Evergreen Tree

Dance with the Daffodils....

2012-02-05T15:24:00.005+05:30

~~*****~~
In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

~~ *****~~

William Wordsworth

Spring is in the air, with the blooms everywhere.....

Early Buds...

Just Beginning to Blossom...

& Finally, A cluster of Dazzling Daffodils,
Symbolizing onset of Spring for Today's Flower

Happy Sunday n Happy Spring Season ahead....

Burst of Pink

2011-07-31T09:44:00.003+05:30

So Delicate n Dainty....

A teeny-tiny Floral Firework.... for Todays Flower # 154

A Flower's appeal is in the contradictions -
So delicate in form, yet strong in fragrance...
So small in size, yet big in beauty..........
So short in life, yet long on effect.

Floral Carpet

2011-07-24T15:17:00.002+05:30

Pretty in Pink @ Rain Lilies...

With so many of them blooming together in the garden, during the rainy season, they form a beautiful pink floral carpet
(A carpet, one would never wanna walk on.....)

Truly Magical these Magic Lilies!

Zephyranthes

Pink Zephyr Lilies for Todays Flower # 153

Happy Sunday! n Hope you have a Magical Week ahead....

Skywatch @ Friday!

2011-07-22T06:59:00.003+05:30

Here are some interesting Sightings for Friday Sky watching!

Even on a gloomy grey day, sighting a butterfly just.... MAKES YOUR DAY!

Spotted this peahen perched on our roof for the first n last time...
a day after my great grand mother passed away @ July 2008

Another day, Another time....
These wild monkeys are a regular feature around the house....
n marauding the garden / plants, happens to be their favorite past time.

Spotted a few LANGURs on a clear blue sky day, during one of my trips to the countryside!
Others were non nonchalant, while one of them looked ready to pounce...any moment. Scary!

Have an Interesting Day ahead...n Happy Sky Watching!

Cheery Cherry

2011-07-11T15:32:00.004+05:30

The Buds, the flowers n the Fruits @ Mosaic Monday

It is one of the most commonly used flowering n fruiting tree, grown by beginners and novices, introducing them to the world of miniature greens (Bonsai), along with the (naarangi)/Oranges, (Amrood)/Chinese Guava, (Anar)/Pomegranates, (Chikoo)/Sapodilla and (Imli)/Tamarind. It is a fairly hardy plant with fine ramification, easy to look after and thrives well in sunlight. The branches are stiff and hence difficult to wire n bend.

My World @ The Cherry Tree - Informal Upright style

Teeny Tiny Buds formed at the pinnacle

Pink Flowers .....with five fringed petals

Flowers giving way to teeny tiny Cherries

one of them finally turning Ripe Red over a matter of days. The Fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C

This Cherry Tree has been under training since July 2006

Throughout the growing season, the plant grows profusely and has to be pruned back in shape. The tree with its glossy green leaves, contrasting pink flowers n bright Red fruits add a beautiful accent to the garden.

For more wonderful collages n Mosaic work visit here n see more of the World here.

Today's Flower: Sunflower

2011-06-26T08:49:00.013+05:30

Whoa! This one is really huge, had to support it with my hand.

Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men or animals.

Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident;

others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the hollyhock.

~Henry Ward Beecher, Star Papers: A Discourse of Flowers

A night shot with some creative effects

Entry for Todays Flower # 149 n Mellow Yellow Monday

Have a Super-Duper weekend!

Mango - 'Make-a-Wish' Tree

2011-06-22T13:06:00.012+05:30

Summer in

India

heralds the season of the Delicious n Juicy Fruits like Aam / Mangoes, along with the Litchi / Lychee, Tarboj / Watermelons n Kharbooja / Mashmelons.

Soak the Mangoes in water to reduce n wash off Pitta (heat)

While I like them all, my personal fav among them, is most definitely the delightful Mango, referred to as the ‘King of Fruits’ n also ‘the Nectar of the Gods’. You can savour the ripe mangoes fresh from the trees or make pickles or chutneys or moraba (jam) from the unripe ones or quench your thirst with chilled summer drinks like Aam panna or refreshing Mango Shake or even Punjabi Mango laasi or merely devour them as katha-meetha aam papad or sweet mango kheer for desert.

While I have been praising this stately fruit, let me not forget the MANGO TREE, which happens to be one of the most majestic trees here in India - what with their tall n thick trunk, dense foliage, with wide spreading branches forming a Magnificent Umbrella Canopy.

Four Mango-laden Trees growing in our side yard, form a near perfect Umbrella Canopy together.....

What I really like about these trees is that they form one large single unit together, while, up close they are four different trees. We need to learn something from them.... they don't jostle for space, they each seem happy and contend growing harmoniously together.

Helpers collecting n picking mangoes, hand plucked by the gardener high up on the branches.
Can you spot the gardener precariously perched between the dark n dense foliage above (right) ????

Basket n Baskets full of Dusheri Mangoes is ready to be savoured.

We have some 8-10 mango trees growing in our yard here in the city n another sprawling 45 acres of Mango grove in Nawabgunj countryside, about 150 Kms from here, specializing in the Rose tinted Gulab khas, Green Dusheri, Yellow Zardalu, Langra, Chausa, Safeeda varieties of mangoes n other lesser known varieties - Makhan, Fakira, maste-anar, katha-meetha, dil-pasand, kishen-bhog, shakul.

Our Mango grove @ Nawabgunj countryside - old trees interspersed with some recent plantations.

Some More Mango Trees...

The mango grove initially belonged to the last ruling Nawab of Oudh, Nawab Nawajid Ali n his family and was established way back in 1906. It is believed that about 1000 saplings of the rose flavoured ‘Gulab khas’ variety, came all the way from Afghanistan. These trees are a little over 100 yrs old.

The Rose Flavoured Mangoes i.e. 'Gulab Khas' originally from Afghanistan
Its a highly delicate variety, as the mangoes tend to spoil even if pressed gently n have to be handled with utmost care.

After independence, Rani Rehula Shakuntala, is known to have bought 215 bigha’s of Mango grove from the Nawab. After the Indo-Pak partition, the Rani permanently shifted base to Pakistan, selling this property to my grandfather, in 1960’s. As a little kid, I used to be fascinated with this bit of history n other tell-tales associated with Nawabgunj. In retrospect, I have come to appreciate the bounty and marvel of Nature, trees, flowers, fruits, plants, art of bonsai, the whole gamut of beautiful greens around us.

Here’s another interesting tale about Mango Tree’s from ‘The Book of Nature’ by Ruskin Bond.

Mango Blossoms...

In the Folklore of India, the Mango is considered to be a ‘wish fulfilling tree’ or 'Make-a-Wish' Tree.

So, when you want to make a wish on a mango tree, shut your eyes and get someone to lead you to the tree; then rub mango blossoms in your hands and make a wish.

The favour granted lasts only for a year and the charm must be performed again at the next flowering of the tree.

So,

Go ahead....... n Make a Wish! For all you know, it might just get granted.

Blossom giving way to Bunch of Mangoes...high up on the Tree.

Finally.... the Fruits of Labour... Dusheri Mangoes (Desapped, Soaked, Washed n Dried)
Unripe ones well suited for making pickles n aam panna (green mango drink)

Too bad, I just read about the folklore only recently, and so could not 'make-a-wish' this flowering season but, yeah, I intend to give it a try, during the next mango flowering season, come Spring. I have already started working on my rather long 'WISH LIST' and hoping that the Mango Tree would grant them all. Amen.

My entry for Outdoor Wednesday # 128

First Thing First...

2011-06-12T11:29:00.012+05:30

First Impressions are said to be lasting Impressions....

As human beings, we readily recall things that we see or learn first, in any given period, far better than those we see or learn later on....We probably think of the first born, or the first school, the first job, the first meeting or the first trip together.... much more fondly n favorably than others; for their added warmth, curiosity, excitement, n off course new found novelty.

Likewise, for a gardener, the seasons First Blooms in the Garden are always wee-bit X-tra SPECIAL!

We have had a few Lily bulbs growing in this particular pot for a while now, but its for the very First Time, a bulb has ever blossomed.......that too in the middle of Summers. Unlike Easter lilies or Day Lilies, going by the enormous size of the Bud n its lustrous texture, they probably are some exotic variety, Beautiful n Glossy Trumpet Lilies or probably Oriental Lilies???

To the Chinese, Lily means 'Forever in Love'

Feng Shui believers hold the lily as an emblem of summer and abundance.....

To me, well... The Star-like Lily reminds me of the Nursery Rhyme.....Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...

How I Wonder, what you are.....

Up above the World so High.....

Like a Diamond in the Sky.....

My entry for Today's Flower # 147 n Macro Saturday

Have a great Weekend n Shine on.... Like a Star Diamond in the Sky!

Yipppppeeeee! Its Raining....

2011-05-31T13:43:00.005+05:30

Today morning I woke up to this really awesome weather after the rain and the dust storm, last night. The storm did leave its trail of leaves n branches strewn all over the yard, a basket full of Mangoes which must have fallen down during the storm, a displaced bamboo fencing,10 -12 broken pots wherein their plants had to be re-potted first thing in the morning n more....

YET, in-spite of all this damage, I am not complaining and merely enjoying the aftermath of the first rains of the season.... the wet grass, the distinctive scent of the soil after the rains, the pearly droplets on flowers, overcast skies n the refreshing site of the rain washed greens all around....

The Garden... after the Rain this morning

Bougainvillea in all its glory. Wonder how these delicate paper-y flowers are still up there even after the storm????

Fountain Palm.... braving the changing seasons, 24 * 7... 365 days a year!

Bravo! This MANGO seems to have stuck it out....

........while most others, were 'Gone with the Wind'

Crepe Myrtle.....in Pretty Pinks!

PINK..... Seems to be the colour of the season in our garden this summer

More Pinks @ Portulaca's, waiting in the wings to bloom n for the sun to come-up again.....

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating;
there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather"
~John Ruskin

Hope you enjoy the 'good weather' times ahead.....

Life is a Beach....

2011-05-11T13:54:00.008+05:30

Thinking of Sand, Sea n Surf.....to beat the Sweltering Indian Summer Spell ahead....

& SPLASHING in the Deep Blue Seas of the Great Barrier Reef.
Whoa! A Truly Refreshing thought...

BEWARE! .... these soft, mushy n colourful sea jellies actually sting. Scary....

Came across some interesting pc of Driftwood on the beach... a Dino // a Snake ?????

Looks like the lads are having a whale of a time.....Wanna Join them at Play?????

Well... thats ME n my Shadow Shot.

"Don't grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach"

The three great elemental sounds in nature are the.... sound of rain, the sound of wind on primeval wood,
and the sound of outer ocean on the beach.

Caught'ya! ....But hey, I didn't mean to pry. Likewise, was merely enjoying the boundless ocean view.

The Beach @ Green Island, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns

NOTHING can be more cooling in summers than LIFE ON A BEACH.......

My entry for : Wordless Wednesday n Outdoor Wednesday n Watery Wednesday

PS: Its only May & the mercury has already touched 44 Degree Celsius here. Phew! I HATE Summers.

PSS: Its meant to be a FEEL GOOD ( read COOL) blog, as I take this pictorial trip down memory lane.

Oh Lily!

2011-04-30T15:37:00.014+05:30

You, serve as a beautiful reminder,

that Easter is a time for much rejoicing and celebrating.....

You are also the white-robed apostle of hope....

Ever wondered how the whole year around, they lie low, almost inconspicuous, but come Easter (March-April) one can find them springing back to life, when a shaft of Green shoots upwards towards the sky bearing tiny buds, which blossom into trumpet shaped flowers in varied colours of Pure White, Ravishing Red, Mellow Yellow, Delightful Orange n more….

Springing Back to Life after a long long wait.....

Easter Lillies @ Symbolic of Joy, Purity, Virtue, Hope n Yearning for Life....

Lilium longiflorum....in all its Pristine Glory!

Amaryllis Lily......Hippeastrum

"Hippeastrum" is Latin for "horseman's star", also known as "knight's star" as buds on the verge of opening look something like a horse's ear, while the blossoms resemble six-pointed stars....

Orange Day Lilies

Daylilies are clump forming perennials with Flowers that are large, ornamental, and orange in color while the Leaves are Long, Grass-like, and green in colour. . A leafless stalk, called a scape, extends above the leaves, bearing the flowers. In most varieties the flowers open one at a time, and last only one day, hence the name…. Day Lilies!

Cheer-y Yellow Daylillies.... n Buzo, our adorable, 8 yr old Lab......sun bathing in the garden.

Some flowers have uniform colors or patterns on all six petals

while others have more pronounced colors on the upper petals than on the lower ones....

as can be seen in this flower.

PS:
I had meant to do this post on Lily around Easter, but nonetheless
Hope this Easter was Joyous for you and your near dear ones!

My entry for : The Haute, The Loud, The Proud # 14 n Flowers on Saturday n
Camera Critters, Todays Flowers # 141 , Mosaic Monday , Outdoor Wednesday
Click on the link above to visit other participants....

Sky Watch Friday: Bada Imambara

2011-04-22T15:33:00.005+05:30

It seems, I just can't get enough of my own City of Nawabs aka LUCKNOW. I must have visited the Bada Imambara several times before, and yet here I am again, with outstation relatives in tow, who were visiting Lucknow for the first time. I enjoyed capturing pictures of the monument as much as they did, while the guide took us around.... on a sightseeing tour of the Imambara, its domed chambers and central hallway, the Bhulbhulayan (maze/ labyrinth), the Bowli, the Asfi Mosque and the Gardens....

Endless Corridor @ Bhulbhulayah (the Labyrinth)

Asfi Mosque n Clear Blue Skies....

Bada Imambara Facade - Among the grandest Buildings of Lucknow aka City of Nawabs.

The Bara Imambara was built in 1783, a year of a devastating famine, and one of Asaf-ud-Daula's objectives in embarking on this grandiose project was to provide employment for people in the region. According to reports, the famine continued for over a decade and the construction of the building continued for this time. It is said that ordinary people used to work in the day building up the edifice, while noblemen and other elite were called at night to break down all the structure raised, as they were incapable of doing anything else, according to a chronicle of the period. This see-saw efforts continued till the famine period was over.

Running arched Parapets on the Roof of Bada Imambara - Photo taken @ 6:11 PM

Minutes later the sky changes colour .... Photo taken @ 6:15 PM

Undoubtedly my Favorite shot for the day....what with warm Orange hues as a backdrop for the Minarets

Enjoying the view of the city, along with the Sunset, peeping through one of the Arched Parapets

My entry for : Sky watch Friday

Maaza Mango

2011-03-30T08:25:00.009+05:30

Picture of the FIRST MANGOES in our Yard, this Summer.

My Entry for Wordless Wednesday! n Outdoor Wednesday n The Creative Exchange

Shhhhh....Lets get Wordless.

Super Moon Lights up the Night Sky

2011-03-25T14:48:00.005+05:30

Pictures of the Super Moon as seen from our house on March 19th.

Acc. to WIKIPEDIA.......
SUPER MOON is a new or full moon which occurs with the Moon at or near its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit (perigee). In short, Earth, Moon and Sun are all in a line, with Moon in its nearest approach to Earth.

The Moon is supposedly Bigger n Brighter, but can you tell the difference????????

Bigger...No! ( It looked just the same to me); Brighter .... Yes!
Its blazing glare is making the moon appear lopsided in this picture, hence bigger!

The trail..... that you see just below the moon is from an Airplane.
Too Bad! missed capturing the two together by splitting seconds

All Aglow and Lighting up the Night Sky!

My entry for Sky Watch Friday!

Come together and Join the world in this Cause and Show Your Support @ EARTH HOUR

Switch Off! Step out n Enjoy the Moonlit Night outdoors ....

Splash In Spring Colours....

2011-03-20T15:03:00.011+05:30

The center of our garden is a riot of 'PHLOX' colours, this HOLI

as opposed to the pristine white carpet of candy tuft flowers we had last spring.

Phlox adding a dash of colour to our spring garden, this year

White Carpet @ Last Spring, around HOLI

LOOK! Our domestic helper’s son spotted these two teeny tiny nests with one and two eggs each nestled deep within the two Thuja orientalis Trees growing in our garden. (Though, only one of them can be seen in the extreme left corner @ the topmost snap above).

The little one helped me to peep through the dense and bushy foliage and click a picture or two of the 'NESTS' to share here via my blog, Evergreen Tree.

BTW, Can you spot the little black birdie within its bushy foliage @ top left snap in the collage.

And, Did you know?

Wild Sweet William is a specific variety of Phlox.

We have them growing wild, in one of the flower beds this year, still adding a dash of blue n violets to the garden, while the other beds showcasing the early bloomers like the Calendula, the California Poppy n Dog flowers need to be cleared in the coming week ahead after a flourishing winter flowering season. They will be replaced with fresh plantation comprising of Green needle like Cochia’s, Sunflowers and Zinnia’s in the front garden.

The Garden sometime back in November

Talking of FLOCKS aka PHLOX, they are such prolific growers and seem to have taken over the marigolds encircling them as a border edging. The cluster of flower on top of the stems is very bright and showy, as their vibrant blossom comes in various shades of purple, pink, red, violets, blues and even white. They seem to like full sun and once established they grow well with regular watering, weeding and the best part, without much effort and care.

Whoa! They have filled up the entire bed by March

Being Perennial, these Phlox flourish well through the Flowering Season, in Spring and early Summer, when they are planted in November. Come April, these beds would soon be cleared to be replaced by the nine-o-clock flowers aka Portulaca, which will add much needed colour around the Fountain during the scorching Indian summer months ahead….

My entry for Todays Flower # 136

Also linking to SSS # 148 n CC # 154, MM:Snowdrops, MM #113

Click on the Links to visit them.

Its a Festive SUNDAY for us here, as we are celebrate the Indian festival of colours today,

Wishing all a Very Happy n Colourful HOLI!

Wordless Wednesday: Pets n Topiary

2011-03-16T14:25:00.006+05:30

Whoa! Saw my first-ever St. Bernard @ Dog Show, E-Park, Mahanagar.
My entry for Camera Critters # 153

.....n Looking out in the direction of this Dino Topiary....I saw clear skies, Green Grass, Flowers n Lush Ornamentals,
... n people enjoying a leisurely Sunday afternoon @ Flower Show, E-Park, Mahanagar

Nature's Fury

2011-03-13T16:04:00.006+05:30

Nature has no rewards or punishments,

All it has is consequences….

What we just saw in

Japan

, is a heart wrecking consequence of Nature’s fury.

Ordinarily, we would all be awe-struck as we gaze out at the boundless ocean, marveling at its serene blue stretch. However, on witnessing a Tsunami we can’t help but feel extremely vulnerable and helpless against this gigantic killer wave, which has the power to devastate everything coming in its path with gay abundance.

Personally, I was numb with shock n grief, when I got to hear about the Earthquake and the Tsunami in Japan. Just didn’t know what to say or do, except maybe.....

....H.O.P.E. .....Hanging-on n Praying Earnestly!

Today at 9:30 pm the world’s going to pray for Japan for a min. Please do broadcast this message and join me in Prayer and Support for the people of Japan.

Would like to add an inspiring quote I read in the 4th edition of @ Nichin Bonsai

"Sea waves are really inspiring, not because they rise and fall.
But because each time they fall, they never fail to rise again"

Wordless Wednesday : Nature's Marvel

2011-03-09T15:06:00.004+05:30

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun

And find your shoulder to light on,

To bring you luck, happiness and riches

Today, tomorrow and beyond.

~Irish Blessing

Red X-Prs....

2011-02-27T19:43:00.003+05:30

Here's a Conventional Red Rose to make your day!

A smiley, monkey- faced, Panzy showing off similar Red -o-Black Hues

Shining, Star- like... Red n White Petunia's, amidst the Greens

A Dazzling Dahlia ....Get set to Bloom!

Aglow like a Candle....Salvia's

Resplendent Glory @ Dianthus

Triple Delights

Blowing its own Trumpet @ Hibiscus

Dog Flower

Firework with a burst of little Red Stars

Yeh, I know I have gone a wee-bit, over the top with this RED X-PRESS, but what to do,
RED is such a bright, promising n happy colour and just perfect for heralding Spring in our gardens and our lives.

My entry for Today's Flower # 133
&
The Hot, the Loud n the Proud Meme # 12 hosted by A Plant Fanatic in Hawai

Wishing all a Happy Spring Season ahead...

Just Like That....

2011-02-20T18:49:00.007+05:30

......Loved the soft reddish white hues n sheer feel of this particular Poppy.

Picture From this weekends Annual State Vegetable, Fruit, Flower Exhibition 2011

@ Raj Bhawan Lawns, Lucknow
My entry for Today Flower # 132

.... And,
Look, who crossed my path recently, while out on a walk...

Lo.... Behold.... Its a pretty Peacock!

Thx to the inbuilt Camera's in our mobile phones today,
we can capture fleeting moments like these and share the same, across miles.

Monkey Menace

2011-02-10T15:43:00.005+05:30

A Mango Tree and a Mano Kamini forming a single Umbrella Canopy

Our 120+ year old house with its sprawling greens, right in the heart of the city, is an urban paradise for the birds, the butterflies n the bees, what with a riot of flowers; fruiting trees like Mangoes, Guava’s, Jackfruit, Custard Apple, Bel, and Lemon; and a thriving kitchen garden with carrots, radish, cauliflower n cabbages, mustard, spinach, chili, tomatoes, coriander et al. Most of the vegetable and fruits produced is used for home consumption and often shared with the neighborhood friends, cousins, the helpers at home and yeah the MONKEYS!

Kitchen Garden @ Side Yard
As of now, some of the beds have been cleared for the next plantation

In the recent years, troop of monkeys have started visiting our house, almost every other day, messing up and uprooting the potted plants, ravaging the kitchen garden; creating havoc during the mango growing season, destroying the mango crop, merely plucking them, munching on them and then throwing away the half-eaten mangoes.

Monkey drinking water from the tap

There have been instances when these marauding monkeys have entered our dining room, from the back door, for a bunch of bananas. Once, a rather audacious monkey, even dared to open the refrigerator and took off with only a boiled potato. No doubt, they are super-intelligent creatures….as they know how to unlash the lid of the water tanks and enjoy a refreshing dip in it during the summers. They have somehow even learn't how to turn open the tap and drink water, though, never ever close it back.

Occasionally, we use an unloaded air gun to scare them and to keep them at bay. Just the site of a person carrying the air gun is enough to make them run helter-skelter and disperse momentarily. They are becoming an urban menace with an increasing threat to us, the kids, the neighborhood, when they attack and even bite. Come to think of it, our otherwise ferocious Labrador.... is scared of them too.

Roses, Ixora n Ficus - up close from the roof

Yesterday turned out to be one hell of a day, when our domestic helper’s 8 year old son had a narrow escape after coming face-to-face with a one such monkey on the roof. He had been flying a kite along with his elder brother and in his haste, the kid, jumped off the 12 feet high ceiling. Thank God for small mercies, he landed on a Bushy Ixora plant growing as a hedge, which cushioned his fall to a large extent. He’s been in a state of shock, ever since, has no visible wounds, but has been under observation, to rule out any internal injuries and/or fractures.

Dangerous! It looks like the Ixora is just a step away from the roof. Isn't it ?

There family of five live in the adjoining quarters. All three boys, between the age group of 14yrs and 8yrs, usually spend their free time, before and after school, playing cricket in the yard or flying kites or chasing after them… on the roof, along with 3-4 other kids from the neighborhood.

He had his parents and all of us in the family worried and on our toes for a major part yesterday. More so recalling our families personal memories from the past when my brother had taken a similar fall from almost the same place decades back as a 5^th grader in school. He too had been chasing a kite back then. Trying to retrieve it from a tree top, he jumped on these precarious tin roof covers of the servant quarter’s, which caved in under his weight, taking him along. He too had a narrow escape with only a fracture in his arm. Some memories!

Anyways, with a rather frenzied n eventful day behind us, I am glad the kid is safe. Hopefully, they will now be more cautious before whizzing upstairs to fly kites and, yeah, stay away from these monkeys.

I wish some action could be taken by the civic authorities and the forest department to rehabilitate the monkeys, so that they stop encroaching on human establishments while posing to threaten our personal safety.

Golden Flowers

2011-02-06T18:50:00.004+05:30

California Poppies - a Picture from the Flower Show.

Each year, while visiting the State Annual Flower show at the Governor House here, I would marvel at these feather weight Golden Yellow Flowers of California Poppies. However, this year, I got Lucky.... and have them growing in our garden as well, all thx to the new gardener, who planted them for us this winter season. I love their flamboyant golden yellow colour, their sunny disposition adding a cheerful look to our spring garden along with the Calendulas, the Nasturtiums and the Marigolds, all of them...flashing almost the same Sunny hues.

Today, as I came across the first few Poppy Flowers unfurling n Blooming in the garden, I just couldn't curtail my excitement of sharing some pictures of the same here via my Blog Evergreen Tree...

Beautiful in Golden Orange

An upright, compact annual or tender perennial native to California and the southwestern United States. Extremely drought tolerant, ideal for arid environments. The brilliant orange, cup-shaped flowers, are 2-4 inches in diameter, borne individually on long stalks. Prefers full sun in light to sandy soils. Remarkably uniform and neat in appearnce. A popular variety to press. Not hardy below 20F.

Average planting success with this species: 70%
Height: 12-18 inches
Germination: 15-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 60-70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: April-August
Average seeds per pound: 293,000
Seeding rate: 8 lbs. per acre
Suggested use: Borders, rock gardens, meadows, mixes.
Miscellaneous: An excellent color accent to any wildflower planting. The state flower of California. Blooms close each night at sunset or on dull days. The finely divided foliage is bluish-green in color making identification easy prior to flowering.

Info Courtesy: Internet Sources

The Bud... @ Eschsholtzia californica

Breaking Open

Unfurling... The State Flower of California in our Garden

a.k.a Flame Flower

California Poppy a.k.a Cup of Gold

My entry for Todays Flower # 130.

Roses are not just RED

2011-01-23T19:49:00.002+05:30

Here's A Green Rose ...

From the Annual two day Rose n Gladioli Flower Show 2011
@ NBRI, Lucknow

Rosa chinensis viridiflora

This has to be one of the most unusual little roses in existence!

The strange blooms are made up entirely of sepals rather than petals.

It seems it forgot to make petals, and so made the bloom up of more sepals!

My entry for :Todays Flower #129

Goodbye 2010 n Hello 2011

2010-12-31T19:12:00.005+05:30

As this year draws to an end, I would like to thank all family n friends, who touched my life with their unflinching love, care n support through the thick n thin and made this year '2010' more meaningful and truly memorable for me. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU...ALL.

The Hot, the Loud n the Proud Calendula

Today, has been a beautiful day here in Lucknow.... Cold, Cloudy n yes Rainy too, as its been raining intermittently since the morning. I can hear the pit-tar, pat-tar even as I try to concentrate on writing a few lines for my blog EVERGREEN TREE this evening, after a looooong festive break. Thankfully, the weather did clear out for a while during the afternoon, so that I could step out to take a quick stroll around the Garden n click a picture or two to share as my entry for this Year end, Month end.....The Hot, the Loud n the Proud Meme.

Fountain Palm Tree @ this rainy afternoon

Marigold Border encircling the Phlox flowers -
My Entry for the November Meme

Flora Fountain....with Blooming Marigold border n yet to bloom Phlox Flowers

The Calendula' (across the fountain) have been blooming for sometime now and look just perfect to spread some Joy n Cheer for this December end Meme hosted by A Plant Fanatic in Hawai. To participate and to check out the other entries you could click here.

Spot the Delightful Yellow Calendula flowers....
growing between the Auracaria n Fountain Palm Trees across the fountain

The pearly droplets accentuating the beauty of the flowers, after the rains

Here's a Floral Toast to say Goodbye 2010 and Hello 2011

Wishing All Friends n their Family A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR ahead....
Cheers!

Wordless Wednesday: A Century

2010-12-08T14:46:00.008+05:30

Post # 100
PS:

It’s been almost two years since I started my Blog ‘Evergreen Tree’ here at Bloggers and come to think off how time flies….

Today, sitting in front of the computer screen with a blank word document staring, onto my face, I know not what words to add to my blogroll as POST # 100. After all, it is a Wordless Wednesday Post, though with an exception, as I want to take this opportunity to include a rather lengthy post script along with the photograph I captured just the other day with my Sony Cyber shot DSC-W35, while out in the garden.

Now, I am no professional, photographer and / or writer and not even vying to be one, but yes, I do enjoy going click, click, click…with my camera, ever so often and also penning my thoughts, every once in a while. It just feels good to blog as n when…

It’s been great to be part of the BLOG WORLD, where one can share their work be it writing and / or photographs etc with one and all from across the world and even receive comments making the whole process much more interactive and interesting.

A piece of writing sans any readership is a wasted effort. What say??? It’s always good to hear from you, dear visitor. If you are stopping by for a Dekko, then, do take a moment to share your thoughts and leave a comment as well. Like I said, it feels good to exchange complimentary words of praise and appreciation for ‘Nature n Nature in miniature’.

Last, but not the least, A Big Thank You to my followers and fellow blogger friends…To name a few....

Andrea @ Andrea in this Lifetime

Autumn Belle @ My Nice Garden

Arti @ Trees, Plants n more...

Bananz @ Bananaz People

Bangchik @ My Little Vegetable Garden

Carol @ Flower Hill Farm

Tiggerlot @ The Galloping Gardener

Edith Hope @ Edith Hope

Green Thumb @ Green Thumb - India

Kiki @ Awake with Charm n Spirit

Whoa!
This has turned out to be one long post script now. Thanx a ton once again.

Cheers!
Radhika @ Evergreen Tree

The Hot, The Loud and The Proud

2010-11-30T16:15:00.002+05:30

It’s time yet again to participate in The Hot, the Loud and the Proud, Month End Meme hosted by ‘A Plant Fanatic in Hawai’.

Having missed out on quite a few previous months Meme, I thought I would definitely contribute towards this month end Meme and share these pictures of the first to Bloom Winter Seasonal’s from our Garden.

French Marigold

Marigolds forming a Border... encircling the yet to bloom Phlox flowers

Fiery Orange - Nasturtium

Are growing in a few Shallow Containers,
and all possible partially shady nooks n corners around the garden.

Thats's because....Orange is my fav Colour
&.I can't seem to get enough of these Orange Delights!

To visit the other participants, Click here.

Balsam - An old Fashioned Flowering Plant

2010-11-24T07:10:00.007+05:30

Impatiens Balsamina - also known as Gul mehndi / Touch me Not

Is native to India and is quick to grow and bloom from mid-summer to autumn

Flowers can be single, double or bloom in small clusters.

Flowers come in colours like White, Cream, Pink, Purple or Red
@ Garden Balsam Mix

Last of the Balsam 2010.... @ beds being cleared for growing Dahlia's,
while Dada is collecting the Balsam seedpods for next year's plantation

Bicolor Rose Balsam - an all time Fav

Click on the Link to visit TODAYs FLOWERS

Post-Festive Blues n Bliss

2010-11-14T13:51:00.022+05:30

With the Diwali festivities coming to an end, its time for a wee bit of B-R-E-A-K before the Joy of Christmas and the Year End reminiscing set the mood soaring high all over again.....

These last few days, post Diwali, I have been indulging myself in being SUPER Lazy n doing NOTHING!

...Nothing worthwhile that is; except lazing out in the garden, enjoying the winter-y balmy sun; watch the bees, the butterflies n the recently planted winter seasonal flowers (The Calendula, Marigolds, Verbena, Phlox, Poppy, Dianthus, Astor, Hollyhock, Petunias n Pansies, Nasturtiums n more..) grow stronger n taller by the day, before they begin to Bloom n more...

The Veggie patch (Mustard, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Raddish, Brinjals, Spinach, Chili’s n more…) is looking promising as well, provided we get to save the new plantation from the marauding monkeys, who visit our garden almost everyday creating H-A-V-O-C. Its a task to keep them at bay.

Well, Isn't it a beautiful time of the year as we ‘wait n watch’ the Garden Break into a Riot of Colours in the months to come?

Needless, to say, it’s my favorite time of the year, as I simply Love the winters n the months of October, November, December….as they quickly roll past heralding in a Brand New Year.

PS: Phew! I have a huge pile of work that needs immediate attention. PLUS, I still have to visit the Plant Nursery one more time to buy some Salvia’s n Dahlia’s n more….

PSS: ...N…Hmmm...… Need to resume my evening Walks n...

..Need to urgently Shrug-off this post festive Blues n Bliss… n the S-U-P-E-R Laziness that comes with it.

Skywatch Friday: Shimmering Lights

2010-11-05T08:40:00.008+05:30

Diwali Greetings....

From our Home to Yours....

Diwali / Deepawali is the Indian Festival of Lights.

Wordless Wednesday:Camouflage

2010-10-20T15:05:00.000+05:30

OMG!

2010-10-17T12:10:00.001+05:30

I have already lost one of my cherished plant

@ a three Yr old Brazilian Rain Tree last month....

Rain Tree - Aug 2k9

.....AND

the disheartening part is that I am about to loose another one......

Ficus - Grp Planting, Oct 2k10

Boo Woo..........

Gosh! I feel so helpless... right at this moment,

and just don't know what else to do;

Except,....Maybe,

Hope n Pray...THE PLANT (left, above) recovers soon.

Ficus with Rock ...Grp Planting, Aug2k9

Will it? Won't it?

Will it!

Skywatch Friday: Fleeting Moments

2010-10-15T13:40:00.000+05:30

Gazing up at the sky last evening,

I caught the Silhouette of a lone Monkey sitting atop the Chimney of our house.

There One Minute...Gone in the Next

He was there one minute and gone the moment after my camera shutter blinked, to capture the fleeting moment.

Malpighia glabra – as a Bonsai

2010-10-10T22:40:00.000+05:30

Glabra - Buds Upclose

Common names include Acerola, Barbados cherry, Wild Crapemyrtle.

Pink Blossom - Up close

Malpighia glabra: Is a tropical fruit-bearing Evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Malpighiaceae, with spreading branches on a short trunk. It is usually 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) tall, but sometimes reaches 6 m (20 ft) in height

Glabra - Fruit

Nothing is more satisfying for an avid gardener / plant lover, than constantly working towards adding n collecting, growing new varieties of plants, and yes working with them too … hands on.

In my personal quest, to add to my ever-growing Bonsai Collection at home, and collect new varieties of plants from time to time, I bought two small Malpigihia glabra’s, and a Brazillian rain tree, 3 years back. The plants where lanky n fragile, with little foliage, but had good branch ramification; an important prerequisite for any good bonsai.

Way back in spring 2008, while I was getting the plants potted into appropriate Bonsai pots, I discovered that one of the glabra plants had some amazing set of long roots, with a well-spread out branching pattern that could easily be trained to cling n grow on a rock, to achieve the coveted ‘Root over the Rock’ style of Bonsai and the other one could be trained into a ‘Twin Trunk Bonsai’ between rocks.

I immediately set to work……………..and even today, I am still working and enjoying every moment I get to spend with these teeny-tiny plants – watering n pruning them into shape, just like any other garden plant. ERGO, I maybe a little more bent n biased towards my Bonsai - showering them with a little more nurturing n care.

Twin Trunk Glabra & Informal Upright style Rain Tree
Rain Tree, Cascading Jade, Glabra
It requires a lot of patience n hard work to train a bonsai plant into ‘Root over the rock’ style as the take a long time to grow n cling to the Rock, securing the plant in position.

A Picture of the plant in early stage of Training

Recent Pictures of the same Plant…
after getting it re-potted into a Proper Bonsai Container.

Thx to the ABA Grp President, Arora Aunty,
who helped me re-pot it during one of our Bonsai Workshops.

Side View of the Roots, Trunk, Foliage
Glabra is an extremely popular bonsai subject here in India because of its small leaf, dense foliage, beautiful pink, blossom, small fruit and fine ramification. It is also grown as an ornamental and for hedges. As a Bonsai, it adapts readily to the weather conditions prevailing here and is easy to shape into a specified style.

Malpighia Glabra - Root over the Rock style
Finally as can be seen in the above pic....
this slanting flow of the plant,... 'Root over the Rock LOOK'
....is what appeals to me the most.

The plant looks so different here.... Isn't it?

However, it is the same plant, but shot at a 'Different Angle'....
...displaying all the mesmerizing qualities of a BONSAI!

The Chinese Garden Of Friendship

2010-10-02T14:53:00.000+05:30

Bonsai on Display @ Chinese Garden of Friendship

The child in me has this innate fascination for automobiles, locomotives and various modes of transportations. So after having enjoyed a zip-zap-zooming joyride in the monorail, looping around Sydney’s CBD, I was game for yet another ride. After all, we still had over an hour to spare, before the 3D show at the Sydney, IMAX Theatre (boasts of the world’s largest screen) commenced.

People Mover

My Ma and Maasi (Mom’s sister) however choose to sit back on one of the many benches, relaxing and taking in the harbour side view, while I excitedly hopped onto one of these much slower trackless people mover train which would take me on a sightseeing tour, highlighting the major tourist attractions alongside Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

Darling Harbour

We crossed the Australian Maritime museum, Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World, Sydney Convention Center, IMAX Theatre, overlooking the Cockle Bay, King Street Wharf restaurant, Children Park n spectacular water features en route to the Chinese Garden n China Town.

Main Attractions @ waterfront

But, as soon as the People Mover reached the Chinese Garden, my first instinct was to ask the driver to stop so that I could hop out. On second thoughts, I contemplated whether I should complete the entire People Mover tour and then come back again for a stroll with Mummy n Maasi, if the time permitted. However, my excitement on seeing the Chinese Garden, in the heart of Australia… got the better of me and I got off on the next stop and headed back to the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour, Sydney

Well….here’s what, I would have missed experiencing n capturing on my lenses had I not taken this instinctive split second decision to alight and take a quick ‘sneak peep’ into the garden before rushing back (this time on foot) to where my Ma n Maasi sat waiting for me.

Located at Darling Harbor, in close proximity of China town in Sydney CBD, it reflects the very essence of Oriental Gardens with its majestic Pagoda’s & a harmonious display of plants, rock n water elements in the form of ‘the Water Pavilion of Lotus Fragrance’ & ‘the Twin Pavilion’.

The garden was officially opened in 1988 as part of Sydney's bicentennial celebrations and aptly named the Garden of Friendship. This Dragon Wall (below) symbolizes the bond of Friendship between Guangzhou, China n New South Wales in Australia.

Dragon Wall

The entrance to the garden is guarded by this traditional Chinese Sculpture.

Once inside, the garden offers a rare insight into the Chinese Culture n heritage with beautiful display of Suihan Penjing / Bonsai right at the entrance of the garden.

These Bonsai’s are considered sacred n auspicious in the Oriental culture and are often seen on display in many a homes n even commercial organizations in China n most South East Asian countries.

Being a Bonsai lover myself, I was in complete awe… admiring these so very beautiful and well maintained living piece d’art.

Today, as I glance back at the pictures, I can’t help but smile, recollecting the dilemma I was in - whether to stay put to complete the tour or disembark right then. I am glad I choose to get off n visit this beautiful n serene Garden Of Friendship amidst all the hustle bustle of Darling Harbour with the monorail offering a sky view of the CBD; the cruise boats, the ferries n motorboats coming into the harbour; the toy people mover's train & kids whizzing past on skates.....n more....

The city skyline n the Harbour Bridge…

…as seen from our Room @ Star City, Casino

Saying it with Flowers

2010-09-27T15:05:00.000+05:30

The month of September has been rather festive for KEY BUNCH with many of us joining in their September Blog Carnival

& SAYING IT WITH FLOWERS….

So let me take this opportunity (a tad too late though ) to join in the festivities n wish

Rekha n Sharon @ Key Bunch

A Very Happy Second Blog Anniversary!

With Flowers n more Flowers…

Way to go Gals……

Here’s Wishing Many More Happy Blogging days to Key Bunch!

Welcoming Pink Gerbera's ....for the Ladies

The Bouquet - Up close

....Dinner shortly!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***********~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PS:

Here’s my entry, as I also take this opportunity to share …

this teeny tiny pc of ‘CLEAN PLANET’ Nugget of Wisdom

To start with we can keep our homes, workplace n neighborhood clean and advocate the same while we practice n preach for a noble cause.

1. Don’t Litter, always use a Bin; don’t just spit (the masala) anywhere n everywhere, use a washbasin; also don’t s%@$ on the roadside, use the toilets. ITS BAD MANNERS!

2. Conserve Water, Electricity, Cooking Gas, Paper, Patrol / Diesel, n other resources. THEY are PRECIOUS!

3. Grow n Nurture Plants. Well one could even ADOPT A TREE.

4. Take responsibility n be accountable for your own ‘CLEAN n GREEN PLANET’ , as far as your immediate surroundings are concerned.

Well….

If after reading my WiseNugget, you too wish to share your ‘CLEAN PLANET nugget of Wisdom, in your own space,

Come Join KEY BUNCH n CLEAN PLANET

n DO YOUR BIT……

HURRY!

~~~~~~~~~~~~*******************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PSS:

You could even win A Wise Clean Planet TOTE!

So what are you waiting for…..

Gardening a Game

2010-09-19T10:27:00.000+05:30

I was invited to play this game of bloggers by Bangchik, who is from Putrajaya, Malaysia @ My Little Vegetable Garden and asked to list ‘10 things I love’ as per the rules laid out for ‘Gardening a Game’

So, without further ado, here goes my rather lengthy list of 10 Things that I love the most n more……..

1.First n foremost, I love spending time outdoors…. watching the sunrise/sunset, gazing up at the sky, the clouds conjuring up figures n forms, the twinkling stars, the moon as it waxes n wanes, watching the twittering birds, the fluttering butterflies, hopping squirrels n more..…

2 My all time fav colour is ORANGE, but I also Love the colour GREEN n its various hues..... for its Natural soothing serenity n everything to do with Gardens n the gamut world of Gardening. I enjoy collecting, growing and tending to the plants, weeding n watering them, watching them bear flowers n fruits or merely drop their leaves in autumn/winter only to blossom back to life next spring.

3. Simply Love to take a long walk quite religiously along a Nature Trail….** A beautifully lit Green Round about crossing @ Walking Plaza

4. Love to travel n visit new places…n... Take a long Walk in the Clouds

5 Oh Yes! I also Love long drives too….specially traversing across miles n miles of countryside or coastline, or merely rolling hills. Over the years, I have even participated in intra city car rally; a couple of times and won accolades for the feat as well. V-R-O-O-O-O-O-M!

** My Black Beauty – ‘Save the Girl Child’ Collage on Wheels during a Car Rally

6. Enjoy photography….taking mundane, everyday pictures; all the while capturing Nature and its marvel around me, through my lenses.

7. Almost always have a Book / Magazine by my side… as I love reading; enjoy surfing the net n yes browsing through the beautiful virtual world of blogsphere.

8. Love writing, penning n journaling my thoughts @ Evergreen Tree, A Little Beyond, Jamdan n here….

9. Love learning new things n array of K-reative Art forms ….as in Rangoli, Sketching, Glass painting, Sand painting, n the art of ‘Nature in Miniature’ – BONSAI.

Colourful Rangoli - Diwali Celebrations 2009

10. Last but not the Least, I Love Flowers – all of them.

Pink Lilium

Pink Carnations

Sharing some pictures of the bouquet n Wishes, that I recd recently, from my Bonsai Guru and ABA. Thank You all for brightening my Day and showering me with much love n warm wishes for a speedy recovery.

Saying it with Flowers

Well…….. the list just doesn’t end here…. I can go on and on and on…..about the little and big things that I LOVE the MOST…. My family, our Golden Brown Labrador woof ~ Buzo, squabbles with my bro M, chocolates (that M often gets for me), window shopping, swimming, Ganesha, music, winters, rains n more ….

~~~~ **** ~~~~

PS: Many Thanx to Bangchik for inviting me to play this ‘Gardening a Game’ along with 9 other bloggers from across the world. Pls do visit his blog ‘My Little Vegetable Garden’ where he shares his Gardening adventures n stories by way of lovely photographs and aptly worded write-ups and at the same time check out the rules of the game and what the other participants Like n Love.

PSS: All Visitors are cordially invited to participate in this Mega ‘Gardening a Game’ and share 10 things ‘they Love’… with all of us here. Kindly Do Join in….

Sky Watch Friday: Come September

2010-09-03T13:11:00.001+05:30

MySpace Picture Frame

Come September, and I intend to resume blogging more regularly n frequently, gradually catching up, with my long list of ‘blogs-to-read’.

Well, it’s a beautiful morning here, a perfect excuse to skip my physiotherapy session (for my fractured arm) in the hospital today and instead, stay at home to enjoy the rainy weather and blog.

Six wks on…after the injury….my right arm is definitely a lot better, as I try to hold an empty glass or a spoon with it. Bravo! It feels like a Major Achievement akin to a infant taking its first baby steps, while trying to walk. I am still working on regaining the strength of the arm, the grip of my hand and most importantly the ROM i.e. pronation n sipunation movts of the arm, which are directly associated with the neck of the radius fracture. My right wrist still hurts, even with the smallest n slightest of movts, but the best part is that I am able to use my right hand to type out this blog today. *Smiling*

Whoa! It’s a great start, though, the sky is all grey; the clouds have been thundering n roaring; waiting to break loose and begin showering any moment; promising a much awaited heavy downpour.

See what I mean……..

With an outcast sky like this, it is highly unlikely, that the weather will clear out any time soon for today. Though I love the rains, but not for long. * Sigh*

Give me some Sunshine….. Give me Some Rain …..
Then Give me some more Sunshine all over again.

MySpace Picture Frame
PS: This beautiful pink n purple allamanda flower is a new addition to our monsoon garden this year...Hope you liked the pictures.

Catchy Corner

2010-08-24T20:22:00.000+05:30

The picture below showcases a utility corner in the dining room, used for keeping jars of pickles. Adding a dash of flower arrangements makes it all the more colourful n catchy. Isn't it?

PS:

This last one month or so has been tough, as I somehow managed to fracture my right elbow (neck of the radius) after a slip n fall, leaving me fairly handicapped with my good arm in a cast n sling.

Though, I am still recovering from the injury, it’s indeed rejuvenating to be able to post a blog after a month long hiatus today. ERGO, It will be a while before I can get back to regular blogging.

In the mean while, do continue Growing your Greens and spreading the Good Work n Word across…..Happy Gardening!

F~I~N~A~L~L~Y

2010-07-16T16:01:00.000+05:30

They have arrived with a thunderous B~A~N~G!

i.e

" The M~O~N~S~O~O~N~S"

" The U~M~B~R~E~L~L~A~S"

"Umbrella can't stop the rain, but allows us to stand in rain...

Confidence mat not bring success, but it gives us the power to face any challenge...!!!"

PS:

Top: The view from the office

Bottom: My Brother (under the Umbrella) and his words of wisdom

Enjoy the R~A~I~N~S

&
Be C~O~O~L, Be C~O~N~F~I~D~E~N~T!

Skywatch Friday : Hide n Seek

2010-07-09T16:40:00.002+05:30

Watch the clouds play a game of Hide n Seek @

Bada Imambara

Commissioned by the then Nawab of Awadh, Asaf -ud-Daula in the year 1784, Bada Imambara is a famous monument of Lucknow that has historical, cultural and architectural heritage importance, for the city of Nawabs, reflecting the grandeur n lifestyle of a bygone era when the ornamented Mughal design was on its pinnacle in India.

Asifi Mosque

Asifi Mosque Minaret - Up close

Poetic Sunset behind the Dome

Fascinated with the Dome n Minaret -Asifi Mosque

Arched Parapets on the Roof of Bada Imambara

Breathtaking View of the Imambara's Main Gateway,

the Courtyard, Gomti River n the City of Nawabs beyond....

Madhu Malti

2010-07-07T15:14:00.000+05:30

Rangoon Creeper aka Quisqualis indica

In Memory of Uncle J

2010-06-13T14:35:00.000+05:30

My grandfather's first cousin, who is no longer amidst us today. He had been battling cancer for the last few years and finally succumbed to the dreaded disease last Sunday. A renowned floriculturist, a successful nursery owner, an ardent plant lover who had gifted me this plant (Bilbergia fantasia) on one of my visits to his farm a few years back. He will be missed by me and all the bereaved family members he left behind.

In Memory of our 'Trail Blazer' Uncle J

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you.
~Dale Evans

GO GREEN

2010-06-05T15:19:00.000+05:30

I am wearing GREEN, in lieu of the World Environment Day today....

And so is our Garden.....

Rain Lashed Greens...
Kochia aka Summer Cypress / Fire bush

Clicked these pictures today morning after an
unexpected, short windy spell n SHOWER.

How about you?
..
Come, Lets all "GO GREEN"

The Hot, The Loud, The Proud, May MEME

2010-05-31T18:06:00.000+05:30

Portulaca or moss rose, is a popular drought-tolerant annual. Plants are low-growing spreaders with thick succulent stems and vibrant, cup-shaped flowers. Flowers come in a wide range of colors.

We have lots n lots of these BRIGHT coloured Portulaca flowers blooming in our Garden, adding a dash of Yellow, Orange, Fuschia, Baby Pink, and yes Vibrant Red. North Indian summers are usually hot with the mercury soaring to as high as 45 degrees Celsius n more. Most Garden's bear a blanched look, bereft of seasonal Flowers except the Sunflowers, the Portulaca's n a few more like Crepe myrtle, Bougains etc at this time of the year. Nonetheless,

This Ravishing Red Beauty above is my entry for this month end May Meme. Hope you like it.

To participate and to check out other HOT, LOUD, PROUD MEME entries please Click here!

Sunny Side Up with Sunflowers!

2010-05-26T19:42:00.001+05:30

BE LIKE THE SUNFLOWER......

TURN YOUR FACE TO THE SUN!

Sky Watch Friday: The Hills Beckon

2010-05-21T13:16:00.001+05:30

Compliment-ary Golden Shower....

2010-05-16T15:03:00.000+05:30

Summer Delight - Amaltas aka Golden Shower

Click on the link above for more information on Cassia fistula

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Group, said:-

"My parents brought me up with......
lots of PRAISE and little criticism.

We all flourish with praise. Flowers do well when they are watered and shrivel up when they are not, and people are exactly the same, whether you are the chief executive or a switchboard operator".

~ Excerpt from a Book that I have been reading lately....

LEADERSHIP N MOTIVATION

The 50-50 rule and eight key principles of motivating others

~ By John Adair

Seize every opportunity, to give recognition, to praise,

and bestow people with Compliment-ary Golden Shower....

Sky Watch Friday: A Bird Eye View of the City

2010-05-14T17:19:00.000+05:30

From EverGreen Tree

Standing atop the roof of our 4-storey Office building with other colleagues, gazing out into the horizon, I could see a maze of steel n concrete, sparsely interspersed by the greens in between. The sky a clear blue, sans the clouds, the birds appeared soooooo serene this morning, at the onset of this l-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-n-g beautiful working day.....

Thought for the Day

We'd never know how high we are,
till we are called to rise;

and then, if we are true to plan,
our statures touch the sky....
@ Emily Dickinson

Have a Wonderful Day ahead......

Be Still....

2010-05-04T19:44:00.000+05:30

"Be still

And discover your center of peace.

Throughout nature

The ten thousand things move along,

But each returns to its source

Returning to center is peace.

Find Tao by returning to source."

@ The Tao of Inner Peace ~ Diane Dreher

The OCEAN is a marvelous symbol of Tao:

Vast, fluid, constantly in motion. Beneath its turbulent surface are the quiet depths.

Beneath the restless surface of our lives lies a deep source of peace, power and inspiration.

True Peace is achieved

By Centering,

so Be Calm n....

BE STILL

The Haute, The Loud n the Proud Canna Lily

2010-05-01T09:41:00.000+05:30

If you want a bright, happy, tropical-style garden but you don't live in the tropics, think about planting Canna Lilies.
Cannas are very popular here, because of the warm colours and bold foliage. For more information on these bright n beautiful tropicals, you could click on the link here...Canna Lily

And to participate in this GALA month end 'The Hot, the Loud and the Proud MEME' , you could click on the link above and at the same time visit other participants showcasing their floral Haute-shots!

Hope you enjoy the bright colours of Canna's and have a Bright weekend ahead.....

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T16:37:00.000+05:30

~~~~~~~****~~~~~~~

An April Challenge @ A Plant Fanatic in Hawaii :

Please do visit the link above and find out more about 'WORDS THAT INSPIRE' April Challenge.

Have a great Wednesday ahead....

Vishwa Vriksha

2010-04-22T13:16:00.001+05:30

What is the first thought that comes to your mind, when it comes to TREES?

Do you feel motivated when you see its webbed roots firmly entrenched deep into the soil, keeping the tree grounded, while the trunk never ever ceases to reach out for the sky high above?

Do you find them visually appealing n beautiful, or do you appreciate them for the fruits that they bear for us – The Mangoes, Pears, Guava’s, Peach, and the Figs n more?

Is it the whiff of fragrance from the flowers which delights your senses… or the rustle of the leaves… with the gentle breeze or roaring winds?

Or is it the fact that they provide us with WOOD for our furniture & log for the fire? How about the Green Foliar Canopy providing us with Shade, as we relax on a bench underneath it on a balmy evening admiring the sunset?

Or, Is it all these things clubbed into one…… defining Vishwa Vriksha - A World (Vishwa) Tree (Vriksha), that provides shade and shelter for all humanity, a life line for the earth and its environment, protecting n balancing the ecosystems.

What is it that you might find inspiring about the VISHWA VRIKSHA i.e. THE WORLD TREES????

Well….In lieu of the WORLD EARTH DAY today, I thought I would 'GO GREEN' and share some pictures of beautiful TREES, which caught my attention, during my trip to the country down under. So...

Lets GO GREEN...

....with Trees from OZ

Sitting under the shade of this tree's majestic umbrella Canopy (above) our family of twelve enjoyed a pleasant evening, sipping coffee n chit-chatting, overlooking the Cooling Blue waters of Balmoral Beach

This grassy patch lined with Tall Fountain Palms and Eucalyptus trees led to the golden, sandy beach just ahead....Balmoral Beach, Sydney

Fascinated by the florescent foliage of these Twin Tree's

Twin Jacaranda’s - Circular Quay, Nr Opera House

called for a picturesque snap shot from a distance

My cousin’s en- route to the NSW Art Gallery, from Woolloomooloo, where we had parked the car. All four of us instantly liked the Location name..... WOOLLOOMOOLOO .....and kept trying to pronounce It over n over again ... ...Woooo Lloooo Moooo Looooooo .....

A Magnificent MORTEIN BAY FIG Tree (Ficus macrophylla)

showing off its buttress roots

Now, that’s the NSW Gallery at a distance....across the Domain, adjoining the Royal Botanic Garden @ Sydney. The Domain : Its a 34 hectares Open area located on the eastern edge of the Sydney central business district, near Woolloomooloo, lined with hundreds of these remarkable Mortein Bay Fig Trees, also referred to as the FIG AVENUE, by the locals.

What’s that stone doing up there???????

Btw, this interesting piece d'art above stands tall right opposite the entrance to New South Wales Art Gallery, Sydney.

Clicked this cute little slanting tree when out on a Morning walk

@ The Esplanade, Cairns

Further down the Esplanade …

I caught this cyclist enjoying a GROOVY bicycle ride, early in the morning.

Couldn’t resist taking a pot shot of a Mango Tree, loaded with Mangoes....
Notice the epiphytes growing on the tree trunk – a common feature on most of the trees growing in the vicinity.

Later, it had started to drizzle slightly, while I continued walking further down this beautiful stretch (lined with rows of trees n more trees on one side and the sea on the other) towards the Pier n the Lagoon. Somehow, these trees definitely looked a lot greener after a shower that morning.

Finally, though I like all the above shots I am sharing here today, this one is my Personal Fav from the lot ~ a Picture Perfect setting of a bench under the shade of this Majestic TREE….. An Ideal location for relaxation n some blissful reverie! @ Warook County Farm, Melbourne

So, here’s wishing all a GREENER EARTH on World EARTH DAY today!

Saying it with Plants

2010-04-15T18:51:00.000+05:30

Special Occasions call for a special Gift….

... Gift of a Plant

One could always SAY IT WITH FLOWERS only, but for a change I thought I would say it with FLOWERS and make it extra special by saying it with a PLANT as well.

So, last weekend, I indulged myself a wee bit and got creative to ‘Gift a Plant’.

Here’s the material that I used:-

A teeny-tiny Juniper, that I had picked up while on a Nursery visit recently;
A shallow tray used for Miniature Landscaping, which I had picked up from my Bonsai Guru Mrs Santosh Arora, also President Avadh Bonsai Association, Lko;
A piece of driftwood, lying unused in the store room, since the last few years;
Wire mesh, n thin Aluminum wires to tie the driftwood and the plant together.
Bonsai Medium Soil, Peat Moss n Sphagnum Moss
Pot-pourri of “GIFT A PLANT’ thoughts, idea’s, creative endeavor n effort et al

……and finally putting them all together to create ....‘NATURE IN MINIATURE’

This virtual ‘GIFT of a PLANT’ is for each and every blogger visiting EVERGREEN TREE.

Personally, I love Flowers and all kinds of Flowers from the Daffodils to the Daisy’s, Carnations, Gerbera, Roses, Birds of Paradise, Lilies, Anthuriums, Jasmines, Marigolds, Dahlia’s, Bottlebrush, Pansies, Portulaca, Chrysanthemums, Ixora’s, Crype Myrtel, Amalthas, Gulmohar, Bougainvillea, Poppies, Adenium, Salvia’s, Ageratum’s, Heliconia, Bilbergia’s, Frangipani, Peony, Hibiscus…..

I have been saying it…. ever too often, with ONLY FLOWERS, so just this once, I thought, I would do something DIFFERENT and convey my fondest n heartfelt wishes with a Plant!
Hope each one of you here like your e-Gift of a Plant.

Nature in Miniature - Juniper

PS: To add a special GREEN Zing to one corner of the verandah, I have placed this NATURE IN MINIATURE on an earthen stool, right at the entrance of the house.

The real ‘Gift of a Plant’ is for my Mother, on her Birthday today.

Happy Birthday!

Hope she likes the flowers, the plant and yes, these two Utterly Butterly delicious cakes as well.

Blooming Now - Lily

2010-04-07T14:32:00.003+05:30

Spring time : EASTER LILY

The Haute, the Loud, and the Proud, two tone DAHLIA!

2010-03-31T14:33:00.000+05:30

A Plant Fanatic in Hawaii is hosting a MEME ‘The Hot, the Loud, and the Proud ' to showcase some of your tropical, exotics n hot Mediterranean colors…. Or some wild combinations, amazing discoveries with unusual variations. Or you could also share something exciting you just saw, a crazy garden, amazing garden art or design, an inspiring visit or hike? The MEME is open to all, who wish to participate and will be on the last day of each month…

So Friends, Come one, Come All… Mark Your 'Month End' Calendar n Join the MEME Fun!

Btw, here’s a picture of a Dahlia from our spring garden this season, showcasing some unusual dual tone colour combination and stark variation between the two halves.

Personally, I loved the contrasting colours in RED N PINK and so thought I will share it, as my entry for this month end MARCH MEME. Hope Noel, from A Plant Fanatic in Hawaii and other fellow bloggers here like it.

PS: Like Noel, I am marking my calendar for the Next month's MEME, how about you???????

March, Mango n Mealy Bug

2010-03-28T14:58:00.001+05:30

The month of March, Mangoes and Mealy bugs, all three M's, go hand-in-hand, as spring is giving way to the hot, sweltering summer months ahead.....

Its only March and the day temperatures here have already touched 40 degrees Celsius. Phew! Wonder what's its going to be like in the month of May?????

Anyways, with Spring new leaves are still getting formed at the tips of the branches and they appear so delicate and different, than the usual greens at this point of time. I thought I will capture their complimentary n blushed, Rosey Avtaar and share here via my blog, before they turn Green. (with envy)

The Mango flowers are giving way to teeny-tiny fruits. This particular inflorescence looked quite dense for a picture.

While its good to see the fruits setting in, its quite disheartening to see these silvery white, cottony, Mealy Bugs, which pose a serious problem affecting almost all of the the nine odd Mango trees in our yard, this time of the year and year after year, as most of these trees are mature n about 15-20 years old.

Over the years, we have got quite accustomed to seeing these Mealy Bugs on the trees, during the month of March. Anyways, we intend spraying some insecticides, pesticides, as early as possible, to combat these measly looking pest threatening to hamper the Mango Crop.

And, off course, Can't wait for these teeny-tiny fruits to ripen, so that we can devour them as fresh Mango pickle, aam ka panna (Mango drink), Mango chutney, Mango souffle and as MANGO - the King of Fruits!

Get Yourself Heard .....

2010-03-17T21:02:00.000+05:30

..... With this Floral Trumpet!

It appears as though this HIBISCUS............
......is blowing its own Trumpet. Isn't it?????

Now That Spring is in the Air....

2010-03-15T15:26:00.000+05:30

.... With the Flowers everywhere....
When all the Birds are singing in the sky...
We had Joy we had Fun...
We had Seasons in the Sun.....

Hmmm...
Now that Spring is in the Air...

I have been listening to this yesteryears... beautiful song…. ‘Seasons in the Sun’ by Westlife, these last few days and still can’t get over the lines, the lyrics which read…. 'Now that spring is in the Air'…also the title of this post.

Whoa! The Mango Trees resplendent with blossom appear promising, as they gear up to bear loads of Juicy Mango fruits, in the coming summers months following spring.

The new set of shiny, glossy leaves on the Lipstick Ficus, appear so delicate n fresh with their rose tinted tips.

The semi-cascading Tamarind Tree too is in the process of growing back its flourishing green foliage...

I love the way, the century old, white marble Fountain, the heart of the garden, stands blissfully tall, amidst a carpet of snowy white flowers.

You can also catch a glimpse of the Araucaria tree, the fountain Palm & Ixora's at a distance, the yet- to- bloom patch of Lily’s in the right corner, a row of Petunia’s and dog flowers towards the right again.

A row of Calendula’s n Marigold Yellows flush with bloom just behind me…..

Tons of Scarlet… Reds n yeh…. fiery Orange hues…. here, there, everywhere, adding loads of dazzling n blazing, vibrancy to our Spring Garden, this season.

Alas! Just a speck of beaming Aster Blues ….infront of me… the view of the Aster flower bed, obscured by the Flora Fountain.

However, loads of Lovely Pinks....thriving all over &....all around again.

It’s a beautiful time of the year here….

....With the garden abuzz with spring colours and life...... the fluttering Butterflies, Birds n Bees, skirting Squirrels, hopping Frogs and off course lots n lots of Blooming Flowers n more….

Here's Wishing all a Glorious Spring... with the song 'Seasons In the Sun' .