Camellias by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

These gorgeous pink camellias are currently flowering in Scotland at the start of Spring.  Here in Sydney, the Sasanqua camellias are flowering at the beginning of Autumn. 

Spring Flowers - Pink and White Magnolia buds by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

These pink and white buds appear on the bare Magnolia tree branches each Spring.  The flowers are magnificient when they open, too.

Yellow Daffodils (Narcissus) by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

More gorgeous spring colour from Cheshire, UK. 

Narcissus by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Daffodils and jonquils are similar flowers grown from bulbs.  Both are members of the Narcissus genus.

It must be Spring - Daffodils by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Gorgeous Daffodils from the walled garden in Dunham Massey, Cheshire.  Narcissus, also known as Daffodils (or Jonquils) are late winter and early Spring flowering bulbs.  They are members of the Amaryllidaceae flower family - named after Amaryllisa, the beautiful shepherdess of classical poetry. The genus Narcissus is named after the handsome young man in classical Greek mythology whose downfall was his obsession with his own reflection. He eventually perished and was turned into a flower by the Gods.  Allegedly!

Anyway, thank you to Liz for sending this photo of these vibrant flowers - more tomorrow!

Bellis Daisy by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Here's another gorgeous Bellis perennis Tasso series Daisy. The photographer's fingers in the photos show the scale and size of the flower.

Bellis Daisy by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

It's not a pom pom - it's a Bellis Daisy! 
It's full name is Bellis perennis Tasso Series. This flower was photographed in the walled garden adjacent to Dunham Hall in Dunham Massey, Cheshire, UK.

From the Walled Garden - Bellis Daisy by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Liz has sent me some photos of gorgeous Spring flowers from Dunham Massey in Cheshire UK - like this amazing Bellis or Tasso Daisy (Bellis perennis Tasso series)

Honeysuckle by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Honeysuckle (Lonicera), a fragrant climber is a member of the woodbine family (Family Caprifoliaceae). 

Mahonia by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Mahonia is a genus of about 70 species of evergreen shrubs found in woodlands and rocky areas of the Himalayas, East Asia, and Central and North America.  In the UK is is commonly cultivated for its yellow fragrant Lily of the Valley- like flowers and its attractive green foliage. Mahonia produces edible berries which are also known as Oregon grape. Apparently they are good to eat, but contain a lot of seeds!

Aconite flowers by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Pretty Aconite flowers - however they contain poison, especially the roots! It is known to be lethal for cattle and goats to eat this. It is recommended that they are grown away from kitchen herb gardens. Aconite is also used in some pharmaceuticals and homeopathic medicine.

Aconite buds by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Lots of gorgeous yellow buds and flowers this week! See the open Aconite flowers tomorrow!

Yellow Achillea by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2013

Flowers, flowers and more flowers in this photo of Achillea filipendulina, also known as fern leaf Yarrow, sent in by Liz. This plant belongs to the daisy family. 

There will be more buds and flowers next week on Flowers by Friends!

Crocus Flowers by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

 Over in Scotland, these purple Crocus are flowering as the Winter ends.

Image copyright Frances Brown 2014

Here in Sydney these white crocus are flowering at the end of Summer!

Crocus buds by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Crocus are another of the first perennials to flower at the end of Winter.

Dutch Iris by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Dutch Iris is another bulb that flowers early in the season.

Dutch Iris buds by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Dutch Iris buds - see the flowers tomorrow on Flowers by Friends.

Snowflakes (Leucojum) & Snowdrops (Galanthus) by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Another lovely photo from Liz showing Snowflakes - the slightly taller flowers with green dots and Snowdrops. Snowflakes often have more than one flower per stem, while the smaller Snowdrops only have a single flower.

White Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalas) by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

Snowdrops are one of the first bulbs to flower at the end of winter - these ones are flowering now in Scotland. The name Galanthus means "milk flower".

White Heather (Calluna Vulgaris) by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2014

White Heather is less common than lilac or purple heather,  so it is considered to be lucky. Lucky for me that Liz sent me this photo, and I hope this picture brings you good luck!