Heavenly crinums

My childhood vision of heaven was of rolling green fields and streams. Looking back now, the only thing I would add to complete the picture is a fringing of crinums in bloom to the banks of those celestial streams. The tranquil scenes below were taken near Dorrigo in northern New South Wales.

Closer to home, the crinum have been flowering along the edges of Bulimba Creek, and I have varied my usual dog-walking route to take in the scene.

They are also featuring in public plantings, like this one in front of St Stephen's chapel in the City and throughout Southbank Parklands. They are incredibly versatile and hardy, not only thriving alongside streams and in swampland--hence the popular name of Swamp Lily--but also along the seashore.

My wonderful friend Jo took this photo of a crinum with deep pink buds when we were living in Tonga. There is also a very lovely Queen Emma crinum that I haven't spotted locally that seems to have the same lovely pink or burgundy tone reflected in the foliage. 

At Fafa Island in Tonga with golden leaves

A row of crinums in one of the beautiful beach-side cemeteries in Tonga--a very tranquil final resting place.

Vale Johnny Joe, died 6 November 2011, aged 30.

Tropical island fantasy

It is the most miserable wet day here in Brisbane but it's our last winter weekend, so I am focusing on the bright side. I know that rain is exactly what the garden needs with Spring just round the corner.

I ventured out this morning to the hairdresser, but I will be spending the rest of the weekend hunkering down with the pups on the couch (watching Saturday afternoon cooking programs), a little housework, and getting some study done. But from time to time, I have found my thoughts wandering to sunshine, palm trees, and tropical islands. And I thought I might share some memories of my time working in Tonga. This beautiful island is Pangaimoto, just a short boat trip from the capital Nuku'alofa.