Monday, September 07, 2009

Think Pink

Spring Symphony Comes In Many Colours

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


As a child, I always wondered about the expression "as fresh as a daisy". Surely, I thought, there were other flowers that were bigger, taller, brighter, more infused with wonderful perfume …..

You see, I grew up in Calcutta, India, where we had a sprawling garden that was big enough for a badminton court near the driveway, a full-length cricket pitch near the back door, as well as an enclosed sanctuary where such missiles as soccer balls and cricket balls could not do any damage – and several long, broad garden beds.

So in my childish mind, there were many varieties that looked fresher than daisies, which I thought were probably a bit mundane.

Then I grew up (ostensibly) and married Mrs Authorblog and I became the designated gardener, teaching each of the Authorbloglets in turn everything I knew about horticulture. So when we built our own home and I had the great pleasure of designing and planning the garden, I planted some daisies that act as a beacon of the seasons.

There are huge mounds of golden-yellow daisies in winter, white daisies in late winter and now the scarlet daisies as spring loosens winter’s grip. And yes, I have finally realised that "fresh as a daisy" is entirely accurate and legitimate.


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

29 comments:

Merisi said...

Gorgeous flowers,
and probably the first pink daisies I have ever seen!

clairedulalune said...

I love these flowers! Daisy's are one of my favourites!

Janie said...

The pink ones are beautiful, but I do love the traditional white and yellow ones, too. If I'd grown up in exotic Calcutta, though, I'd probably have a lot more flower varieties from which to define "fresh"!

Deborah said...

Beautiful photos. My close friend, Dr. Hazura Singh, told me many wonderful stories about India...how his mother fed milk to a cobra living in their yard where the children played! He has passed, and how I miss him.

♥ Braja said...

Now you have me asking myself why anything with the word "pink" in it makes me instantly happy :)

As for daisies, despite having lived in India for 8 years now and owning a garden full of all sorts of beautiful and exotic local flowers, the daisy is definitely the proud owner of the "fresh" label, isn't it? I love the white ones....

i beati said...

my favorite - a beacon of happiness

Maggie May said...

Daisies are from the Marguerite family so are BOUND to be good!
Lovely!

Rosaria Williams said...

Now we want to see the rest of the garden; even though it is barely spring down there, things must be blooming.

Susan English Mason said...

Gorgeous. You had me at pink.

Mrs. O said...

I' love to grow those, they remind me of the color of echinacea.

Ju said...

Such a nice post. These daisies are gorgeous too. Wish I were a good gardner, I just don't have a clue.

CiCi said...

Wow, those are real daisies in your garden??? They are beautiful.

Sylvia K said...

I love daisies! These are the first pink ones I've ever seen and they are delightful! Beautiful shot for the day, David!

Enjoy!

Sylvia

San said...

A fresh harbinger, David. We have a bit of a fall snap in the air today, just as you're feeling those balmy spring breezes.

Why do the people downunder do it all backwards?

:-D

My word verification is COMPLY. Honest.

jay said...

Those are stunning photographs!

Hmm... 'as fresh as a daisy' .. I suppose it originally did mean the white ones, and I wonder if it's to do with their bright, clean appearance? I shall have to look it up!

Joanna Jenkins said...

What a fabulous shade of pink! Beautiful.
Thanks for sharing.
xo

Hilary said...

Looking forward to seeing your gardens blossom and grow as ours just begins to fade.. sigh!

Digital Flower Pictures said...

I feel the Daisy's beauty stems from its simple elegance. The Daisy family (Asteraceae) has over 25,000 species so chances are anyone can find a flower that they like.

Like Hilary I am looking forward to see more flowers. In a few short months we won't have anything here.

JamaGenie said...

I "get" why white daisies are considered "fresh", but don't recall ever seeing pink ones. How lovely!

secret agent woman said...

Funny to see a post about spring flowers are leaves are starting to turn red here. I have always loved the sweet simplicity of daisies.

Pat said...

I love these fresh-as-a-daisy fuchsia-colored daisies!

Sandi McBride said...

How perfectly gorgeous! I know that you are going to enjoy your spring delights, pink or not!
Sandi

Lori ann said...

Thank you for sharing these beautiful flowers, such pretty photos.

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Never have I seen a pink daisy! Absolutely gorgeous, David! Just amazing!

myonlyphoto said...

David, my response - Okay! lol.

Excellent photos, Anna :)

PS I don't usually invite people over my blog because it is voluntary, but I think you will enjoy my latest postcard :).

Shadow said...

you know, i too thought a daisy to be... well.... just a plain old daisy. and then i grew up. and now i have them all over my garden. they are such happy flowers...

Anonymous said...

Daisy daisy, give me your answer do.
Natures simplest flower, of dappled lawn and daisy chains...lovely.
Spring eh? And here I am thinking of showing my autumnal Virginia Creeper.

Tulip said...

pretty purple flowers.

my entry http://southbrowneyes.blogspot.com/

Willow said...

I used white and yellow daisies in my wedding decorations because they have fresh and happy faces. And marriages should all be as fresh and happy as a daisy.