Autumn is in full bloom here in Bavaria and I am still trying to embrace the cold. I am loving the dim lights, the flickering yellow sun and fragile rays on a sunny Autumn day. I took a long run the other day and I really enjoyed the colorful foliage, yellow orange leaves of the trees and watching the thick fog slowly dissapear. I am bent on chasing the Fog once again. I guess thats the perk of waking up early, kissing the dews and inhaling the almost frigid wind almost everyday.Summer has been so quick for us, unapologetic and swift with it´s sombre goodbye. Nevertheless I have to thank once again nature for reminding me that this cycle must go on.
No matter what, look up.
As I hold on to my camera I thought it would be nice to once again be up close and personal with nature. I am surprised by the results, again amazed that I have discovered a hidden facets of a very normal, quite dreary sight which a normal passers-by would never take a second look.
So fascinating, I never knew that the core of the Poppy flowers have an almost excellent symmetry. Just look how perfect the dimensions and composition of it.With 12 equal divisions, nature embraces linearity, a really bizarre aspect of flowers.This beautiful seed pod is exquisitely important for the next breeding. Thinking of it, it´s like it´s the ovary of the next generation of Poppy flowers in my neighborhood which will grace our next summer .That´s why they said, when the petals are gone, hold on to it´s seed pod.
Absolutely an almost perfect crown
I must admit I quite enjoyed blowing some of these featherly fluffy flowers.The wind blew them all away in an instant and I have no idea where they landed, probably in few kilometers away, probably in my neighbour´s garden.
Just recently I just visited the amazing new ( and most awaited) Garden Park which is very near to our home. Our visit to the Landesgartenshau-Ingolstadt brought us so many happy , wonderful memories. It´s not only a garden park,it offers so much more for nature lovers, gardeners and flower fans.
This one, ” Allium Stipitatum” or White Giant really caught my attention. First I saw them as buds and ready to pop, snugged up in a vase together with lots of flowers inside the Blumenhalle, with the Floral Arrangement Exhibition.When I went outside, I saw them freely showing their beautiful small spikes, lovingly facing the bright early summer sun.
Allium Stipitatum ” White Giant” still in buds, ready to pop.
I had some Allium as well in our garden, but they´re the purple variety. Seeing this beauty, I would love to plant them as well next year.It´s white as a linen and I love how it looks like a white cotton ball, so delicate, so fragile and charming. I guess perfect as well for Jude´s Life in Colour :White/Silver quest this month.
Walking through the park I´ve seen thousands of different flowers.Which I couldn´t recall all their names. But their beauties are all worth the snap of a photograph.I admit my gallery is becoming full so probably when I have time, those flowers will end up in my Blog.I took these photos last Saturday with my camera, an oldie but really goodie Canon EOS 200D.
Bees just love them. It´s hard not to took a photo of them without a bees swarming around it!
Please visit Cee´s wonderful flower Gallery and get to know more of this month´s flowers.
Until then, I can almost smell the weekend, too bad I need to work.
Pink sneakers is with me in my journey to find the Stolpersteine in Berlin
I am excited to run into these pink pavements
Life can be grey sometimes, but whenever I see Pink, it´s a reason to smile.With pink blooms in Spring and summertime, who can´t resist to admire them…?
Dark Pink Peonies
Summer Pink Gerberas in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Stunning Pink Dahlias
Delicate Pink Hydrangeas
Pink Cooktown Orchids
Different shades of Pink Peonies
Not your ordinary Pink Ball
Running in Pink
A light Pink Tulip blooms in my garden
Pink purple skies is an art
More Pink delicious skies
Yes, I do have a pair of pink sneakers
Pink Flamingoes is actually a cocktail drink… but I think I should pass on Pink Grapefruit.
There is a so-called Pink truck in Kuwait which I spotted parked in front of Freej Swalieh, Salmiya
Purple Hibiscus are normal here, but in the Tropics, it´s always prettier in Pink
Here´s another interesting German word : Frühlingsfreude (n) which means Spring Joy.
Frühlingsfreude is actually a combined words of Frühling ( Spring) and Freude( Joy) . Anything that brings gladness in hearts during Spring .As always, nature comes first but it can also means a simple act of kindness, hearing all day long the chirping of birds, or even running on an early morning with fog.
Over the past few days these are what gives me Frühlingsfreude;
I smiled when I finally saw these tiny yellow buds, and purple Crocuses! They definitely brings me a feeling of new beginnings.It´s still so cold outside and mostly minus temps, good thing the sun shines graciously.
Snowdrops and more Snowdrops
Early Spring blooms ( justbluedutch 2020)
The amazing smell all over the house filled with the scent of freshly home baked Èmpanadas` and Frühlingsrolle or Lumpia for a light Dinner.
Home baked Empanadas!
I baked enough even for my neighbours!
Coconut cookies with Piztaschios and cashews
Frühlingrollen or Lumpia tastes better when shared with friends.
Taking long walks while soaking up under the sun.
I don´t know why but there are plenty of swans and ducks over here.Everypond, lake and river it is impossible not to notice a duck.So yes, seeing them at this time is always refreshing.The other day, we sat by the river and ducks came to us immediately, waiting for some bread pieces…!
Oh Hi there, is it Spring already?
I had also few trips to Garden shops ( since they finally reopened!!!) to get some soil , pebbles , fertilizers and seeds.This Spring I wanted to start a new Hochbeet ( or elevated garden) to plant some veggies and herbs).Its still minus temps at night so I am waiting until the last frost then I could proceed with garden work.
Those days where we are free to mingle with plants and people..
This is a late post from our last visit in the Netherlands late last year.I am so looking forward already to Spring that I began searching my photos for our last Spring vacation and beautiful fragrant spring bulbs.I´ve bought some bulbs of Hyacinth, Daffodils and Amaryllis and they were all blooming now, their smell inside the house is so fragrant.Few more weeks and I know, Spring is here.
Anyway, yes, back to positive vibes and more Flower love! Last Spring I was really in the mood and wanted to visit a Botanical garden and at the same time to find a place where my daughter can play and not bored ogling plants! Orchideeen Hoeve in Luttelgeest is a perfect place that we´ve found!
When it comesto gardens, botanical ones or not, nothings comes close to the Netherlands .Plants and flowers here are totally of different level. I don´t know but plants grew there on a different level.The species are also so varied.
Beautiful flowers I spotted inside the Orchideen Hoeveee
There are many fascinating things inside the Orchidarium including these sculptured faces and animals out of tree branches and stems.
These crazy Orange Pink Flamingoes are carefree inside the Orchideen Hoeveee
It was freezing cold outside, barren, grey, ugly and most trees are still bare with its leaves long gone withered.But indoor gardens are a different thing. There is a place in the Dutch Lowlands , in Luttelgeest, that can transport you to a plant -paradise destination during winter season! In Orchideeen Hoeve, we had this amazing family experience that really worth the travel and money.
Have you heard about their Suspended Flower Garden?
It´s not yet Spring but I guess just like theirTulips charm, Holland always comes number one for me.I’ve written it many times, and will write once again– their Tulips and Keukenhof Gardens is the most beautiful Spring Garden in the World . It really is, but you need to see it for yourself to judge it. The Suspended Flower Garden in the Netherlands and its Orchid Farm is just extraordinary beautiful.The lay out of the whole farm is great, with lots of things to offer for all ages. No wonder it was really full of visitors during our time of visit.Here you can enjoy a day pass and enjoy all the Amenities.
All blooming plants suspended in the ceiling creates a magical plant paradise
Once we entered the garden, we were all open-mouthed, and drooling at all the hanging beautiful summer blooms. It is huge, vast and overflowing with different kinds of flowers you can imagine! I am sure my German neighbors will be drooling at all the beautiful cascading Geraniums, Fuchsias,Begonias, and Lizzies above our heads!It’s a different world inside in Orchideeen Hoeve.
A great family destination
Inspired by “Hanami Matsuri” or the Japanese Cherry Blossoms Festival in Japan, the Suspended Flora Garden and it’s greenhouse is as huge as two thousand square meters and seven meters in height. A magical place that creates coziness surrounded with natural living beauties in all colors, flowing oases of fountains, ponds and Gazebos. It looks so summery, and have a mediterranean feel all over the place.Every nook is so picturesque so I can´t really resists to take lots of photos!
There are plenty of areas to sit to enjoy and admire the garden. Whether you come as a couple, family or elderly, the place is huge enough! In case you got hungry, there is the “ Sakura Bistro” that serves snacks and drinks as well.The bathrooms are clean and plenty and there are lots of benches and nooks to rest and wait for your child while they play in the Play areas.Talking about playtime, the Mangrove Forest Play paradise one of the most comprehensive Nature play areas for children that I´ve ever seen.There´s also a Lorraine Garden, Jungle Theater and a Caterpillar Farm.Here I saw their very impressive Citrus Farm as well.
Take a seat and breathe in Nature
I decided to write about this because I really love the concept behind this garden. It is not just a place to admire and relax, but then it’s a place as well to appreciate nature. During Winter, we have limited places to go, especially something fresh as this. I am so glad that I had this experience before the Corona Outbreak happens! We would definitely check out this place once again in our next visit to Holland.
At further end of the Greenhouses, these is a wide place with parrots, birds and animals.Some cute animals that will surely attract your little ones are Meerkats, Ring tailed Lemurs, Ducks, Iguanas, Alpacas, jungle animals, some big fishes and Loris! It´s even like a petting zoo since you are allowed to touch them! I love the Flamingoes and colorful parrots .We enjoyed the butterfly garden and the turtles stretching their legs that looks like they are sunbathing on the banks of the river.In here I have seen as well thousands of swimming colorful Koi Carps in the grand river and waterfalls.
I bought a nice from here as a souvenir and until now, it still thrives!
Thinking of exploring the Dutch Lowlands? these Unique family destinations will surely not hurt your budget but will leave you exhausted, but happy. Have a great week everyone.Tschüss!
Thank you to the ever industrious city gardeners for providing us beautiful Spring flower cases.Who says you can´t enjoy some nature beauty alone? This is in front of our local Rathaus ( Cityhall) where its normally flocked with people everyday but during the lockdown, its all empty. Here I´ve witnessed the change of plants depending on the season. I am so proud that I live in a place where nature puts at its best and given for public to enjoy. Garden and parks are well maintained despite the Pandemic and that is really worthy of praise.
The other day I was desperately needing a nature boost and a couple of hours spent outdoors to breathe some fresh air is always good. I was greeted by lovely spring atmosphere and new foliage colors. The magnolia and blossom trees from our neighbour signals the change of season and we are all loving it.I watched it everyday from our window.I noticed that everything is slowly, or rather incognito turning back to life, exuding a rare confidence of vibrant spirit during the dire times of pandemic. Of course we can´t sit out in Biergartens or meet with friends. Sunshine on my face feels great, I ´ve missed the light sting it does on my skin. I´m thankful that I´m still alive and I am bent to continue writing for this Blog. Last weekend I decided to visit our local park and saw that the Daffodils were on their last blooms.I observed that some flowers have served their purpose already, slowly on the bend, downing for their final bows…I guess soon it will the turn of the Dandelions and sunflowers to amaze us!
Lovely surprise! A bed of Flowers to say thank you to all Ingolstädters!!! A piece of a bed of spring blooms is now open for citizens of Ingolstadt to enjoy, arranged by the gracious people behind the Landesgartenschau 2020 which is unfortunately not expected to open up until May 29 until October 4,2020. More information about the actual events is on their website Here.
One of the events that I certainly looking forward to attend this year was the Landesgartenshau 2020 here in Ingolstadt. It´s like bringing Keukenhof here in Germany. I have written many times how I admire all the plant loving people here in my town and how much it inspired me to start gardening as well. I love plants and everything inspired by nature so for me, this is one of the highlights in Spring and the coming warmer months. It was supposed to open this April but considering the health risks we are facing because of Corona, it is not yet sure if it can be open for public even up to latest of May.We don´t know yet when will everything returns to normal.The acres of magnificent Garden site and flower show is already built and the exhibition is set off to kick off soon but then for the meantime, everything is put on hold.
Can you imagine the loss that the small entrepreneurs and flower shops including garden shops are facing right now due to the crisis?
From last weeks´s weather that reached up to 23 dec Celsius, I thought Summer came early! It felt warm and my daughter is asking me if she can swim outside! Finally, it´s time to ditch the layers and wear shorts and tshirts! Despite the corona lockdown, people here managed to go out for a few hours. Aside from usual shopping and errands, children are running in the streets, cycling and people keep on walking, but of course with distance! Bottomline is, people just kept on, moving forward. It´s hard not to enjoy the inviting sun especially when outside breathes a lot of fresh blooms. Just look at them…!
Of course it´s still a day in the Life of Quarantine so the much needed tranquil and peace is out there. Every morning I hear the chriping of the birds. I usually watch them from my window when they fly back to their nest and sometimes they stop on top of the hedge. Out in Klenzepark, a park where we frequently visit because it has a lovely playground, I admired once again the field of blossoming white and yellow Daffodils, here its known as Narzissen.This park used to be full with sunbathers and families trying to wiggle off the dust of boredom and gasping for fresh air, letting their bundles of joy run around like crazy in the open field, especially on weekends. But now everything is empty, so serene.What a difference when everybody else is staying at home, except for the few brave ones who still needs to go to work. I guess nobody wants to make loud noises these days.Here, Easter went off quickly and our foolish thoughts were grilled right there in the comfort of our balconies, listening to music, and getting away from the family drama. A number of lithe people still sweating their limbs as they go on with their fitness and sports regime, exhaling the numb sounds of fear and succombing to the natural call of the hour— which is to keep on living and staying healthy.
Until next Springtime Dandelions!My walking photograpy Spring tour
Bright sunny blooms that brightens our day
Is Bee-watching a new trend?
The everlasting charm of Tulips
Beware of Pollen allergy season!
Pink blossoms in our city
Sun caught in between buds
A walk into the woods
A Day in the Life and spring is back. This is a magnificent view but sometimes I really wonder if the air that we breathe in is still clean or already infiltrated with the virus? Haven´t you wondered about this too?
How does Spring looks like in your area?
How many times were you out since the lockdown?
I am looking forward to discover new nature on my next walk and hopefully I could take better photos by then!
After a long break, I am back ! Sorry for the long absence, but there has been so many things going on in my life and it’s always a struggle to find time to update my Blog. Nevertheless, I thought its great to share with you Guys some warm Spring -love , all the way from Bavaria!
I couldn’t agree no more, it’s so true in all sense. I have written in so many ways about my admiration for Tulips, Dandelions, and almost all exotic blooms. Flowers have their own language to For me, the warmest welcome for give unexplainable wonder, a stress reliever. I guess you can only relate with me if you are a plant-lover or you love flowers and yes….when its Spring!Here in Germany, it’s very obvious that Germans love flowers and when its Spring, they all go crazy working in their gardens!No matter how small their balcony , there’s always a way to hang a planter box full of Spring flowers.
Anyway, Every Spring, is a wonderful time to enjoy the bright, shiny, and golden blooms of Show Off Starlet Forsythia in our garden. The moment I see the early buds sprouting out from its stems, then I know, sunny days are coming.Yellow is such a happy color, don’t you agree? It symbolizes fresh beginnings, optimism, energy and of course, joy.
Show Off Starlet Forsythia in our garden!
The flowers of Forsythia always exudes a grand sight.Our gloomy garden, out from the winter slumber suddenly brightens up when the yellow flowers blooms.Alongside with the bright Daffodils and Dandelions, it is always a lovely sight to enjoy.
Don’t you feel a surge of energy when you see yellow?
In our neighborhood, Forsythia is very common. Almost all gardens from where I lived have a yellow shrub or tree during the early days of Spring. That’s a sure sign for me that Forsythia is well-loved by Germans, maybe because they are also easy to propagate.
Plant lovers like me who look forward to early spring color absolutely love this plant. No doubt at all that Show Off Starlet Forsythia makes a great choice for an accent plant in mixed borders or foundation plantings.
Early spring brings a bright gold profusion of 4- petalled blooms from tip to stem. Butterflies absolutely love them. On the other hand, their beauty is short-lived, the blooms only lasts for at least 2 weeks just like the Cherry Blossoms.
Show Off Starlet Forsythia
Show Off Starlet Forsythia has a nice and tidy compact, upright habit. It matures to 2′-3′ with a spread of 3′-4′. It has dark green lance shaped leaves that turn bronze in Autumn.
Show Off Starlet Forsythia is air pollution tolerant, along with being deer resistant. It prefers a good, loose soil and is very adaptable. I think they are very easy to care for. Prune after flowering if needed, or if you want to boost its growth.If you wish to maintain a smaller plant, remove a few of the oldest stems at ground level. It may be trimmed back to the ground if desired.We had pruned ours last weekend to maintain it from being so bushy. Its stems can grow so long and can be leggy as well.
What about you, do you have any Spring flower favorite?
What is the color of Spring in your side of the world?
Sending you warm greetings from Bavaria and enjoy the wonderful colors of Spring!
New painting inspiration : Germany’s Flower of the Year 2017 : Papaver rhoeas or Poppy
Summer is doing its sluggish exit by now. The sight of this beautiful, fragile flower is nowhere to be found in the wild fields here in Bavaria. Once full of wild flowers and Poppy, the fields of Golden yellow Rapeseeds , the Ooh Shiny and glorious Sunflowers and Gladiolas are slowly fading. As I relive the memory of Summer this year, I discovered by chance that 2017 Germany’s Flower of the Year is none other than the “Poppy“ or commonly known as Papaver rhoeas . It’s no surprise that due to its delicate and vulnerability features, this flower is the symbol of remembrance for dead soldiers from World War I.
Scharmel Iris – “The poppy opes her scarlet purse of dreams”
Poppy seeds are rich in oil, carbohydrates, calcium and protein. Poppy oil is often used as cooking oil, salad dressing oil, or in products such as margarine. Poppy oil can also be added to spices for cakes, or breads. Poppy products are also used in different paints, varnishes, and some cosmetics.Poppies have been used as a symbol of sleep, peace, and death. Sleep because the opium extracted from them is a sedative, and death because of the common blood-red color of the red poppy in particular. In Greek and Roman myths, poppies were used as offerings to the dead.Fascinating facts about this flower, right?
Germany’s Flower of the Year 2017 : Poppy
Since 1980, Loki Schimdt of “Blumes des Jahres “(or Flower of the Year) initiated the campaign for Stiftung zum Schutze gefährdeter Pflanzen (“Foundation for the protection of endangered plants”) which became the Stiftung Naturschutz Hamburg und Stiftung zum Schutze gefährdeter Pflanzen (“Foundation Nature Conservancy Hamburg and for the protection of endangered plants”) in 1985. One of the main purposes of this organisation is a public awareness campaign about the ecological value of wildflowers. Every autumn, the Loki Schmidt foundation announces their chosen flower of the year.
Poppy flowers I spotted while cycling!
I find the sight of wild red poppy flowers in many fields here in Bavaria so beautiful. I felt like I am transported into another world just by gazing to a wild field full of these blooming Poppy. It grows abundantly here in the Bavarian region and when its sunny, we have a very nice scenery . It was actually the first signs that the heat is on and its summer officially here.
Do you love Kenzo Flower inspiration perfumes?
Then you might love that this flower is an iconic symbol of their perfume line. As Kenzo quoted “What if the poppy previously planted in the city, could now rise into the air? It would blossom the sky…
Wild flowers and Poppy, summer 2017 in Bavaria
The idea of this Flower of the Year campaign, called ‘Blume des Jahres’ in German, is to draw attention to the plight of certain flowers which are slowly becoming endangered in our countryside. I hope it helps with awareness, as it would be tragic to lose more of our beautiful wild flowers.If you’d like to know more of this campaign and want to know the other endangered wild flowers, you can see it Here.
What are your favorite summer flowers?
Do you know any flowers that are also endangered ?
justbluedutch 