It’s that time of the week again where I show what flowers I have come across over my working week. This week, I have more non-flower plant features than usual, just because I thought the plants in question looked good-so here are my plants.
The bark of many Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora trees look brilliant at this time of year. Many species, but not all species, loose their bark in spring, so you get so many different colours on the tree trunks. I think (but can’t say for absolute certainty) that this particular tree is spotted gum. Depending on where you read about this species depends on whether it is Eucalyptus or Corymbia maculata. These two genera are very closely related, I’ve read of some arguing for them to become one genus rather than stay as two. No matter the specific species of tree or the genus it should belong to, it is a fabulous tree and more so in spring as it looses its bark.
The next two photos are from the local community garden. I was walking past the other day and sat this magnificent cardoon in the process of flowering. I rather like the plant-it’s the first time I’ve ever seen one growing as it’s not something I ever ate as a child or since. I’ll have to try it at some point!
I always love a good canna lily for the bright flowers and colourful leaves. I love this particular one for the bright orange flowers that you can see from a mail away. The leaves are also a favourite of mine-while they are mostly purple, there are areas that are more green and I like that contrast between the two colours.
Fern fronds have always been really interesting to me. From going foe a walk through the local woods as a kid in England to now living and working in Australia, I do think they are lovely plants. I also think that as fronds are opening, like in the photo below, they are at their most delicate and pretty. This photo comes from a tree fern, but I cannot remember the species it comes from.
The next two photos are from sago palms, which are actually from the cycad species Cycas revoluta, read here for more info https://flat-cap-gardener.com/2025/05/31/sago-palm-cycas-revoluta/. The first picture is of male cone, with female equivalents on seperate plants.
In this photo below, some new leaves have appeared on the two cycads below. I much prefer these young leaves to the older ones-they are less spiny!
Dotted around my workplace are some hydrangeas which are starting to flower. I’m loving the pinks and purples on show in the photos below.
Next up is the lovely Australian bower vine, or Pandorea jasminoides. I do love the big pink flowers of this vine. It doesn’t take over completely and adds some nice colour to a garden.
Finally, I have two geraniums. I found these on my travels last week on a stop in a small town called Stroud a couple of hours north of Sydney. They were in pots along the main street and added some pretty colour.
That is my week in plants. Until next time, happy gardening!