Welcome to Life Images by Jill

Welcome to Life Images by Jill.........Stepping into the light and bringing together the images and stories of our world. I am a photographer, writer and multi-media artist.
Focussing mainly on Western Australia and Australia, I am seeking to preserve images and memories of the beautiful world in which we live and the people in it.

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Monday 4 April 2011

My summer Agapanthus

Every summer in early December the buds on my Agapanthus start to open. I look forward to this event as I love to watch the gentle unfolding of the bud and the parts of the flower emerge.

The Agapanthus is a native of South Africa (sometimes also known as 'Lily of the Nile' although it is not a Lily). It is common in gardens all over Australia.


By Christmas my Agapanthus is in full bloom on long tall stems - and combined with the colour of the red Coral Bush, and the yellow daisies and Day Lily's, the purple/blue, red and yellow put on a brilliant display in my front garden for Christmas.

Then in January the flowers start to wilt - see below left - and by the end of March the seed pods form - see below right. I have never grown the plant from seed, but they come up in my garden everywhere, you can split a big plant into smaller plants, and they are very easily grown. My friend has her driveway lined with plants that I have given her - they really make a lovely colourful entry during the summer, whilst throughout the year the long strappy green leaves remain green and lush. 


Here is a bud, and the same picture with a bit of pp work done in Photoshop Elements to add a textured feel and the colour adjusted. I am wondering which one you like the best.


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Thank you for visiting my blog. I love my Agapanthus and hope you have enjoyed these pictures.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Today's post is part of Mosaic Monday at Little Red House. To see the work of Mary and other contributors (many of whom are in the northern hemisphere and still surrounded by snow, whilst in the south west corner of Western Australia where I am it is still hot and dry), please click on the link - Mosaic Monday at Little Red house

17 comments:

  1. Stunning, Jill. What gorgeous flowers and beautiful photography. I love the blue color. So pretty. I am visiting from MM and hope you can stop by and say 'hi'.
    ~Lynn

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  2. What a pretty flower! Both the photos are great. The one on the right seems softer to me though, so I would have to say I prefer that one.

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  3. Stunning photos. Both photos are great, but I like the purple one on the left. Take care and enjoy your week.

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  4. Beautiful shots! Such pretty flowers, I love the color!

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  5. Thank you for the wonderful photos!
    Best wishes,
    Markus

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  6. Just gorgeous. I'd love to have this in my garden - I'll have to see if it grows here.

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  7. A lover of these flowers...so elegant! Lovely photo's. yvette@twistedvines

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  8. Such a lovely and delicate plant. I have never grown one but have seen them in containers in summer here. V

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  9. This truly is a beautiful flower where the bud rivals the bloom. I can just imagine a drive lined with them. It is very interesting to see the flowers in other corners that are new to me and so uniquely lovely.

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  10. i love agapanthus and should plant some. your photos are stunning. a wonderful study from beginning to end.

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  11. We have this plant in our garden but not for a few months yet, so interesting to read yours is in flower in December, a high summer bloom then :)

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  12. Your Flowers are stunning! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog with such sweet comments.

    Its nice to know that we are connecting and on opposite sides of the world -- how cool is blogville?? :)

    Have a wonderful week.
    Claudia

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  13. Beautiful collage Jill.
    from Fred Flyfisher - through Flickr.

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  14. What a cool plant! Your collage is beautiful, as always.

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  15. Stunningly capture, and such beautiful flowers! I haven't seen these around here in my area..

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  16. What absooutely beautiful photos. the mosaic is spectacular...so pretty. I like both of the single shots, each is lovely in it's own way. I just can't decide which one I like the best because they are both so great.

    Thank you for visiting me and leaving such a nice message. Have a great day!

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I hope you have enjoyed your visit to my blog. Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to comment. I read and very much appreciate every comment and love hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return.