In spite of the extreme hot weather being experienced across the state this week, the plants in the conservatory have not fried. The combination of external shade cloth and humidity have allowed the plants to survive, in some cases thrive.
This small Phalaenopsis orchid is flowering for the second time in its new home. I won it at a raffle at an Ikebana International meeting some time in early 2024.
The little flowers are quite delightful close-up. I tend to describe our garden as conforming to the 'survival of the fittest' principle. Thus I feel I am not a good enough gardener to be a great fan of these plants, they just seem so delicate. However, it is clear that the right environment makes all the difference.
Yesterday our maximum temperature here by the sea was 35C. In the north of the state it was in the low 40Cs.
Looking east from above Bird Rock the beach was quite crowded, especially as the tide came in.
This is the view to the west from the same viewing platform. High tide and no exposed rocks, nor sand.
Because we were expecting a hot day, I was up early to ensure that the pot plants had sufficient water. I also picked some Hydrangeas, lest the bushes be wasted in the anticipated hot weather. Fortunately, the bushes survived quite well. Greater heat is predicted in the middle of this coming week.
My precaution allowed me to make this ikebana. I had picked four modest-sized, deep pink Hydrangeas and set three of them vertically on the right side of this unusual vase which has two side openings. In the higher opening on the left side of the vase I set a single New Zealand Flax Phormium leaf. I curled the leaf forward and threaded it through the flowerheads to hold it in position. When curling these leaves I prefer to make the curve "inside out". That is, curling the leaf in the opposite direction to its natural curve. In this case I brought the leaf forward, showing the back of the leaf. Doing this results in a smoother curve and prevents rippling of the edges which usually occurs when curling these leaves in the direction of their natural curve.
Greetings from Christopher
25th January 2026
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