Vivian Mae, The Native Iris Hybrid - Gardening and Hobby 67

 As you might know, Iris has at least 300 species worldwide. Many love them due to their attractive colors. 

Fig 01 - Native flower of our state

The above photo (Fig 01) is our state, Louisiana native Iris, people called it Vivian Mae or Louisiana hybrids.

Other well-known species (hybrids) are:

- Iris hexagona, Dixie iris

- Iris nelsonii, Abbeville iris

- Iris brevicaulis, Lamance iris

- Giant Blue, Iris giganticaerulea

- Copper Iris, Iris fulva.

Fig 02 - Another native species.

There are many colors of Iris flowers in our areas, some people including me love purple ones.

Fig 03 - Louisiana iris.

What species of Iris flowers in your areas?

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Blooming of Japanese Magnolia - Gardening and Hobby 66

 Blooming of Japanese Magnolia is a strong sign that Spring is near in our areas. The flower come to USA about 200 years ago.

Fig 01 - White Japanese Magnolia flowers.

Amidst a world in chaos (for many reasons: politics, economics, security etc.), nature calms the spirit. 

In addition to the Japanese Magnolia, our state, Louisiana has own five (5) very well-known native species:

- Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla).

- Cucumber-tree Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata).

- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

- Umbrella (Magnolia tripetala) and Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana). 

Fig 02 - Dead Magnolia tree, illustration

We know Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) as large trees with evergreen leaves and fragrant flowers.

Fig 03 - Pink flowers of Magnolia.

What variety of Magnolia do you familiar with?

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Petunia Midnight Gold - Gardening and Hobby 65

We have several reasons to have Petunia Midnight Gold in our areas. First, it is well grown in early Spring. 

Image - Petunia midnight gold 

Their colors are stunning with purple and gold when blooming. Other purposes to plant Petunia are attracting pollinators such as:

- hummingbirds

- butterflies

- bees

- beetles

- and other insects

The visitors come to Petunia midnight gold due to its rich in nectar. We saw two species of hummingbirds frequently feed on nectar, they are Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds.

Do you know about Petunia midnight gold?

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The Roselle in the Yard - Gardening and Hobby 64

Roselle with scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa comes from warm regions and grow well in the tropical and subtropical temperatures. 

Fig 01 - The calyces of Roselle. 

Since our city has warm climate, we may find some of the Roselle flowers in our neighborhood areas.

As you might know that the plants have calyces which are red (light part) parts, not fruit of flowers. 

I don't know the benefits of calyces or never aware whoever consumed them in our neighborhood but reported by Southern University A&M College systems (2024, Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa): A Functional Food) that Calyces could be used as jams, tea (beverages) and other purposes.

Fig 02 - Leaves and calyces 

Do you know about calyces of Roselle?

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Three Flavors of Bougainvillea - Gardening and Hobby 63

 These photos from last Spring and Summer, the blooming seasons of Bougainvillea in our neighborhood areas.

Fig 01 - Yellow flowers, Bougainvillea

The Bougainvillea, originally from South America, has spread to many parts of the world. It is now commonly grown in tropical and subtropical areas. The flower is an adaptable plant that can be cultivated as:

- tree

- vine

- or shrub

These flowers may come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, and even white.

Fig 02 - The red Bougainvillea.

We saw so many of these beautiful bougainvillea in Caribbeans. They come from high up in the mountains and flow all the way down to the sides on ground. That was an awesome thing to see!

Fig 03 - Purple/Pink flowers at neighborhood.

Which colors of Bougainvillea do you like the most?

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China Pink in the Garden - Gardening and Hobby 62

In our neighborhood, China Pink blooms in warmer months (Spring to early summer months) or around April to early June.

Image - Blooming of China Pink

China Pink has scientific name, Dianthus chinensis, and has several common names including:

- Pinks

- Indian Pink

- Rainbow Pink

- Sweet William

For vibrant blooms, China Pinks are ensured to receive ample sunlight. Consistent watering and fertilization will further support healthy growth and an abundance of flowers.

Where do you find China Pink (Dianthus chinensis)?

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The Colorful of African Violets - Gardening and Hobby 61

 The African violets, cherished for their vibrant, colorful blossoms and effortless upkeep, make for an ideal houseplant.

Fig 01 - African violets, beautiful 

What I like that African violets boast thick, velvety leaves beautifully arranged in a rosette at the plant's base.

The flowers display a spectrum of colors such as:

- pink

- purple

- blue

- red

- white

Fig 02 - Blooming in the room 

African Violets should bloom all year round, if they well care. But, during the winter months, blooming may slow down or cease if the plant doesn't get enough light.

Fig 03 - Pink color of African violets.

Do you recognize African Violets? What colors?

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The Banana Tree Produces Fruit in Our State - Gardening and Hobby 60

As you might know, our state, Louisiana has warmer temperature, hence some tropical plants grow well. 

Fig 01 - The plant starts to produce fruit

After growing for about four (4) years in the backyard, this is the first time our banana tree made bananas!

Yet, we don't know the taste. One neighbor said his tree produces more delicious, sweeter and good quality bananas, even compared to commercial ones which are sold in the grocery stores around our neighborhood.

The bananas are usually smaller but extremely good. A genuine treat.

Just make sure to break the flower off once they stop making fruit. Otherwise, they won't ripen. They will spend all their energy on the flower.

Fig 02 - Flowers of banana tree. 

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Fig 03 - Flowers, just growing. 

Banana varieties that well known in our areas:

- Dwarf Cavendish banana

- Gran Nain banana

- Brazilian dwarf banana

Fig 04 - Fruit development

Do you familiar with banana tress?

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The Plumeria Smells Fabulous - Gardening and Hobby 59

Plumeria plants are celebrated for their stunning and fragrant blooms. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, these plants are cherished for their beauty and scent.

Image 01 - Flowers of Plumeria

The most striking aspect of Plumeria flowers is their large, waxy petals, which come in a dazzling array of colors, including:

- white

- pink

- red

- yellow

-  bi-colored.

- and occasionally even multi-colors.

Image 02 - Colorful flowers

Because these plants originate from tropical regions, they are typically cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide.

Image 03 - The plant with flowers.

Do you familiar with the Plumeria flower's scent?

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The Cypress Vine in the Yard - Gardening and Hobby 58

The Cypress Vines have attractive flowers form that is star shape. They may climb up to 15 feet (around 5 meters).

Figure - Red Cypress vine.

In our area, there is one species only of this vine with scientific name called as Ipomoea quamoclit.

However, by searching through internet that it is said the species only one in the world, but breeding is quite plenty. 

The fact is quite strange for me!

Moreover, Cypress Vine, known for its charming flowers and rapid growth, is a favored annual in many gardens in our areas.

Highly invasive, they should be planted in areas where you don't mind them taking over indefinitely. Every flower produces countless seeds, each sprouting into a new vine.

Do you know about Cypress Vine?

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Blooming of Indoors Orchids - Gardening and Hobby 57

 Orchids are well known flowers that come from warmer regions such as: Southeast Asia, Latin America and even Africa. 

Fig 01 - The white orchids 

Some countries produce beautiful orchids are:

- Southeast Asian countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippine.

- African country, Madagascar.

- Latin America countries such as Colombia, Ecuador and Panama. 

People love tropical orchids with many reasons among of them are:

- exotic fragrances

- vibrant colors

- and intricate shapes

Fig 02 - Tree colors of flowers

There are around 800 genera of tropical orchids in the world. The popular genera in our areas are Dendrobium, Cattleya and Vanda. 

Fig 03 - The orchid in the glass jar.

Dendrobium genus is one of our favorite orchids, because it offers very attractive colors and shapes.

Fig 04 - Colorful flower. 

Do you love orchid? 

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The Spider Lily at Walking Track Side - Gardening and Hobby 56

The category 2 hurricane Francine with speed 96 to 110 mph (154 to 177 km/hours), made landfall in our state Louisiana in the last September 2024. 

Fig 01 - The wild Spider Lily grows well 

Hurricane Francine caused significant flooding in our state. The storm inflicted moderate damage before rapidly weakening into a tropical storm, and then a tropical depression when reached another state, Mississippi.

Surprisingly, we saw Spider lilies popped out on the day after Francine went through. "Mother Nature" has pretty good timing.

In addition to Spider lily, the plant has other names:

- Hurricane lily

- Naked lady

Fig 02 - The wild Spider Lily

They are called as Naked ladies; it is because the flower head is obvious any foliage. Their colors also in yellow and pink.

Fig 03 - The Spider Lily at Walking Track.

Do you know about spider lily?

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The African Daisy - Gardening and Hobby 55

Refer to its name, the African Daisy natives South Africa, then grow well in the warmer climate regions. 

Figure - Blooming of the African Daisy. 

The African Daisy also called as Gazania is getting population in many places nowadays, it is because the plants:

- have vibrant blooms 

- adaptability

- and bring a burst of color to any garden. 

They spent winter in my house and have come back strong in the sun at the yard, during Spring and Summer seasons. So brilliant and might brighten in the morning till before noon.

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The Bougainvillea Flowers with Wicked Thorns - Gardening and Hobby 54

The Bougainvillea, a flowering vine in our areas is originates from South America. It is renowned for its vividly hued blossoms.

Fig - Bougainvillea flowers climb the pole.

The flowers have a variety of colors, including:

- magenta

- purple

- red

- yellow

- pink

- orange

- and white

Bougainvillea possesses small, sharp thorns that can catch on skin and clothing, but they lack the size and strength to cause significant harm.

Flowers adorned with thorns serve as effective deterrents for both people and animals who may attempt to climb the plant. Nevertheless, there are also thornless bougainvillea varieties in existence.

Bougainvillea, a favored landscaping plant in warm climates, thrives as a vine, shrub, or tree. Its relatively straightforward care makes it a highly rewarding choice for cultivation.

Have you observed this kind of Bougainvillea in your areas?

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