Pretty protea

My friend Lindy grows the best proteas. She gave me seeds once, but they didn't germinate. I really don't know much about them, except that they are South African, and they don't like a lot of fertilizer. The big black centered ones are spectacular. I think they are the king proteas. The trees or bushes often have a lovely shape. An Italian friend, Anna, says they are ugly, like artichokes,but I think they are sturdy but intricate.

After a few attempts which failed because of wet roots(this is a really damp place in winter), we finally had success, and now have a flourishing little tree. Flowers inside remind me of Grandma (Smyth), who always had a vase of flowers at home. Today they are a tribute to my uncle, William McMillan, who passed away last week in Ireland. He was a fun uncle when I was little. He made good pancakes with raisins in them!

The protea grow in the front garden, which I don't have much to do with- it is a damp spot and we have lost a few plants there. At the moment there are a couple of olive trees amongst others... As well as the protea.

This was the best apple of the crop. There are 5 trees, and the first apples to ripen were these- early MacIntosh is the name. Sweet and red. And for some reason they were not attacked by any pests.

Too wet to garden again today. A good chance to plan where to plant next spring's vegetables.