Happy, Sunny Special Day

Ever been to a wedding where you were just so focused on the actual ceremony and the stars of the show (yes, groom and bride) instead of on all the trimmings, the set up, and razzle dazzle that usually comes with very special occasions such as this? The wedding we attended last weekend was one of those. It was simple, and quite casual. Sneakers donned by the celebrants and the entourage was the quirky element that made this day memorable.

Of course, because our eye is wired to anything with petals -- we surely noticed the simplicity of floral accents. Just one kind of flower and one arrangement was used. Only the church aisle was set up with medium-sized bouquets of yellow tiger stripe foliage. Low-key, uncomplicated, unpretentious, and of sunny disposition --- just like bride and groom.

Touch of White Aster

It felt like tea time, though we were having brunch. The kind of feel where quiet conversations were ongoing, soft music playing, and I was sipping a refreshing concoction of thai basil, mint, and elder flower -- one of what they call their detox juices. To my delight, the drink came with a sprig of white aster flowers. Thing is, the elder flower is different from the white aster. I wonder if the owners of this joint are somewhat confused on this one. But I'm not complaining. Nice touch. 

Scarlet Chenille

If plants had personality -- I think of this as someone who when he or she walks into the room, you cannot help but notice. In conversations they are sharp, provocative, and sometimes quite abrasive. A necessary mix in the friendship garden of mostly the prim and proper, flamboyant and understated.

Indian Lilac

Simply divine, these white Neem Tree inflorescences. I think they are so fitting for a wedding. So pure and virginal, I must say. And because of their having stalks, they make for a very practical bouquet. Gather some knowledge about this wonderful tree deemed as a "one tree pharmacy." You'll be amazed to know its therapeutic and edible qualities, flowers included. 

Pleasing to the eye. Good for the body. 

The Charm of Balinsasayaw

Blue Plumbago

Cosmos

Cape Honeysuckle

We recently pinned to 'favorite dining places' this charming place called Balinsasayaw located somewhere south of Manila. You can choose from one of their numerous huts, each covered with netting to ward off insects, its own bell to summon wait staff, fan and of course, table and benches where I am free to prop up my tired feet. Aside from their food which we love (every single dish every time we visit is always satisfying), we are absolutely delighted by the flowers that surround each hut and walkway. Those flowers serve as boundaries for each group of diners, giving one a sense of privacy.

In daylight the flowers dazzle. Under night lights, they enchant.

Cosmos Within Reach

Breathing --- shallow. Heartbeat --- fast. So I'm upset. There are simply things beyond my control.  Let me take a walk outside and find a remedy to my disconcerting feelings. Good thing, I do not need any medical prescription or shell out a big amount to get to a place where I can find relaxation. An awareness of gifts from Mother Nature in our small community is all it takes for me to feel at ease. 

Marvel at this variety of Cosmos flowers -- bold purple petals springing from a dazzling yellow center. Different from the usual yellow orange variety. Happy to note that the Cosmos is said to be the flower of peace and tranquility. What a nice little gesture from the Creator of this wide universe!

Ladies of the Night

Contrary to what the title may imply these ladies are one-inch wild orchids our neighbor along our street had on her wall. Was on my way to the Sports Center for my usual fitness schedule when I slowed down to appreciate these beauties. I don't think the plant which was attached to coconut husks was in tiptop shape as its leaves were sparse and its flowers were just as scanty. But just the same, I found them so good to look at. 

Carnation Surprise

A less familiar variety of carnations, this kind looks closer to pencil shavings, See how the purple core has unfolded along with the white casing. One could almost mistake them for some school art project made from recycled material.

Marigold Lush

Luxuriant colorful heads of soft velvety marigolds are just the sight for sore eyes. These shots were taken from one of our work venues, a private vacation resort owned by one of our participants. I can't say that the resort was well-designed but I do admire the owner's penchant for flowering plants -- which more than makes up for the man-made structures. Well, nature always trumps anything man-made, I should say.

Vintage Appeal

The cluster of simple lilac-colored flowers remind me of those nights when people are lined up on the street to witness the parade of ladies all dressed in traditional finery, with flowers in their hair and flowers adorning their carriages. In the sweltering heat of the flickering incandescent bulbs the beauties are able to hold their own, mustering abundant smiles for as long as the parade goes. It is their night. After all, they were chosen from among the many for that year's Flores de Mayo, a much awaited Filipino festival.

Still Life With Dog and Flowers

It's just another lazy summer morning. Our dog is perched comfortably on our tiled stairs landing -- his usual hangout -- as it overlooks toward our small street (this dog always wants to be in on things). 

Since this dog is family, he gets special attention. Heavy clay vase with dried Statice flowers in the corner vamp up his space.

Silhouette of C

Can you guess what plant this is? It is the only one I have ever seen hereabouts. In one of my quick trips to the grocer's on foot this grabbed my attention. It was towering over me from a vacant lot. Impossible to miss because it was bursting with fluffy white fiber from what looked like capsules where flowers used to be. 

Sorry that the photo is merely a silhouette. It was taken under the harsh afternoon summer sun. But I love it still. I hope to capture a much better image when I pass that way again.

Cotton is it.

Radiant

Up in the hills of San Mateo, Rizal I was so pleased to be feasting my eyes on this tree in full bloom. It stood proud and tall, defiant of the harsh heat, basking in the harsh rays of the sun. The harsher the days became, the more radiant it shown.  It seems to tell me that no matter the circumstances, we can always accommodate, go with the flow, and adapt to what is. 

Life is what we make it.

Summer Tableau

This snapshot is my first summer memento for this year. A perfect juxtaposition of the leafless fire tree and the passionate bougainvillea against the backdrop of sea, sky, and sand.  A vignette that I carefully file in memory for when I need an image to calm me. 

Dream Daisies

photo from cowparsleytheblog

It is hot and humid. Summer is definitely having a heyday this part of the world. How I wish I were in some remote beach paradise with cold drink in hand, lazing away the hours. Another fantasy is being alone in a secret garden where birds are free to alight on the ground to pick up materials for their nests. 

The above photo makes me daydream and as I write, I find the hot atmosphere slowly abating.  See how the daisies are content, left to grow with wild abandon. They look so happy catching the sun's rays and making it its ally to grow some  more.

Roselle

Got acquainted only recently with this plant with maple-like leaves and fleshy deep red flowers (Sorry for the poor photo quality). Saw it in a cart among the herbs being sold in the supermarket. It was labelled as Labog -- a not so glamorous name I should say. The label informed me that the Ilonggos mix its blossoms in with their salads . And according to recipes I've seen on the net, its leaves give a dish a touch of sourness.

Also known as Sorrel or Roselle, this plant is known  as a very good antioxidant (anti-aging!). Many tea preparations carry this ingredient. My thoughts: "must get plant, cultivate, enjoy home-made tea concoctions".

photocred: www.motherearthliving.com

Firecrackers in the Sun

What a sight for sore eyes!  I slipped out of our function room to take a look around the place and was pleased to chance upon this tree which was in full bloom. Really, it was my first encounter with such a tree and its pink/red blossoms that seem to be strung together. They remind me of many things: like leis, like chili peppers set out to dry, and like red firecrackers that are just waiting to be set off to celebrate some occasion.

Friendship Flower

The Alstroemeria or for better recall, the Peruvian Lily, is said to symbolize friendship. Its leaves twist as they sprout from the stem outward. The symbolism may have sprung from the same way the plant evolves. Interesting.  They come in many colors and nuances. Some are striped, some are not.

I remember a friend of mine who referred to her different groups of friends as her different tribes, each with their own subcultures and interests.  We belong to our own cliques, clans, factions, not necessarily out of tune with the rest of the world, just more drawn to those who have the same inclinations as we have. 

Wishes in a Vase

I admire the person who made use of these weeds. I have not seen anyone put these in a jar and display it the way someone in this cafe has.  He or she must be so free-spirited as to have some appreciation for the much dismissed, and ignored, bounty of nature. 

Just like the dandelion's florets -- they seem to be waiting to be blown away, be scattered by the wind, to land and begin life anew. They seem to sit there with an invitation to take as many as you need.

Today I need a handful.

Mango Blossoms

Who does not love sweet juicy ripe mangoes? It is always a treat to eat them. But enjoy its flowers? Yes, why not? They are a sight to behold! Chanced upon a tree that was heavy, not with its fruit yet, but with its inflorescence which seemed to light up an otherwise gloomy overcast afternoon. The tree was in such a profuse flowering state that there were flowers that reached as low as my waist -- which made it easy for me to snap away with my phone. Because they were within reach I marveled at the clusters of pastel daintiness emanating from sprigs of bright pink. So feminine and pretty!

Splash of Color

Playful and fun, this lavender and green combo foliage gives a visual punch. Yes, it does flower but it is appreciated more for its leaves. Easy to propagate, it spreads out readily, trailing off to wherever, hence the name Wandering Jew. They make good ground cover or as pretty accents hanging in a basket.

I just love that there is a wide variety of beautiful plants that one can enjoy. 

I Want This

This caught my eye. This dry textured papery flower whose black seeds come jumping out when shaken. I have been searching for its name to no avail. My friend says this flower is common back in her province yet she could not furnish me its name. So for now it remains to me anonymous. Regardless, I have collected its seeds and hope to grow this stunner in my small backyard. 

Homage to a Butterfly

There are things I come across that suddenly I connect with, some random unexpected thing that pulls at my heartstrings. Who does not get mesmerized by butterflies? But a dead one? Was taking pictures of the majestic mountains of Antipolo when I noticed a blotch of yellow on the window sill. On closer inspection I saw that it was a motionless butterfly, devoid of life.

Slowly I was drawn to a posture of stillness within. 

At that moment I had nothing but reverence for this once fluttering, flitting, beautiful thing. What was once a vibrant and happy energy that made the world a happier place is now quiet forever. This friend of flowers, this creature that had struggled through the many phases of life to get to where it can already flap its brightly colored wings, is my ultimate symbol of transformation. 

You're Welcome!

This is not your very corporate looking activity hall but I just love that you will feel most welcome as you face its threshold. Just before the door stands a large Dona Aurora plant with its boughs greeting you.  You may even have to do a little stoop such as one does when you enter a Japanese establishment with  its noren curtains --- which begs all who would enter to take on that attitude of respect. 

Homes or buildings with really lush beautiful growth by the entrance make me want to genuflect as if I am receiving some blessing.

Deep Purple and White Glory

Appreciating this very low maintenance plant with dark leaves and white button flowers. Just uproot a few of them and stick them in wherever there is soil. That's what I did when I saw rows and rows of them in a vacant lot near our place. I found they make an interesting accent to the usual greenery. Come to think of it, they are also pleasing to the eye standing alone.

Simple. No fuss. Low maintenance.

Cymbidium

As you enter into one of the north's bistros you'll be greeted by sprays of colorful waxy blooms standing tall and proud. Immediately I was pleased. These beauties tolerate the place's cool weather perhaps due to the thickness of their petals.

In days of old when you receive this plant or flower as a gift, you are respected and your friendship is held in high esteem.

Eye Candy

We met unexpectedly. You were dressed in bold coral with layers of baby pink. Such a striking palette you were in. You were not shy, in fact were quite brash. But I didn't mind at all. You even wore a crown of salmon.  We did not exchange names. There was no need to. All that matters is that we met. Certainly, you are imprinted in my memory.

Wool Flowers

These rich velvety blooms are hard to resist. I just always want to touch them and check if they are real. Also known as Brain Celosia, these beauties look like, yes, colorful brains. They also go by the name Cockscomb for resembling the fleshy crest on top of a rooster's head. So amusing! The Creator must have been in such a playful mood when he brought these to life.

Beauty in The Bowels of The Market

We just wanted to buy some good coffee beans, jam and some vegetables. Since we all loved flowers, a little trip to the lower ground of the market, we decided, would not hurt. Though we had very limited time to get the goods we needed, we lingered. Who wouldn't with all the color and hues, the textures, the clusters and bundles. And the variety!