Cali2010: The Flora

Hello, hello! I’m back. Whew. Okay, now where were we?

So. Being an avid gardener and a former natural history interpreter, one of the first things I notice on each and every trip to California is the flora. I know, I know – weirdo…but hey, that’s how this cookie crumbles. Anyhow. Whether it’s the tropical flavoured palms, or the colourful scrub growing on the side of the freeway, or the luscious rainbow of blossoms that adorn shops and yards at all times of the year, my green thumb gets itchy every time I ponder gardening in that luxurious Zone 9-10 climate (vs. my own Zone 3 nightmare region).

Now, even though most of the photos I took on the trip are of family and friends, and I usually had to haphazardly snap other shots on the fly (whilst we were driving or wrangling the baby or in a mad rush to get somewhere), I managed to snap a few of these to share with fellow nature-loving readers. I hope you enjoy.

Along with Redwoods and Eucalypts, the giant Oaks delight me.

Some blossoms were as big as the baby’s head!!! Seriously!

Oh, how I wish I had more success with fabulously frilly ferns.

Even leathery leaves looked radiant in California’s morning sun.

Roses, roses everywhere – even as hedgerows! Awesome.

Though, Angel’s-Trumpets-over-a-white-picket-fence is good too.

The succulents were scrumptious – some as big as dinner plates!

Though, I am partial to “old school” ivy-on-brick as well.

Dahlias that don’t have to be planted or potted every year… *sigh*

And giant leaves that danced in the light. Ahh…

The beach hotel had a sandy rock garden with purple Statice…

Gorgeous pink Sea Thrift…

And this spiky-leaved plant (New Zealand Flax, maybe?) Beautiful!

All nestled in with rusty anchors and weathered light posts…squee!

These wind-swept loners “are”  the Monterey area for me.

When push comes to shove, it’s the coastal Cypress trees that enchant me the most. We didn’t make it down to Carmel on this trip, but I still managed to snap this one as we were driving towards Monterey for dinner one night. Ah, California dreamin’.