These pretty “Cosmos bipinnatus” flowers grow in a flower pot on our patio. Sometimes called Mexican Asters, cosmos were grown by Spanish priests in their mission gardens in Mexico. The evenly placed petals led them to christen the flower “Cosmos,” the Greek word for harmony or ordered universe. Cosmos, like many of our warm weather annuals such as marigolds, originated in Mexico and South America.
Cymbidiums became popular in Europe during the Victorian era. One feature that makes the plant so popular is the fact that it can survive during cold temperatures (as low as 7°C or 45°F). Orchid hobbyists in temperate climates appreciate the fact that they can bloom in winter, when few other orchids are blooming.
Only a few Cymbidium species are commonly grown in nurseries, due to the popularity of hybrids. Most are to be found in botanical gardens or in their ever shrinking natural habitat.
These were in the hot house orchid section at the garden shop last weekend.
When the sunlight hits them, these ice plant blossoms open their vibrant petals for all to see. The ice plant is commonly used as ground cover and to stabilize slopes. Originating in South Africa, large cells in the leaves of these plants sparkle like granules of ice in the sun, hence its common name. I photographed this flower blooming in the garden shop over the weekend.
Azaleas, the aristocrats of indoor bloomers, provide a mass of flowers that can be white, red, orange, pink, purple, salmon, freckled, variegated, bicolored or white with colored edges.
These are the white freckled variety seen today at the garden shop.
The chrysanthemum is the floral emblem of the imperial family of Japan. Known to have been cultivated in China as far back as the 1400s BC, it first made its way to Japan sometime in the 900s, and was adopted as the emperor’s official seal. Crown Prince Akihito assumed the Chrysanthemum Throne, the world’s oldest monarchy, after the death of his father, Hirohito, on January 7, 1989. His position as the 125th Japanese monarch was formally accepted on this date in 1990.
These mums are now showing on our patio. I just LOVE springtime!
I took this photo (actually five photos stitched together) from Del Cerro Park, one of the highest points on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California. The panorama sweeps from the Southeast (San Pedro Hill is the high point on the left) across the horizon where Catalina Island can be seen below the clouds in the distance. The sweep continues to the West-Southwest toward Santa Barbara Island which can only be seen on an exceptionally clear day. Somewhere near the center, you can see Damsel taking photos of Portuguese Bend. Click on the image for a larger version.
Last weekend, as a diversion to running errands and shopping, we took a quick drive to the Interpretive Center next to the Point Vicente Lighthouse on the Southwest side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. As we passed the lighthouse, I snapped this picture through the open car window. Catalina Island can be seen across the channel.
