Desert Willow Tree

Another new flower for me, found in Central Texas, the Desert Willow Tree.
It has willowy looking leaves and beautiful orchid like flowers. It blooms in summer and is so unique.  It is not really a member of the Willow family. Other willows grow near water but this one grows in dry, sandy, loamy soil and is very drought tolerant and thrives in the Texas heat.

"GOD looked over all that HE had made, and it was excellent in every way."
Genesis 1:31

Earth Star Mushroom

This was a new find for me. It is so unusual in that it appears to be some type of flower, but it is a mushroom. The outer shell opens, appearing as petals and the center is a "puff ball" mushroom. The center will burst open sending its brown spores into the wind.  The Earth Star, another one of GODS strange creations.

"The LORD is righteous in all HIS ways and loving toward all HE has made."
Psalm 145;17

Texas Mountain Laurel

The Texas Mountain Laurel blooms in early spring and is similar to the Wisteria except this one is a tree. Found in central Texas, grows in poor, sandy soil and is drought tolerant.

They are so beautiful when the tree is covered with these purple clusters of blooms and the fragrance is wonderful.

"This is the day the LORD hath made, rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalms 118:24

Passion Flower

I have posted this before, but today I have a special reason for posting it.

 

Two months ago today my husband of 50 years passed away from pancreatic cancer. He was the love of my life and we enjoyed the outdoors so very much.

 

This was his favorite flower ,

 

Camellia

Got this photo from Arkansas wanting to know species. It is a Semi-double Camellia. There are so many that are almost exactly the same I could not pin-point the name of this particular one. They come in white , all shades of pink to vibrant reds and even a variegated one that resembles peppermint candy!
Camellias are evergreen shrubs that have shiny leaves and bloom in spring  and again in winter. Very showy plants and so beautiful.

Evergreens are often used to decorate for Christmas as the evergreens represent everlasting life being green year round.

"Behold, a Virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call HIS name EMMANUEL, which being interpreted is GOD with us."
Matthew 1:23 KJV

Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Siranthes cernua)

This is a new find for me and it is in my yard! It is a member of the orchid family and blooms from July - December. It is very similar to the Spring Ladies' Tresses, which are a little larger and blooms placed in different whorled fashion.

Nodding Tresses grow about 12 - 14 inches tall on a long stem with no leaves, once it begins to bloom.  It's tiny white flowers are bell shaped and droop. The species name is from Latin word "cernua", meaning "drooping".

"Every word of GOD is pure; HE is a shield unto them that put their trust in HIM".
Proverbs 31:5

Black Swallowtail

A blessing from my garden. Love to watch them each day.

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and HE shall give you the desires of thine heart."
Psalm 37:4

Meemaw's Gardenia

This is my Mother's gardenia bush. She passed away a year ago this month. This is the most blooms its ever had, wish she could have been here to see it. I always kept a fresh vase of them on her table and they made the whole house smell heavenly. She always said a white flower was the most beautiful, this one is one of my very favorites. I feel she is close when I see her beautiful flowers and I will continue to take care of them for her.

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope."
Psalms 15:9  KJV

Passion Vine (Passiflora incarnata)

I finally got a Passion Vine to live and bloom. The fruits are about the size of a lemon when mature and will turn yellow. One big one at bottom --- called "Maypops".

This flower is listed a ways back in my blog. Was adopted in 15th and 16th centuries by Spanish missionaries as a symbol of the last day in the life of CHRIST and HIS crucifixion. Each part of the flower has a special meaning.

"...while HE was yet still alive He said "After three days I will rise again."
Matthew 27:63

Purple Pleat-leaf (Alophia drummondii)

Love these, I call them wild orchids, but are Purple Pleat-leaf, member of Iris family.
Today I found an open spot in the woods and there was a large patch of these little beauties.
Check out the weird critter top right.
The three inner petals resembles tiny butterflies!  :) Another one of GOD'S delicate designs on HIS wildflowers. Again, I say, lots of beautiful things out your back door, you just have to look for them.


"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."
Proverbs 15:3 KJV