Hi everyone. I hope you and yours are well.
It is starting to look at bit like Christmas over in our part of the world. Though there is no snow - it's summer! If you want to learn more you can click on the blue underline links to read previous posts.
In the bush the Candlestick Banksias (Banksia attenuata) are looking like giant Christmas candles, the purple/blue Jacaranda trees are flowering (they came to Australia from South Africa), the Western Australian Christmas trees (Nuytsia floribunda) are bursting into yellow, and the red flowering gums are popping Christmas red.
In my garden the mauve-blue agapanthus and yellow coreopsis are looking brilliant, the honey-eating birds are being attracted to my green kangaroo paws, and my hoya which grows in a low hanging basket and is climbing up the hook, is looking amazing - so many flowers this year!
In my back garden the grape vines are starting to make grapes and the apricot tree is covered in white bags to keep off the parrots and the fruit fly. The quince tree is covered in fruit - picking time April - we've netted it to keep off the parrots. And the lavender is pushing up their flower heads.
It is nearly time for me to make the delicious little Christmas puddings that everyone loves and other Christmas baking..... and fresh cherries are in the shops and bursting with flavour.
And summer drinks by the water
It's also time for the harvest in the grain growing area. And my nephew and his team are in full swing getting the grain off before any more unwelcome summer rain comes. My grandson is working at one of the wheat bins in the wheat-belt for the harvest. It's very tiring but great income for him while he is on summer break from university.
However the joy of the Christmas season arrives as people and businesses decorate their homes, businesses, and streets. And there are Christmas street parades in our cities. I put up my Christmas tree today.
So that is that from me this week. It is a busy time from now till Christmas.
Thank you so much for stopping by. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week.
I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!
I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!
If you are looking for a translate button - it's there near the top on the right hand side.
Hello there! I love reading your comments. If you scroll down to the bottom you can comment too! I would love to hear from you.
Until then, enjoy your day...Life only comes around once, so do what makes you happy, be kind, and be with people who make you smile.
...Jill, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here too, but not a thing like this. I love banksias and the rest of your fabulous flowers. Let's hope that you stay safe from the fires. Be well and happy.
ReplyDeleteHello Jill,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful collection of flowers and plants. The cherries look delicious. Pretty Christmas trees.
I hope you are safe and far from the wildfires. Take care, enjoy your day and a happy week ahead.
Wonderful to have flowers and crops coming in for Christmas. It's a seasonal switch that I have to put my mind (North American) to understanding. I'm glad you mentioned summer break from school, because I was wondering if the kids were given more time off based on the season, rather than having the June/August break like our northern schools have. Have a great Christmas holiday!
ReplyDeleteyes - it is summer - so we have the long break now - late December and January. Back first week of February I think.
DeleteYour corner of summer feels wonderfully festive, and all those colours and blooms sound like a warm, sunlit Christmas unfolding in the garden.
ReplyDeleteGood evening! Christmas pudding? That's a surprise! I thought that was only celebrated in England. And of course I'm interested in your recipe.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is beautiful, dear Jill. I particularly admire the porcelain flowers, which I know well. But all others wonderful too.
Yes, the week is flying by and the third Sunday in Advent, or rather Christmas, is just around the corner.
Thank you for sharing at MosaicMonday
Greetings by Heidrun 🌟
Hi Erica, as many of us Aussies are descendant from UK stock, many of us celebrate with a traditional Christmas dinner with the roast turkey, the plum pudding and all the trimmings - even in the heat of summer. You will find the recipe for the little no bake Christmas puddings here - https://lifeimagesbyjill.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-little-bit-of-christmas-baking.html#more
DeleteGlad to read your post.So beautiful flowers, Christmas art cards looks great. Greetings. Have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteLove the candlestick banksias. The tree looks all decorated by nature, how cool. Love the cards, and the treats look yum. I'll trade you as I'd rather have a warm Christmas anymore. When young didn't care so much but now I don't like how our weather has gotten more severe. You are so talented. :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading what Christmas looks like in your area of the globe! Quite different from our frozen lakes and bare trees.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteJill I so enjoyed seeing all of the trees and flowers blooming. Just beautiful. I hope you enjoyed your time at your market stall. And those puddings look amazing.
ReplyDeleteVisiting today from Joanne's.
Beautiful photography. The beach scene reminds me of an old film photo. Very vintage looking!
ReplyDelete