Native Flower Jars

When flowers are available, I sell small arrangements at the Rocklea farm gate shop.
These arrangements have beautiful gum buds, leaves and flowers, grevillea foliage, callistemon, kangaroo paws, hakea and melaleuca foliage - all grown on the property.

Dwarf Red Flowering Gum

A friend has a dwarf red flowering gum ( Corymbia Ficifolia) in her garden. The clusters of flower buds have not yet opened but they are still quite beautiful and look lovely in my arrangements. I also love the gum nuts. The tree will be a mass of bright red flowers when the buds open.

Magnificent River Red Gum

There is a magnificent River Red Gum - Eucalyptus Camaldulensis on the property. It is growing on the banks of a small dam which has not had water in it for many years.
This tree which is native to Australia, could be as much as 100 years old. These gums can grow up to 45 metres - this one is about 20m (at a guess). The patterned grey and white bark is quite rough at the base of the tree. It would provide a habitat for many wildlife species and the dense foliage provides shade and shelter.

Spectacular Sunset

A spectacular sunset with vivid colors of orange, yellow, red and blue and beautiful ripple effects in the clouds. It came after a very hot day - 39 C ( 102 F).

Summer Flower Arrangement

As most natives in my garden have finished flowering ( except the kangaroo paws) it was necessary to look for some other material for an arrangement.
I bought some amazing brunia (which are very hard to find) with their unusual flower heads, and some melaleuca. To these I added  gum leaves, yellow kangaroo paws, and some interesting grass seed heads from my garden.

The stunning brunia flower heads

Early Morning Light

This photo shows the beautiful soft light early in the morning. This is my favourite time of the day.
I enjoy walking just around sunrise which is 5.55am.
Summer has arrived and the paddocks, which only a few weeks ago were green and lush, are now dry and brown.  The days are warmer - today was 30' and the forecast temperature for Christmas Day is 29'.

Christmas Flower Arrangement

There is an assortment of flowers and foliage in this arrangement. There is cypress, pine, pine cones, acacia seed pods, gum nuts and red kangaroo paws in a wooden box.