Fall Trees Collection 7: Awesome Blossoms [Photography]
Another autumn photo collection. 39 photos in total.
Originally I was going to lump these in with my upcoming "Wild Nature" series, but there was so many flower photos filling up my files, I had to make an additional album here to host them separately.
Many of these are found out in nature or in forgotten business parks, and a some are grown in my own garden. I'll add some additional details about any flowers I am familiar with.
All of these flower photos are taken in September and October, and represent flowers that bloom late in the season when temperatures are cooler, and the climate is more wet than sunny.
Hydrangea
Evening Primrose
Oenothera lamarckiana
Finally found the name of this flower by looking up the seed seller who gave me this wildflower mix.
Gentian
Unknown shrub variety. I ran a google image search on this photo, so it could be wrong. The shrub almost looks like an azalea to me.
Marigold
Self-grown. These seemed to grow best in a container pot with loose, warm soil with lots of moisture. Seedlings are very wimpy, so keep them covered for protection until the stems form true leaves.
Nasturtium
Like the Marigolds, I grew these for the first time this year. One of the easiest plants to grow, and they last all season long producing new flowers as soon as the older flowers fade. Seeds come in many different flower color varieties you can choose from.
Nasturtiums are edible, and a great companion plant that lures pests away from other other plants. They grow faster than the pests can consume it, and also lures in other beneficial insects that will hunt down all the bad bugs. Once in a while they drop a big seed that looks like a small walnut, so it will self-sow for the next year coming up.
Wax begonia
A common landscape plant. Found this one growing outside a business park on a cold, windy day.
Chicory
This year I got my first chicory plant to blossom. It was growing in container for two years. Electric blue flowers only last a day or two. In a week or so, the plant will regenerate and unleash more flowers from fresh buds on a sunny day.
The ones photographed here were found out in nature. They love growing in hard clay soil, where the roots are forced to squeeze down deep for protection from the changing temperatures. A great plant to fill in any patches of dead lawn where nothing seems to grow. The leaves will turn into wonderful mineral rich compost, and the flowers will help guide pollinators to nearby plants and trees.
Yarrow
A great peaceful meadow flower. I have a patch I grow in the corner of the yard. It spreads like a bush. Yarrow likes to grow in thick clusters of many plants. A favorite for bees. The flower plumes last for weeks. A second flush of new flowers will appear late in the season after pruning away the old flower stalks. The flower heads will drop many seeds, and will sow readily on any damp soil surface, especially clay.
As a natural medicine, it is adored. If the skin is bleeding, rashy, or wounded, the leaves can be applied directly to the skin. It will help reduce swelling, prevent infection, and aid in healing the wound.
Wild Vetch
Blue bell flowers. I've grown these in my yard as a cover crop, and it is fun to watch the thin stems curl around into Cinderella vine shapes. The super green foliage snaps between the fingers, always crispy and fresh. It melts into the soil quickly forming a beneficial compost.
I've been warned this plant is toxic, and not meant to be planted on farms, because it can be harmful to livestock.
Sunflowers
These are all recent photos from my garden. It wasn't until late in the Summer when the sunflowers finally started to take off. I grow both dwarf and medium sized varieties that fit well into my garden spaces.
When the flower petals begin to wither away, watch out. Hungry birds and squirrels are likely to attack the plant to nibble at the seeds. Chop off the flower head to make it easier for the animals to feed on. A strong flower stalk will likely continue to produce more fresh flower heads.
Four O Clock
Somehow I managed to get these to grow this year. Squirrels and birds seem to be attracted to these seeds if they find them in the soil, so they can be difficult to get started if they are not protected.
They grow best in a deep, soft soil when they are young. Give the stems something to climb on. If the stem grows too tall without support, it might tip over and snap. These are vine plants.
So far I have pink and yellow flowers. Let's hope they overwinter or sew some seeds for the next year. I have been growing them in hanging basket under the shade of a pear tree.
Morning Glory
This one enjoys the same growing conditions as the Four O Clock. Like the Four O Clock, it is also invasive, so keep it in a contained space. They can spread by roots or by seeds.
Getting this flower started was not easy. Only one or two seeds became strong enough to produce flowers. It only bloomed for 2 days of the year! Big fat loser in terms of lasting enjoyment, but a big winner for beauty.
Be sure to look out your window early in the morning for this flower, because it will fade by evening. Temperature and light has a strong effect on the daily life-cycle of this plant.
Swan River Daisies
I love these flowers. Representing joy, sunshine, and friendship. This is the kind of flower I would most enjoy if a little kid were to pick flowers from the field for me, because I know the plants will continue to multiply into more flowers after being picked.
Had a batch of these growing in Spring that completely died out. They sprout better in Summer with the warmer soil temperatures. Keep them out of full sunlight where they can roast, and instead keep them cool and protected from animals. Don't worry if the seedlings lay sideways, because the stems like to curl and spill down over rock walls and cliff sides in nature. Once flower buds start to form, they will be able to manage themselves, and won't need protection. They will become drought tolerate and low maintenance.
These were the most fun plants to grow this year. I will try growing them again next year for sure! I found at least four type of flower shapes and colors growing together.
Roses
Ending with our garden roses. We have pink, yellow, peach, orange, and red roses. The pink seems to be the most vigorous grower, and the flowers will change in hues, ranging from pale to dark.
In the coming week, I'm going to be sharing recent photos of the changing season.
Expect to find plenty of photo collections shot by @creativetruth featuring colorful leaves, trees, flowers, and even winter berries.
My goal in this series is to share the wonderful sights of the season around me with the many people abroad in the wider world who may not be familiar with the beautiful sights in nature where I live.
Follow along with me, and enjoy the evocative sights!
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Loved the roses! I had many of those but they are all nearly gone by, except 1 of my roses. Nice collection!
So many amazing close ups in this one. Love the red pattern in that Nasturtium.
I like Morning Glory it reminds me of my late father as he had one outside his back door. They are so delicate but bold aswell.