put the transparent pot into a decorative ceramic pot, even though it may look tidier.

And don't cut off a flower spike when it finishes flowering. More spikes may grow from it. Wait until the spike dies down before you cut it off. The flower spike will need supporting with a green stick.

And if all this seems too much trouble, then treat an orchid like a long-lasting cut flower, and enjoy!

Late Summer Flowers

 There is something wonderful about late summer flowers,
especially those with variegated foliage.

Here are two different phlox, both a delight.

I can't help feeling that they are a mid life crisis last gasp of excess plant.

 "Look at us - the summer's nearly over, but we're still vibrant and colourful!"

 It's not autumn yet.

Apple Blossom

Apple blossom bright against the blue sky.
The orchards are full of blossom.

 It is an exquisite sight. I lay on the grass in this orchard and delicate petals fluttered down around me. I think this may be what Paradise is like.

reflections

There is something magical about a
mirror in the garden.








Like Alice, I want to step through the looking glass into a strange yet familiar world.

Amaryllis Red Lion

Growing an amaryllis is a great treat.
An enormous, stout stem springs up,
followed by huge flamboyant flowers.
  









 This one is Red Lion. It has lit up the kitchen.

Amazing Pink Orchid

Stranded in the Garden Centre between Christmas and New Year, this orchid was in a sad sale of plants that really weren't going to be kept much longer. That was two years ago, and it's been in flower ever since. Every morning I come into the kitchen and the amazing splash of pink greets me. I recommend an orchid for brightening the dark winter days.