Here at Casa Bella our thoughts are with all those affected by extreme weather, from the UK's floods and North America's freeze, to the heatwaves and bushfires in South and Western Australia. I am sure gardening is far from many people's minds, but perhaps this update for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day can provide a temporary distraction.
It has been a relatively mild summer here in Brisbane. The only unusual feature so far has been the late arrival of our wet season. Hopefully it is just late and not bypassing us completely, or it will be a long dry year ahead.
As usual, my summer garden is dominated by the huge poinciana in the front garden. Because of its size, I used to think of it as fully grown and a static presence, but it is becoming clear that it is still spreading. Many of the sun-loving annuals and perennials planted in the front garden are falling under ever-increasing shade, and a few moves will be in order before next season.
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| Plumeria obtusa with a flowering yucca behind and the red of the Poinciana |
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| White ixora and variegated pineapple |
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| Onslow knows it's all about keeping cool in summer. |
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| I brought my Adenium indoors so I could enjoy the pink and white blooms for a few weeks. |
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| These two bromeliads are Achmea 'Burning Bush' and the spotted foliage of Billbergia 'Hallelujah' |
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| Plumeria pudica |
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| Yucca in bloom |
The next two plants are not from my garden, but I spotted them on walks and couldn't resist including them.
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| Gloriosa lily |
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| Russelia |
Meanwhile, back on my driveway...
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| Strelitzia or Bird of Paradise |
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| Miniature ginger Globba winitii |
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| Firespike |
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| Datura and croton |
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| Here's a close up of the croton. I love tropical foliage. It ensures I have colour all year round even when nothing is in flower. |
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| Another foliage favourite, a Neoregelia bromeliad . |
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| Some of the potted caladiums along the side of the carport. |
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| This pale caladium is one of my favourites. |
And finally, I am letting Miss B have the last 'word'. She thinks Onslow gets way too much attention in this blog, just because he is an exhibitionist!
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.
