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.