What would our world be without flowers? When we were strictly locked down in Cyprus, I began to notice the splendour of my neighbours’ gardens on my daily walks.
One day, I came across blooms on a tree which I had never seen before and I would like to appeal to the horticulturists among you for feedback. Which tree produces these flowers pictured below? It seems they start as yellow blooms and turn pink before they die.
Frangipani And Hibiscus
The frangipani tree has striking blooms, with mixed colours including white, yellow and pink (plumeria rubra).The hibiscus flower, which is mainly red in Cyprus, also appears in yellow, pink and white.
Bougainvillea
This vibrant, ornamental vine, which enhances the charm of Cypriot villages and architecture, is found all over Cyprus. The delicate, white inner flowers are protected by the leaves which can be pink, purple, magenta, orange and white.
Busy as a Bee
Cypriot honey comes exclusively from floral nectar, which includes thyme, orange blossom, sumac, germander, wild lavender and myrtle. Some of the shots below feature bees at work, attracted by the scent and bright colours.
Roses
Last but not least, I photographed the humble rose with her layers of silky, fragrant petals.
And once I knew a meditative rose That never raised its head from bowing down, Yet drew its inspiration from the stars. It bloomed and faded here beside the road, And, being a poet, wrote on empty air With fragrance all the beauty of its soul.¹
My days in Cyprus have been cheered by the colour and fragrance of nature’s gift to mankind. Smiles from God along the way.