Sunday 7 November 2010

Sunday Scrapbook

It starts in the second half of October, when you think you can just detect a slight mauve haze about the bare branches of the jacarandas — I can see four from my kitchen window.
These shots were taken from the door to our back deck in three-day intervals, starting with the one above on October 25.And then, all of a sudden, it's obvious the flowers are truly on their way.For Perth people, this loveliness is a symbol of approaching summer, but sadly, the stronger association for younger people is with the start of the TEE exams (brutal end-of school exams that determine university places ... or not).
The jacarandas are at their full purple magnificence right now. Posted for Dawn's Sunday Scrapbook.

5 comments:

Fairlie - www.feetonforeignlands.com said...

We had one hanging over our backyard in Melbourne once...it flowered a lot later than the Perth ones. And I recall it dropped something onto the paving below for most of the year...flowers, leaves, twigs, seedpods. I think they are a tree best placed in a nice open lawned area! (You may have realised I have an aversion to plant materials dropping onto paving!!)

They are, however, the most magnificent tree.

Rattling On said...

They are fantastic! When we lived down south in England I used to love magnolia trees, they have beautiful blooms that cover the branches (but not purple). They won't grow here, too high up and cold!
I Googled jacaranda for a good look- they can reach 30 metres high!!
Thanks for joining in again, I'll add your link. Dawn.

Lesley said...

Fairlie: The jacarandas near us are either in neighbours' gardens or the park at the back of our garden, where they have plenty of room. I was out in the park this arvo with the dog and there's a thick carpet of purple all over the grass!

Dawn: We can grow lovely magnolias as well, and I recall some real beauties in Los Angeles.

Anonymous said...

I bet there is a lovely purple carpet underneath.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

It's nice reading about your Australian seasons Lesley. What you are beginning, we are closing the door on, and here I can happily reflect on both. Our jacaranda trees were in bloom just about the time students were finishing their final exams... last June.
And your apron, *Our Lady of Hot Tamales,* is awesome!