Flower of the Day - Protea

Flower of the Day - Protea

Message - Protection from harsh energies

Flower of the Day - Peach Blossom

Flower of the Day - Peach Blossom

Energetic properties - bringing projects to fruition

Flower of the Day - Peach Blossom

Flower of the Day - Peach Blossom

Energetic properties - inspiration to continue with and complete projects, especially those that are arts related.

It's always good to see fruit trees blossoming in late July - a sign that Spring is on its way.

Flower of the Day - Iberis amara (Candytuft)

Flower of the Day - Iberis

Energetic properties - renewal and cleansing

Sydney's having a cold snap at the moment  and the wind is freezing. This flower reminds me of winter snow!

Flower of the Day - Camellia

Flower of the Day - Camellia

Message - hope and optimism during Winter

Flower of the Day - Aechmea gamosepala

Flower of the Day - Aechema gamosepala

Energetic properties - staying centred, increasing vitality and  magnifying positive intentions

Aechemea is a type of bromeliad native to Brazil. In Sydney it flowers during winter.  This is one of about a dozen or so I have flowering in my garden at the moment.

Flower of the Day - Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William)

 Flower of the Day - Dianthus

Energetic properties - attracting joy & granting wishes

Sweet William - a lovely flower with velvety petals.  And congratulations to Kate and William on the birth of their son!

Flower of the Day - Ornamental Kale

Flower of the Day - Ornamental kale

Message - Look for the wondrous in the everyday

When is a flower not a flower? - when it's a cabbage! These ornamental kale in the gardens of Sydney University look stunning planted en masse.

Flower of the Day - Pink Protea Nerifolia

Flower of the Day - Protea nerifolia

Message - Protection from difficult people and harsh environments

Proteas, originally from South Africa come in hundreds of different forms.  They were named after the Greek God Proteus who was believed to have the power of  "shape shifting"

Protea nerifolia has elongated leaves similar to Oleanders. The name nerifolia means "leaves that resemble oleander"

*http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/proteaneriif.htm

Flower of the Day - Protea

Flower of the Day - Protea

Message - Protection from harsh energies

Flower of the Day - Snowflake (Leucojum vernum)

 Flower of the Day - Snowflake

Message - Be yourself, colour outside the lines!

Snowflakes, these beautiful pure white bell shaped flowers with splashes of lime green, always make me think of fairies! The flowers seem to emanate a very clean and pure energy, but there is also a sense of playfulness and fun about them. Snowflakes grow from bulbs, and are always welcome when they pop up in my garden each Winter. 

Flower of the Day - French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

Flower of the Day - French Lavender

Message - relaxation, release from stress

Lavender is traditionally used to reduce stress and anxiety, produce calmness and to promote deep and restful sleep. 
This lavender was grown by my Uncle Bill at Culburra, NSW

Flower of the Day - Heliotrope Cherry Pie (Heliotropium arborescens)

Flower of the Day - Heliotrope

Message - express and develop different aspects of yourself 

Yum!! These flowers smell sweet, like a cherry pie!  Photographed recently in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney.

Flower of the Day - Begonia

Flower of the Day - Begonia

Message - Calm and tranquility

Begonias are delicate flowers with a clear and calming energy. When viewed up close, the flowers and leaves have a beautiful translucent quality.

Flower of the Day - Mandevilla

Flower of the Day - Mandevilla

Message - be gentle with yourself

With its delicate pink flowers, this pretty sub tropical plant from Central and South America manages to thrive, and even flower during Winter in Sydney. Sydneysiders are blessed with a climate suitable for growing many different plants.

Flower of the Day - Tree Begonia

Flower of the Day - Tree Begonia

Message - Tranquility, self acceptance

Tree begonias are originally from Brazil and have delicate white petals with extraordinary crimson red hairs. The deep green foliage is hairy too! This plant is from my garden, grown from a cutting given to me by my friend Clare.

Flower of the Day - Cyclamen Bud

Flower of the Day - Cyclamen bud

Message - Dreams can come true

Cyclamens are beautiful winter flowering plants. They come in lots of beautiful shades of pink, red, purple and white. Botanically cyclamens are tuberous herbs. They are originally from Iran, Europe and the Mediterranean. 

In Sydney, they are popularly sold as indoor plants throughout the winter months. This one was a gift from my sister Sophie, and is now planted in my garden.

Flower of the Day - Winter Rose 4

Flower of the Day - Winter Rose 4

Message -  change is possible at any age

This beautiful rose is initially yellow, and becomes pink as it matures.

Flower of the Day - Yellow Gazania (Painted daisy)

Flower of the Day - Gazania

Message - Inner wisdom

Gazania, or painted daisies flower from Autumn to Winter. Another flower that helps chase away the Winter blues.

Flower of the Day - Seaside daisy

Flower of the Day - Seaside daisy

Message - happy surprises

Flower of the Day -Yellow and Pink Lantana

Flower of the Day - Lantana

Message - Co-operativeness in decision making

Lantana flowers are very pretty, but I do not have this plant in my garden as it spreads and causes problems in bushland.

Flower of the Day - Pink Daisy

 Flower of the day - pink daisy

Message - doing something enjoyable benefits one's health

It's good to see the sun, after a week of rain in Sydney.

Flower of the Day - Yellow Winter Rose 3

Flower of the Day - Winter Rose

Message - Positive and uplifting thoughts

This is the Winter rose one week on - more pink and apricot tones are appearing now as the yellow fades.