Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day October 2014

It's mid-Spring in the garden here at Casa Bella. One of my daylilies has been very cooperative and had its first blooms of the season just in time for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. However, I have been very remiss with posts for Bloom Day after the garden went into a bit a bit of a decline while I had other projects demanding my attention.

 

We are still not back at the point we were a year or two back, but we have made some progress and although the offerings are relatively paltry for a spring garden, I am optimistic there will be much more to see by next Bloom Day.

 

 

Dockrillia linguiforme - the Tick Orchid

 

 

 

 

There were a couple of first time appearances this month at Casa Bella. I was thrilled that a crinum I have had planted for several years finally came into bud and then bloomed. It is the sole survivor of three crinums that I picked up at Bangalow markets; the others fell victim to a diabolical plague of caterpillars that apparently specialise in dispatching crinums - little monsters!

The other first for the garden was a rose.  I had spotted this beauty in Better Homes and Gardens, and while I still hope for a sub-tropical garden and hadn't planned on planting roses, I thought this might tie in with the current slightly cottage-y theme. It's called 'Eyes for You' with unusual eye markings reminiscent of oriental poppies.

My early bird daylily 'Donna Mead'

Here are a couple of wider shots of the front garden - little photos so you don't notice the weeds!

From the front veranda looking over the murraya hedge past the ponytail palm to the poinciana

The front lawn has been completely over-run by weeds and the temporary edging has almost had its day, but I have started mulching again (top left hand side).

The  right hand side of the front garden is full of virtually indestructible nut grass. That will be my next big campaign!

Thank heavens I can always rely on the salvias for a splash of colour!

Salvia 'Heatwave Sizzle'

Salvia 'Santa Barbara'

Salvia 'Ember's Wish'

Salvia 'Hot Lips'



Rondeletia splendens

Epidendrum - Crucifix Orchid

 

 

At least there were enough blooms for a tiny posy. 

 

And I can always rely on my bromeliads for garden colour whether their blooms or stunning foliage.

 

Finally, this beautifully marked Phalaenopsis orchid was an early gift for my birthday later in the week. Aren't I lucky?  Thank you, Susan!

 

 

 

Happy Bloom Day!  To see what is happening in other gardens around the world this Bloom Day, visit Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day host Carol at May Dreams Gardens.