View from my kitchen window

These hot poker, buddleia and banksia are growing on the other side of the fence, in my outside garden.    I can see them from my kitchen window, and that was my intention when they were planted.  The hot pokers (kniphofia) are over six feet tall and that must be due to the sheep manure I scattered in the area.

roses

The first flush of roses is almost over but there are still some, looking pretty even though the wind and rain can make them quite bedraggled.

This pink Ballerina rose looks pretty with the deep red pelargonium in front of it.

The Pierre de Ronsard in the foreground, covers half of the arch straddling the footpath and in the background the standard white Iceberg looks healthy with more buds waiting to open.

 A close-up of the de Ronsard, also known as Eden Rose.

This flowering Mermaid rose bush is even taller than the fence.  This was grown from a cutting but I have not been successful lately in trying to get more cuttings to strike.

 The bees do love the flowers.

I am keeping a close eye on this mauve rose as the bush is so low and not showing any sign of growing taller.

This apricot rose is another low bush that is in danger of being swamped.

A typical red rose with a sweet perfume.

banksia

This banksia seed grew from flower bud since October (or earlier) 2012.  It took months for the bud to mature to an open flower and that was in December 2012.  It took months for the seed head to grow to this size.  There are a few flower buds slowly growing to maturity.  I expect to seem them ready for the birds in December.  Below is a picture of the bud, taking its time and looking beautiful in every stage of growth.

It is not a clear picture, but the candle-like bud is behind the hairy seedhead.

Poppies

All over the garden, inside and outside, the poppies are at their best.  Their delicate petals are so easily blown by the strong wind we have been getting but at the moment they are a pleasure to look at, the red, mauve and Californian.  These red poppies amongst the ixias are self sown, beneath the apricot tree.

The pink ballerina rose makes a beautiful background for the red poppies in the front garden, inviting passers by to stop and admire.

A self sown plant, standing tall amongst the gazania.

A row of mauve poppies in the outside garden.

Delicate petals of the mauve poppy, and beautiful crinkled leaves.

Bees enjoying nectar.

A very different form of poppy, the Californian, amongst the violas.  The Californian poppy self sow and some may regard them as weeds but I love to see them appearing at the most unexpected places in the garden.