Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Aquilegia, the first bloom

 Aquilegia (Columbine; from Latin columba "dove") is a genus of about 60-70 species of perennial plants that are found in meadows, woodlands, and at higher altitudes throughout the Northern Hemisphere, known for the spurred petals of their flowers. The genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word for eagle (aquila), because the shape of the flower petals are said to resemble an eagle's claw. Columbine is a perennial, which propagates by seed. It will grow to a height of 15 to 20 inches. It will grow in full sun, however, prefers growing in partial shade and well drained soil, and is able to tolerate average soils and dry soil conditions. Columbine is rated hardiness of Zone 3 so does not require mulching or protection in the winter (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

Last autumn I bought a punnet of aquilegia without any knowledge and idea how they will look like or when this plant will produce flower in Adelaide. Yesterday morning, to my delight before I went to a parenting workshop with Ilhan I saw this bud about to bloom. I have been waiting for about 6 months to see the flower.

DSC09118

When I reached home about noon. This flower has already fully bloom. The flower picture in the label did not do justice to this plant. So now, I have many question in my head unanswered; one of them is how long will  aquilegia usually produce flower? I would love to know more about this plant.

DSC09183 More cauliflower harvest today.

DSC09186

13 comments:

Ayu Mahayu said...

the cauliflower looks yummy in the tummy! i envy you ;-)

miruku said...

I bought some seeds few months back and are still in the packet, heard lotza cacing, and i doubt they will grow well in my place. But im happy to see your cauliflower here, they look delicious! Yum yum!!

Stephanie said...

The aquilegia bloom is so pretty! Love the details in the centre and how the flower opens up to reveal the double layer petals that have two kind of shape. I think for perennial six months wait is quick. You have done a really good job for this plant. Kudos!

Anonymous said...

oh my!

a latin woman really knows how to cook that whit very good taste! amazing!
Congratulations!

rainfield61 said...

I do not know the answer, but I know the yellow flower is so beautiful.

Mr. H. said...

Very pretty. We grow columbine and it seems as though each flower will last for a couple days and then a new one opens up. Also, they self-seed very easily so don't be surprised to see a bunch of babies coming up next spring.:)

Gesine Seepferd said...

I have some in my garden,they last for a while, maybe a month!
But you have to know, they are toxic, take care of your children!

kitchen flavours said...

The flower is really pretty. Your cauliflower is a knockout! I'm drooling over them....

takaeko said...

カリフラワーまた取れたんですか、、。
「カリフラワー天国」ですね。(^ ^;)

私の場合、去年ナスが取れすぎて困った経験があります。


You harvested more cauliflower again?
You are in "The Cauliflower Heaven".
In my case too many egg-plants were harvested last summer.

Autumn Belle said...

The yellow aquilegia is very pretty. Your cauliflower looks better than any I see at the market!

Malar said...

The aquilegia flower is so pretty! 6 months wait is worth enough!
You have fresh cauliflower and brocolli!

Sue Garrett said...

Aquilegias will seed themselves too so you may get some different colours popping up!

Lona said...

Hello. You Aquilegias are so pretty. It is wonderful to see flowers blooming as ours are just about done now. I will have to come by and look at yours. Your cauliflower looks so good too. I enjoyed your pictures of the Wildlife sanctuary. The pictures were fantastic. I liked the one of the turtle. Thanks for dropping by my blog.
Lona