Green Lily (Spathiphyllum floribundum) by Janet

Image copyright 2014 Janet Denne

Green flowers are quite unusual in the plant world, but this green lily, photographed by Janet, is very beautiful. 

Spathiphyllum floribundum is also known as the Snow flower or Peace lily.  The true flowers are formed in the centre column (the spadix) and protected by the green outer sheath, known as the spathe.

White Agapanthus by Georgie

Image copyright Georgie Brown 2013

A pretty white cluster of Agapanthus buds and flowers photographed by Georgie

Agapanthus by Georgie

Image copyright Georgie Brown 2013

Agapanthus, with its clusters of blue-purple flowers will grow well in shady areas of the garden. Agapanthus are related to lilies. It is important to cut off the dead flower heads to prevent the seeds spreading into bushland.

Wild Pansy (Viola tricolour) by Liz

Image copyright Liz Orr 2013

I thought I'd start the week with some colour - this glorious Viola tricolour (also known as Wild Pansy or Heartsease) was photographed by Liz, in Scotland. There are also some Forget-me-nots in the background.

Singapore orchid by Janet

Image copyright Janet Denne 2014

Another gorgeous photo of a Singapore orchid by Janet.

Singapore Orchids by Janet

 Image copyright Janet Denne 2014

Artwork by Michelle

Image copyright 2013 Michelle Mabbott

This year Flower by Friends will also feature artwork with flowers - like this gorgeous pastel drawing, "Dreaming of a white lily" by Sydney artist Michelle Mabbott.

Vireya by Janet

Image copyright Janet Denne 2014

As well as having vibrantly coloured flowers, Vireya rhododendron plants have an gorgeous glossy green foliage.

Flowers by Friends is back for 2014!

Image copyright Janet Denne 2014

Flowers by Friends is back for 2014 with a new wider format, and larger pictures.  Today's flower, by Janet,  is Vireya, a gorgeous type of Rhododendron. There are over 100o different flowering plants in the Rhododendron genus, which also includes the azaleas.

Poppies by Pat

Artwork copyright 2013 Pat Crawford

Flowers by Friends is having a well deserved break, and will be back again, with some new changes from mid January 2014.  In the meantime, you can still see a new flower each weekday on Flower of the Day.

Thank you to all my friends and family who have contributed to these pages.

Wishing you beauty and joy in your life for 2014,

from Frances