Orchids and wildflower time . . .

We have discovered a lot of native orchids in the bush nearby and have been watching their progress.  Down in the hollow there has been a steady succession of beautiful wildflowers and more recently masses of yellow bottlebrush.  The house site is surrounded by Banksia Marginata which we have propagated as part of our land management plan so the plant Nazis stay off our backs.  Bryon loves orchids and rushes off each day to see how they are doing.

My favourite is this one . . . the Flying Duck Orchid, which just blows me away, it is so like a duck. We took the grandkids up to see it recently but they were a bit disappointed that it didn’t quack!!!  This first shot is before it starts to open.

The next three show it in full flight, what a marvel.  It is a real flower I am not pulling your leg.

OK, the next one is a real duck, but you can see the similarity.

Hibertia spreads like a carpet and has been spectacular with its prostrate yellow flowers.

Here is a selection of other natives, you can look them up if you want to know what they are.  I just like looking at them.  Plus I don’t have time to look them up as I can smell tea cooking and it’s spicy tofu and vege stir fry, no animals had their throats cut or were tortured to make this meal, that makes it taste even better.

Oh before I go, here’s a couple of shots of the ornamentals.  Those of you that were familiar with our last garden will remember the displays of lilliums and spring bulbs, well this time we only just managed to get all the tulips and other bulbs in before they were too far gone.  The tulips didn’t do much but at least they will survive, but a few of the hardier bulbs have given us some pleasure, and the smell has been gorgeous (sssh!! Don’t tell the plant Nazis)

And here’s my tea, yum yum!!