A not so simple flower. PoliXena

The flower commonly called Hibiscus is a tropical flower wich belongs to the family Malvaceae. It gets its name from the Greek words Hibiscus meaning "mallow". It´s also know as rosemallow or jamaica.

It is a primary ingredient in many herbal teas and jams and it´s also used as a natural source of food colouring and for hair care purposes. Dried hibiscus is edible, it is often a delicacy in many countries. And is used as an offering to Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship

There are lots of these flowers growing everywhere here and you can find them in a great variety of colors... they are all wonderful, but I discovered this one the past week and it has became one of my favorite. Isn´t it fantastic the color combination?


The meaning of this flower is delicate beauty, but some sources include another meaning: if you receive Hibiscus flowerthis might suggest, "Seize this opportunity."

... What else can I say? Happy Saturday, dear friends. X. xxxx

Strelitzia Reginae. PoliXena

Hi dear friends, this is a gift for all of you, a flower wich is very common and popular here. It can be found almost everywhere and it´s named also bird of paradise due to its form. I took this photo last Sunday, near my house.

This very handsome flower is native to South Africa. It was introduced to European gardeners in 1773 when it was part of a shipment of horticultural specimens bound for the Royal Botanical Garden of King George III.

Strelitzia Reginae was named after the king's wife Queen (regina in Latin) Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (Strelitzia).

It symbolizes Freedom, Magnificence and Good perspective. I think that these are great wishes for today, have a nice Wednesday. Hugs, X. xxxx

Near my house. Polixena

This park is close to my house... two minutes walking or so. It´s a very big park (67.230 m2) wich is filled with wonderful trees and plants and lots of sculptures.

It´s in the middle of the city and its creation started around 1920, part of the money that the townhall used to create it was donated by the citizens.




It´s a very peaceful place, where you can read, rest or just have a sun bath. I try to go there at least once a week, it´s such a pleasant experience to stay there for a while.

Have a nice day, hugs, X. xxxx

Of time spent and turtles - jangold

Beautiful day here in this part of the UK for the first time really this year. So I managed to take a few photos outside. This is one bush - but I do not know the name ?? Gwyn - anyone do you know ??

We spent most of the day in Nottingham about an hour from where we live and Lee's parental home. Good to see my father-in-law who always has some kind of craft idea or item to give me.

Today it was Kilner jars which I am going to paint in different colours - wire up and use as outdoor lanters with tea lights.

We had a lovely lunch down by a lake and fed the geese and ducks.

Today is World Turtle Day - please see my set on Polyvore http://www.polyvore.com/world_turtle_day_23_may/set?id=8904191 in support of this. Hugs Jan