Brightening things up: some offerings from our Jamaican garden

I thought my blog needed a little “refresher” – there has been too much “heavy stuff” lately. So, here’s a little brightness and colour this Saturday evening.

We have had rain, sun, more rain and more sun for the past few weeks. As a result, our already rather overgrown garden has gone into overdrive. Everything is growing like crazy. Our occasional gardener says he is overwhelmed with work, and can hardly cope. Here is a taste of the joyous explosion of Nature splashing around in our yard, as we slow down towards the end of the year.

The gorgeous “King of the Forest” (Cassia alata) is a relatively new arrival in our garden. I understand it is native to this region and according to my little research, in Jamaica it is believed to be helpful in reducing hypertension and certain skin defects. It apparently has anti-inflammatory qualities. I just love to watch it unfold. I am not seeing the promised accompanying butterflies, but I do see small ants exploring the golden buds…

It’s a part of my healing process, I think, wandering around the garden with my iPhone.

A White Peacock butterfly; What is left of our moringa tree (which died) determinedly flowering, and a cluster of pale pink bougainvillea hangs in our poui tree; and some other flowers I cannot name (sorry – I am better at naming birds)

Life is not gloom and doom. Tomorrow is Sunday, when we enjoy our garden the most.