I Find...

I find shield bugs fascinating little creatures. This one caught my eye scurrying on a piece of deadwood while out walking. They play various roles in the ecosystem, pollinating, weed control and pest control. I rarely see any of these in my own garden, apparently they are quite partial to citrus plants and vegetables of which I have neither. 

Atlas of Living  Australia are currently asking people to record sightings of these bugs so scientists can monitor their distribution and population. 

They are widespread and common in the South West of Australia...

 

 

A Really Lovely Way...

A really lovely way to depict the Rainbow Serpent by creating this bright mural out of painted rocks.

The Rainbow Serpent is a creator god according to aboriginal mythology, connected to shaping the land and waterways.

The Rainbow Serpent has various names in the many aboriginal groups across Australia.

The Rainbow Serpent also communicates with other elements such a sun, wind and rain. 

The Rainbow Serpent is both protector and punisher so one must be respectful. 

Respect for the Rainbow Serpent especially around water is crucial as the Rainbow Serpent protects water sources.

When disturbed or displeased, the Rainbow Serpent will wreak havoc with the weather, causing droughts, flooding or massive storms...

 

Other Blooms...

Other blooms that constantly enthrall me are the flowers on my snail vine. Depending on where they are in the blooming cycle, the shapes of the flowers are always fascinating...

 

Magical...

Magical really is the only way to describe pincushion hakea flowers...

 

Outside Time...

Outside time is always better when I go in the  enclosure with the kitty kids.

Miss Bear in particular settles better when I do...

 

It Took...

It took thirteen years for the first flower to bloom, year fourteen it's second year of flowering there are two blooms. 

Until last year I didn't even realise that this plant flowered at all.

 Each year in late autumn the large leathery leaves appeared before disappearing in summer.

The first flower was a complete surprise, and I discovered it's a blood lily or paintbrush lily (Haemanthus coccineus) a native plant from South Africa.

This year I kept a close eye on this area of the garden as the flowering coincides with the pincushion hakea. 

The blooms only last several weeks, so I made sure I enjoyed their beauty every single day...