Orchids

Orchids , originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I do believe Roger's Garden has the best orchid displays I have ever seen. It's a gardener / photographers paradise there. Click the title, and the link will take you to their website.

When I saw the distant orange wall behind these orchids, I couldn't believe my eyes. I knew that wall would be the perfect backdrop for these amazing flowers.

Perfectly Imperfect

Perfectly Imperfect, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

“They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds.” ~ Winston Churchill (Happy Birthday - November 30, 1874)

Out for a walk along the horse trail, I found my favorite rose, "Pierre de Ronsard," having a restful Thanksgiving.

Purple Orchids

Purple Orchid, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I finally made my way to Roger's Garden, in Corona Del Mar, California. The flowers, plants and displays were even more breath-taking than my gardening friends had described. Imagine one entire room filled with purple orchids!!!

I'll be making numerous posts here with my finds.

Here's the website, if your want directions, hours, and more information.
http://www.rogersgardens.com/

Even nature is thinking of the upcoming holidays...

Berry-okeh, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I spotted these gorgeous berries today, and couldn't resist taking their photos. I feel this is nature saying, the holidays are coming. Are you ready?

God gave us memories so we might have roses in December. ~ J.M. Barrie

God gave us memories so we might have roses in December. ~ J.M. Barrie, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

My brandy hybrid tea rose is blooming again.



In January, I will trim all of my roses carefully, and leave them with no fertilizer for the month. This dormant spell lets them rest and prepare for spring.



I also plan to change out my less productive roses. I'm in the mood for showier roses this year. This rose will stay in my garden. I'll keep you updated on my rose choices.

"Gather the rose of love whilst yet is time." - Edmund Spenser

"Gather the rose of love whilst yet is time." - Edmund Spenser, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

These roses came from my neighbor's garden. She's 95 and her family had to put her in an assisted living home. They gave me some of the roses from her garden, and these are my favorite. If I discover their name, I will let you know.

Pink Roses

Rose with Texture, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Okay, I'll admit it. I can't stop taking photos of pretty pink roses. They are my all time favorite thing to photograph. I'm also in love with the color pink. I've been told that my signature color must be pink. If that's true, then the pink rose is my signature flower!



According to this article (linked to the title above) their primary meaning is appreciation, gratitude and love.
http://www.proflowers.com/flowerguide/rosemeanings/pinkrose-meanings.aspx



In the spirit of Thanksgiving, which is rapidly approaching, I do appreciate pink roses.



I am grateful for my the gift of sight...



And I do love pretty pink roses! I hope you do too, enjoy! Happy almost Thanksgiving!

Garden Bunnies Rock!

Garden Bunny, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I wanted to share an absolutely adorable garden bunny with you. I found this is Frank's garden. (see entries for October 14 and 15 for more photos from his garden)

Bougainvillea

Flowers are Red, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This beautiful bougainvillea lives in my coastal Southern California neighborhood. It lines paths, fences, and driveways throughout. After researching this plants history, I found an article that is superbly written. Instead of giving you second hand information, click the title above, and you'll be taken to the article. Here is the web address if you prefer to cut and paste.
http://www.bgi-usa.com/bougainvillea-resource/bougainvillea-101.php

Plumbago

Plumbago, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I've been paying lots of attention to the plumbago, lining the walking trails in my Southern California neighborhood lately. It has delicate blue flowers, and creates a stunning ground cover.

Need a delicate hedge in your shade garden? Look no further.



This South African native comes in shades of light blue and white. Butterflies flock to this delicate beauty. This perennial plant is just wonderful, blooming from spring through fall.



I found an article on Dave's Garden with ratings about this plant. Enjoy.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/414/