[dropcap]After[/dropcap] some light rain, the bundles of petite/fragile white flowers on the rows of bushy/waving trees outside finally inspired me to cut off a few stems to bring inside for a floral arrangement. The tiny/almost non-descript flowers barely have a fragrance/perfume (which has its benefits too) and the petals fall off so easily (especially when cutting) but I thought they’re still flowers and pretty/special and would look wonderful inside and liven up our space nonetheless. No one complained.
Most flowers look attractive/fabulous, don’t you think – even ones that are not conventionally decorative/popular? Think of cabbage flowers or those belonging to weeds, thistle or cacti, or the alien smelly ones that are pollinated by flies – all very unusual/different (which seems to be all the rage these days) but beautiful still, in their own right. Just like people, I guess. Flowers are one of nature’s best displays (like a fashion/art show or movie or performance/dance) and a wonder/marvel to enjoy.
The birds love these flowers, especially the rainbow lorikeets who feed on them high, protected in the foliage and sometimes upside down. How does an animal become so magically coloured? Their sometimes squawky personality/nature and acute/fierce look in their eyes reveal a complexity beyond their pretty plumage/appearance. Surely, we all have bad hair days.
I have no idea what these flowers are. But if you know, please let me know also in the comments below. Would be great to paint them one day, and to have a name/id to give them would be ideal. I’ve posted a close up of the flowers/leaves to help you see/view it better.
The lovely stone in the still life – I found it a few years ago in the backyard. I’m currently contemplating/working on a collaboration with Swan on a stone appreciation/meditation project. Will reveal/share more with you as it comes to fruition.
As you may know, I do love plants and flowers. Plants have personalities and spirit/force and are so good for us and the environment/planet. I love the way big trees sway and squeak/creak and whisper in their salubrious and earthy colours/tones. The way they talk/communicate and coexist and interact in their humble/confident ways. I read this week that Ceylon spinach vines can/will wrap around you if given the chance. 1 Jeepers. I love that flowers are offerings of plants, in all of their bizarre/intricate and fragrant forms/designs. I love that plants are a healing/nourishing source of food and medicine. I love how they bear fruits/roots/leaves and other edible stuff. You get my drift – plants are awesome and cool. But you know that already.
A friend once described tall gum trees as looking like upside down lightning. It’s such a beautiful description. To me, trees (or plants in general) remind me of strands of hair growing on the earth’s head/scalp. I remember my dad on our country drives long ago describing tree-less hills/mountains as ‘phou hua lon’ which translates to bald hill/mountain. You can often see them on the Hume Hwy. Don’t you just want to roll down those hills like cows do?
Notes:
- Read all about Ceylon spinach, aka Malabar spinach at Lost in Utensils. ↩
Me
Beautiful post as always Numbat!
Ngeun
Thank you Me. :)
David
So beautiful – do you think they might be elderflower blossoms?
Ngeun
Hi David, Thanks for your comment and taking the time to help me id this plant. I wish it was elderflower but I believe the leaf formation is different. Also, I’m not certain that it’s privet because the flowers and leaves look slightly different to me. I’ve not seen any berries on the trees. I’ve googled ‘tree with clusters/bundles of small white flowers’ but to no avail. I’ve asked an authority on plants. Hopefully, they’ll hit the nail on the head.
lost in utensils
Just beautiful! I’m not sure what flowers they are but they are lovely. I find flowers calming to look at. I completely share your views on nature. Also love the Ceylon spinach mention :)
Ngeun
Thanks Jem. Also, thanks for sharing your love & knowledge of plants and gardening on your awesome blog. :)