Simple Arrangement with Oak Leaves and Branches

For this arrangement I have used some branches cut from an apple tree and some foliage from an oak tree. There is some interesting lichen on the branches. The vase I used is an off-white ceramic vase with a narrow neck.

Autumn in an Australian Native Garden

At this time of year there is not much color in the garden. Only three kangaroo paws are in flower.

The leucadendrons provide some autumn color.

Other plants in flower are the correas.

The grasses are doing well due to the good rains we have had.

Other Autumn flowering plants in the native garden are Banksia ericifolia

Diplopaena grandiflora

Some flower buds are forming on the Eucalyptus caesia

and on the Protea nerifolia

Magnificent Double Rainbow

Just ahead of a storm, there appeared in the sky an incredible double rainbow. Double rainbows are formed due to an optical illusion when sunlight enters a raindrop and creates two internal reflections before the rays exit the droplet. The colors were particularly vivid against the dark sky and the colors are reversed in the second rainbow. Nature in all its magnificence!

Unusual Western Australia Native Plant

My Diplolaena Grandiflora ( a grafted plant) has its first flower. It is endemic to Western Australia so it will be a challenge to get it to grow in Victoria. It is also known as the Wild Rose or Tamala Rose though it does not belong to the rose family. A showy upright shrub from 0.5 - 3 metres, it has clusters of red stamens in the center of the flower which is surrounded by pinkish-red bracts. The leaves are a soft grey color- a really lovely native shrub and a beautiful addition to my garden.