Sunday, September 25, 2011

Flowers for Today

The huge trumpets of the Golden Chalice vine never get pollinated here. I tried my hand with a brush, but didn't succeed.
This is an old-fashioned flower called Madras Jasmine. I think it is some kind of Clerodendrum.
The Zimbabwe Creeper has attractive flowers. I have kept it as a bush.
Pink flowers of the Powderpuff plant attract bees.
A Gloriosa superba lily, past its glory, but still attractive.
You can view lots of flowers from different climate zones at Today's Flowers

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Weekend Reflections

I took this photo of the old, disused bridge across the river Cauvery from a moving bus. Although the river seems placid now, its raging floods caused a lot of damage in the past.
My thanks to James for hosting Weekend Reflections, with wonderful weekly pictures.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Skywatch Friday -Retreating Monsoon

The statue of Sir James Gordon, the guardian of the Maharaja a hunred years ago, looks on while the monsoon clouds move away, in Mysore.
My thanks to the team of Skywatch Friday . You can see fabulous sky pictures here.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Water!

The wake, as we travelled in a motorboat.
You can see more pictures of Watery Wenesday here.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Wild Places in Mumbai

I came across this board as I was walking along an unfrequented path in the campus of IIT Bombay, in Mumbai. This sign is to warn the students not to venture into the jungle beyond. But boys will be boys, and many do venture out there in the dark, just for a lark!
My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Flowers for Today- Flowers from Mysore

Hot pink Ipomea flowers are blooming on many hedges this month.
Golden yellow Cassia has also started blooming now.
The fire-engine red ixora blooms throughout the year.
The sunshine yellow marigolds are fattening in their beds.
All the flowers will be at their best in ten days, when the festivities begin.
You can see loads of flowers from all oer the world in Today's Flowers.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Weekend Reflections- River Cauvery

The Cauvery is flowing serenely near Mysore. She supports millions of wildlife as well as humans.
To see great images of reflections, click on Weekend Reflections.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Weekend Flowers- Colville's Glory

The city of Mysore is gearing up for the coming festival season, and even the roadside trees seem to be participating in the festivities with enthusiasm. I found these beautiful trees on roadsides and parks beginning to bloom, attracting swarms of honeybees and small birds.
Colville's Glory Colvillea racemosa looks equally spectacular in the park. The bright red buds make a stiking contrast to the yellow flowers.
The feathery green leaves of the tree are an added attraction.
The Colvillea racemosa tree can reach a height of 40 feet. It is a native of Madagascar, and it has been named after a former governor of Mauritius.
This is my contribution to Weekend Flowers and Fertilizer Friday. You can see flowers from all over the world and participate by clicking on the logo below.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Surprise Under the Bridge

This lush tropical growth under a busy bridge in Hong Kong took me by surprise. Going down the steep steps led me to a foot path, which led me to the Botanical Garden!
My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday, where you can see pictures from all over the world.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Flower from the Barbados

Barbados Bachelor's Button is a very pretty flower, but it has become invasive in my garden. The tiny seeds get dispersed by the wind, and you see a wee little plantlet coming up bravely from between the brickwork.
You can see loads of macro shots at Lisas Chaos.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Rhapsody in Orange

Orange is an uplifting colour, especially when the days are grey. The Bird of Paradise flower Strelitzia reginae never fails to bring cheer to my heart.
Gloriosa superba is a climbing lily, native to India. Its tubers are poisonous, but are useful for treating certain diseases.
Sanchezia is a native of Brazil. Its tubular yellow flowers in orange bracts are as attractive as its striped leaves.
The French Marigold can be planted with the vegetables to ward off pests.
The Four o'Clock flower blooms in all vacant lots in my suburb. The same plant has three different coloured flowers here.
You can see more flower pictures here .
I am also linking up to Today's Flowers.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Weekend Reflections

Urban splendour....
rural peace. Happy Weekend!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Skywatch Spider

Spiders of all size are proliferating in my garden. This Tiger spider has woven its web to catch high flying insects. Our skies seem to be grey at all times:(

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Waters of the Cauvery

The river Cauvery is the river of life for this part of the world. I took these pictures as we were driving by.
Most of the rivers , including Cauvery, are considered to be feminine. Many people name their daughters after this beautiful river.
You can view great pictures of water at Watery Wednesday

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Our Life- Fights

I don't know what the goats commented , but the oxen took exception to it .
Earlier, they were moving in harmony along the village path!
This is my contribution to Our World.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Pink Beauty

Of all the hibiscus plants, this plant produces most flowers in my garden. This is my contribution to Macro Monday.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Flowers for Today- Hong Kong Flowers

The botanical gardens in Hong Kong is a treat for the eyes. The Ylang-ylang bush at the entrance to the orchidarium was full of sweet scented , greenish Ylang-ylang flowers.It is called Canaga odorata by botanists. It is known as Manoranjani in India.
The amazing flowers of the Musical Notes do look like musical notes. It is a variety of Clerodendrum.
The Ocna kirkii has flowers of yellow as well as red in the same plant. The flower is yellow when it is fresh, and turns red after it has been pollinated.
This climbing Bauhinia was full of orange flowers.
The Purple Glory Bush Tabouchina belongs to the Melastoma family.
My thanks to the team of Today's Flowers.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Weekend Reflections

'May you live all the days of your life.' - Jonathan Swift.
Thank you James, for Weekend Reflections.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Skywatch Friday

The bird is waiting for the rain.
You can see more pictures of the skies from all over the world here.