One of the ornamental garden trees is the ‘Bottlebrush’. Also called Callistemon salignus, a member of the Willow family. It is a familiar plant for me because growing up we had a Bottle Brush Shrub in our yard. I really liked the yellow butterfly and the red blossoms on the tree. Aside from the butterfly, bees and birds really like the nectar and the tree usually has lots of company.
Back in September I took a picture of the Coral Tree which is a surprising thing to see
. The bright orange flowers cling to bare branches, then the leaves come, but I don’t think they are as interesting as the flowers. But the other day I noticed the seed pods. You can see a few in this picture…. but nothing but seed pods in the next picture.The look a little alien… don’t they.
I can reveal the “Happy House” block that I made for the Sparkly Chicken
Swap, because Sandy got hers in the mail the other day. I had so much fun putting this together… I can just picture the happy family that lives in this house… Mom, Dad and a puppy named Mozart… Can’t you?I have been working diligently on my April Challenge…Judy Laquidaras 2011 UFO Challenge but alas it’s gone as far as I can… so I don’t think it will be done on time. I have once again been thwarted by the inability to run down to the local shop for what I need. It takes me 2 to 3 weeks to receive any items I order. Since I really didn’t know how I was going to quilt it… I didn’t know what thread or how much I was going to need when I started, (you see that I don’t have much left… on the spool).
So since I will now have some more time (I have ordered a spool)… I may change my mind about the binding. The picture is showing it much more red than it is… but I think I would really like a pinker maroon to finish it off. I wish I knew what the next number was... I'd get started on that with the extra time I have.
I’ve been doing a few other things… and will of course tell you MUCH more later
-Beth
I love the tree photos, such brilliant flowers on both. The seed pods are really different.
ReplyDeleteThe seed pod is amazing. It looks like it would make a spectacular piece of jewelry! The little house block is just plain happy. Your idea of a puppy named Mozart made me remember the pair of finches we had, Amadeus and Mozart. They were fun while they lasted, but then the cats...
ReplyDeleteWish I could help you out on some fabric. Do you have favorite colors or kinds of patterns in the fabric?
I love your pictures. So much of the color and texture, theme and balance are related to quilting, but sometimes photography relies on chance and opportunity. YOur quilt is cool too. Sarah
ReplyDeleteWe had a bottle brush bush in the backyard of the house I grew up in in CA -- but it never had beautiful yellow butterflies on it. What a gorgeous photo!
ReplyDeleteThose seed pods do look alien to me too!
I"m always in awe of your ilfe in Africa. Thanks for the pictures Beth
ReplyDeleteAs always your pics are breathtakingly beautiful and the quilt os gorgeous. Just love the colors you have chosen. Hope you've had a lovely Easter, here spring has come in full force:-)
ReplyDeleteThat Happy House piece is absolutely bee-u-ti-ful.
ReplyDelete...you don't need anymore comments... you have plenty... love your bratty little sister!!
ReplyDeleteMe!!