Floral Kaleidoscopes.
It's time for a bit of floral fantasy. With the help of some digital tweaking, I have created my own flower kaleidoscopes by taking my original floral photographs and giving them life and movement.
I have included my original photography to help you identify these very unique kaleidoscopes.
First up is my Protea Bud:
The beautiful and flamboyant protea plants are prevalent in Australia, South America and South Africa. Australia contains the greatest diversity of Proteaceae and they seem to thrive effortlessly in our rainforests, coastal and sandy areas, alpine regions and even in our deserts.
My second kaleidoscope a Hibiscus macro shot.
Available in many colours, the hibiscus flowers are bold and trumpet shaped with five or more petals. Hibiscus can be made into a tea and served hot or cold for medicinal purposes. Dried hibiscus is edible, can be candied or used as a garnish.
Morning Glory:
Characterized by funnel - shaped blossoms with heart shaped leaves, Morning Glory flowers are available in shades of white, red, blue, purple, mauve and yellow and prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade. The Chinese have used this plant as a laxative and the Ipomoea Aquatic variety is known as water spinach which is greatly valued as a vegetable in many cultures.
My Happy Hippies:
These beautiful plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas from Argentina, north to Mexico and also the Caribbean. The typical colour range is red, pink, and white but the modern hybrids are available in an array of colours which includes pale, translucent yellow. The large, funnel shaped flowers are supported by strong stems and the leaves are quite fleshy and mid-green in colour.
Impala Lilies:
These beautiful flowers are available in colours of red, pink, mauve and bi-coloured pink and white. The impala Lily is a small genus of succulent shrubs.
This deciduous plant is characterized by fleshy stems and their leaves grow in simple spirals or in clusters. They are ideal plants for rockeries, grow well in containers and thrive in warm climates.
Fabulous Frangipanis:
There are countless varieties of frangipanis available, from the classic white and yellow colours to pastel pinks and oranges and bold red and lilac ones. They are robust, loving dry soils, full sun and even neglect and although slow growing, can grow up to 8 metres tall. The umbrella shape of a mature frangipani tree provides great shade in the summer.
Agapanthus:
Agapanthus are traditionally blue or white in colour but many interesting varieties are now available. These plants love full sun but will tolerate shade as well but the flowers are less prolific if grown kin shady areas. They are not fussy about the soil conditions but favour free draining soil. Not only do they look good in the garden, they provide a colourful display in pots or as cut flowers in a vase.
And last but not least are the gorgeous Yellow Water Lilies:
Water lilies are often referred to as the Jewels of the Pond, serve multiple purposes. Not only are they beautifully decorative, but they assist the ecosystem by maintaining the health of the ponds they inhabit.
I hope you enjoyed these vibrant beauties as they performed their individual dances, especially for you.
If you have a favourite, I'd love to hear one it is.
THANK YOU FOR VIEWING. HAVE A GREAT DAY.
