Flower Power Friday

Posted on by Miriam

One of the things I love about traveling is the joy and discovery of walking in nature.  Treks in the mountains, to waterfalls, by lakes and in the forests often lead to finding wildflowers.  Even in the stark outback we’ve found them … stunning gifts of nature.

Flowers at Arkaroola (800x600)

I have no idea what the name of this fluffy looking flower is we found at Arkaroola last year but I think it’s gorgeous.  As its colors weren’t overly bright, we almost missed it.

Sturt Pea 2 (800x600)

Unlike this specimen, the Sturt Desert Pea, the emblem of South Australia.  It grows prolifically in places like the Flinders Ranges and the outback.

Sturt Desert Pea (800x533)

In its masses it looks stunning.  So vibrant among the rocks.

The earth laughs in flowers.  ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Flowers near Jamieson (800x600)

Sometimes flowers seem to jump out at us on our travels.   I remember passing this forest near Jamieson and calling out to hubby to stop the car.  The urge to photograph these smiling flowers was so strong.

Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom.  They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful.  – Jim Carrey

Wattle (800x600)

This is one of my favorite flower photos.  It reminds me of sunshine and happiness.

It’s now winter in Australia and my backyard is green and lush although the flowers are starting to fade.

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Except for my colorful orange lanterns which add a splash of color.

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Here are the last of my chrysanthemums.  Fading, wilting but still beautiful.

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature – Gerard de Nerval

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And my lemon tree is brimming with a promise of things to come with blossoms and flowers adorning it.  I’m hoping for a few more lemons than last year.

All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today – Indian proverb

When flowers make it inside it’s extra special.  Like these gorgeous bunches that were given to me by family and friends last year when I turned 50.

My 50 flowers Flowers on my 50th

Wishing you all a happy Friday and a beautiful weekend.

I hope some beauty touches your life today.  If not let my flowers give you a lift, a touch of hope and may they brighten your day, where ever you are.

This is in response to Frank’s photo theme this week on Flowers at Dutch goes the Photo

113 thoughts on “Flower Power Friday”

  4. Those desert peas look like little soldier in red ready to march ahead (and that rhymes..squeals 🙂 )
    Are you orange lanterns a form of the hibiscus… in my part of the world, they come in all kinds of colours..

    This is refreshing Miriam

    Ash

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  6. Love those desert peas! Nothing like that on my island. I will venture to guess that that first photo may be of “Lamb’s ears” – Stachys byzantina. 😃

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  12. These are beautiful, Miriam and brightened my day on yet another grey and cold summer’s day! I like fluffy flower – and would name it just so! Sometimes if I don’t know the name of plants I happily make up my own. Still haven’t got a clue what ‘yellow bauble bush’ is really called!

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  13. I so look forward to sharing more photos this summer from Maine to contrast the images you and others share of the flora and fauna of your home’s. I never cease to be inspired by the wonders of nature and the joy it brings me.

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  14. Amazing photos. That puffy flower is nice, but the next one the Sturt Desert Pea is spectacular. I have never seen anyhting like it. Almost looks like it came out of the imagination of a Hollywood movie. Thank you for sharing them. Have a great weekend.

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  19. I love the orange lanterns… I’ve never seen those before (maybe they don’t exist here). Funny I’m not usually a fan of orange… I’m also not usually a fan of Jim Carrey, but that quote is beautiful and I was quite surprised to see his name on it. As always, love your photos. ♥

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  25. Turning towards the light and opening up! I think that would work for me, Miriam. Lovely quote 🙂 And I love your furry lilac cactus flowers. I didn’t know that red one was the emblem of Australia, and don’t even remember seeing them about. Observation isn’t my greatest asset! They’re very striking.
    Hope you’re having a great weekend and the weather plays fair. 🙂

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    1. The Sturt Desert Pea (the red flower) is South Australia’s emblem, it’s not found in other states, that’s probably why you didn’t see them. 🙂 As for the weather, it’s been dismal today but I’m still enjoying my weekend Jo. Hope you are too. xo

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      1. Ah, I missed the essential ‘South’, didn’t I? Told you my powers of observation were rubbish. 🙂 That mysterious yellow thing is trying to put in an appearance, but hasn’t quite made it yet. No worries- I have chores 🙂

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  37. Pingback: Tuesday Photo Challenge – Round-Up 7 – Dutch goes the Photo!

  38. WOW Miriam — such a beautiful collection of flowers. I’m also not sure what that first one is, though I have seen it when walking out in the bush. In my last location I had some of the Desert Peas growing…like so many things here in Oz, they are certainly odd. But the colours so contrasting. Well done on this post! 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much Kim. Apparently the first one (the fluffy purple one I presume) is called Lambs Ears, or so I’ve been told. The Sturt Desert Peas are definitely odd. 🙂

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  40. Flowers are always cheerful, aren’t they? 🙂 I don’t think there’s ever been a moment where flowers don’t cheer one up. And I love the quote by Jim Carrey.

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  41. Oh Miriam, this almost made me cry! Thank you so much. I love your flowers, and the quotes are truly stunning. Guess what? I have this one in my bathroom…a dear friend gave me a card with the quote on the cover: The earth laughs in flowers. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

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