Monday, December 15, 2008

A Touch Of Paris

Geraniums Make The World Go Round

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


One of the many things I remember about Paris was the beautiful window boxes in the many apartment buildings. The summer we were there, most of the window boxes were awash with red geraniums and the white variety as well.

It wasn't until we bought out first home that I realised how easy it is to grow geraniums. The other bonus, of course, is that they require little of no maintenance. In our present home, we have flowers of many varieties, but I have never planted geraniums although I have this inescapable thought that there are some large ceramic pots out the front which could do with some bright colour.


I reckon there's a fair chance there'll be some geraniums there in the next few days, to bolster the petunias that have been a blaze of colour since the first week of October.

These shots were taken on the huge main staircase at Southbank, here in Melbourne. I guess there's not many countries in the world where you see Christmas baubles and geraniums in the same place. But yes, it is summer here .... and now if you'll excuse me, I need to get my gardening gloves, my potting mix and put something out the front of the house.

Yeah, okay, so I've been inspired by these pictures. Gotta run.


Visit Luiz Santilli Jr for the home of Today's Flowers.

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

Most unusual juxtaposition! You're right we don't see those together often.

Luiz Santilli Jr said...

Hi David

Fantastic effect!
Two different focus to the same view, two different views!
Great post!
Next week I wait to see your Christmas photos!!

Luiz

Rune Eide said...

Have fun (for all of us)!!

Craig Glenn said...

I'm dreaming of a white christmas... but alas, I still live in Florida... so no.

Craig

Daisy said...

Really pretty- I love these. Especially with the baubles- I can tell you we're not seeing that here in Paris right now!!

Katney said...

Great shot as qlaways--could you send just a little of that summer warm this way. It's 14ยบ F. here today--in Celsius that's hmmmm, let me see--really cold!

♥ Denise BC ♥ said...

Very beautiful image of the flowers and ornaments for Christmas.
hugs, Denise BC

Arija said...

Fun pics. Happy gardening!

kayleen said...

As I type, it's 8F or -13C. Planting flowers is but a dream. Plant some pretty ones for the rest of us! Lovely photos as always.

Gill - That British Woman said...

I was confused for a minute, until I realised you live "down under." Then it all made sense.

I over winter my geraniums in our cold cellar here in Canada

Gill in Canada

Day4plus said...

Perfect!! Summer and Christmas. Aren't red geranuims the greatest!! MB

Daryl said...

I dont know why I never thought about it but Christmas in the summer is odd ..

I looked at the photos before I read the post and wondered why someone would have Christmas-y balls and summer flowers ...

I think in my warped mind 'you downunderers' had Christmas in your winter ... which now that I give it 'voice' I realize how absurd that was and continue to wonder why I am still typing

:-Daryl

Lee said...

Really cool images, David! The red and white geraniums are pretty but it's the pink ones that are catching my eye.

This is the first time you've mentioned the season in a while. These images are helping me get my mind around the fact that your seasons seem so topsy turvy to mine.

Peace! Hope! & Joy!

Queen-Size funny bone said...

I have mixed feelings, Geraniums remind me of spring and the other Christmas. Oh I'm so confused.

Bee said...

Yes, for a Northern Hemisphere person it is quite strange to see these "summer" flowers and Xmas baubles mixing together so cheerfully.

Maggie May said...

Lovely combination but it does seem strange to see your Christmas decorations in summer! Maybe that is how you feel about our Christmases being cold?

Anonymous said...

Fabulous. I love the ornaments and the garland with those red and white blooms behind :0)
Enjoy your gardening Daved...

DrowseyMonkey-Photos said...

Oh what gorgeous photos! And yes, I love geraniums ... even I have success with them! lol

sweetmom said...

lovely flowers, love geraniums...

Anonymous said...

Oh wow... those geraniums looks so pretty!

My Today's Flower is posted here. Please drop by if you have the time. Thanks!

Digital Flower Pictures said...

Keep posting the flowers please they are a welcome sight.

When I was a kid we used to raise about 5,000 Geraniums per season and I can still get a little queasy from the smell. I still like growing them. If you have a chance look for the ivy leafed types. The breeding has been amazing.

squawmama said...

what a contrast between the flowers and the ornaments... Different... Thanks for posting it...

(((HUGS)))
Donna

Vylat said...

Hi Dave, I like your Geraniums. You are right, very low maintenance, just give them sunlight. Do you have Poinsettia flowers for Christmas?

The Quintessential Magpie said...

There are few things I love more than a window box. These prove my point!

Thanks for sharing...

Sheila

The Good Life in Virginia said...

like the christmas touch with the geraniums...a great combo.
thanks for sharing.

Sylvia K said...

What a great combination! I remember the flower boxes in Paris, too. I've had good luck with geraniums, hope to have a new window box full of them this spring. But these for Christmas, while not practical here, are really lovely there!

Shellie said...

OK, that was just rude to talk about gardening as I sit here in below freezing weather, but the pictures, are gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I leave my Geraniums in window boxes all winter having taken cuttings in Autumn, if they survive, well and good, if not I have cuttings to plant in Spring. So far they are still blooming, even after some 0% nights.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: Very nice variety of colors on your flowers.

i beati said...

trying to let the diverse colors take over hmmmnnn

Hilary said...

It sure is an odd combination to my eyes.. but lovely.