Nothing much has changed in the way of bloom variety over the last two months or so, and of course the dry season conditions means even the year-round blooms are not quite as plentiful at this time of year.
All-year-round bloomers like the red-flowering Hibiscus continue their show as usual, but with fewer flowers on the shrubs.
Wintertime bloomers like the Calliandras are still flowering, but the number of powderpuffs on each shrub is becoming less and less each week as our winter draws to a close.
The white Bauhinia, which blooms during the winter here, is looking fabulous. My poor stunted recovering tree is doing so well and throwing out loads of flowers,
but I'm particularly enjoying the display on the two white Bauhinias that droop over my fence from my neighbour's yard.
Another of the wintertime bloomers, the Tabebuia impetiginosa or Pink Trumpet Tree, has now finished flowering but, on the other side of the coin, both my Zygocactus, which are usually well finished their wintertime display by now, have started throwing out buds again.
Yes ... those are flower buds on both my Schlumbergaras or Zygocactus plants. I can't remember either of them ever having a second flowering cycle in one year before. Maybe it's because they're more mature and this is going to become part of their regular flowering life from now on. If that's the case, then I'm well pleased!
My two Plumeria rubras, which are deciduous during our winters here, are beginning to show signs of re-growth. In another month or so, the two trees will be covered in leaves once more.
My sole remaining Euphorbia pulcherrima, the dwarf pink, is still showing its winter colours.
The lovely little variegated Serissa foetidas, commonly known as Snowleaves, are all covered in their teeny weeny pure white flowers.
These flowers can only really be appreciated with a close-up view.
Of course, out in the courtyard, the Petunias continue their show. The
three potted Petunias have now become quite leggy, after a couple months on show, and I really should
trim them way back. They've had one trim back already since they were planted out as little seedlings back in April, and I really let them go too long this time. The problem is I always find it difficult going without
their bright cheery flowers for a couple of weeks until they fill out again. But I will make it my first gardening job this coming weekend to get the Petunias ready for a springtime display now.
The potted Begonia semperflorens or Bedding Begonias are always showing their lovely faces. They are year-round bloomers out in my courtyard.
The two potted Azaleas, which flower from late Autumn through our winter, are still throwing out blooms. They've been putting on a great show this year. I'm thinking of getting another variety now and adding it to the wintertime flowering mix.
My gorgeous Salvia splendens carry on without too much help from me. They too bloom pretty much all-year round. In a few weeks it will be time to cut them right back though, and I will have to wait for them to throw out their new growth and begin blooming once more.
Then, there are the Snapdragons, which are a must for me as part of the wintertime flowering display out in the courtyard. This particular dwarf variety has been spectacular. I love the colours!
The Streptocarpus caulescens or Nodding Violet is gearing up for another great springtime display. Whilst these plants do bloom all-year round, the best display is definitely in the Spring.
More year-round bloomers out in the courtyard that are on display right now include ...
the double white Impatiens walleriana,
the Impatiens hawkeri 'Celebrette', which as the weather heats up will both have to be moved from their spots into more shady corners of the courtyard,
and there's the potted Portulacas. They, however, will enjoy the stronger fiercer sunshine and the more exposed spots.
There's also a lovely display of Angleonias and Salvias out in my potted courtyard garden right now. They are all enjoying the warmer conditions as our winter temps. are now well and truly over.
Finally, the potted Asiatic and Oriental Lilies have started popping up at last and, with the arrival of Spring in September, I'll be counting down the days until the flowers appear.
I'm joining Tootsie for her
Fertilizer Friday / Flaunt Your Flowers meme,
and Nix for
Floral Friday Fotos
