‘It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold, when it’s summer in the light and winter in the shade.’
It was one of those days… the beginning of Springtime!
Love y’all, Camellia
*Quote by the great Charles Dickens ** Photographs obviously taken by me, here at the cottage.
The Flowering Quince, symbolic of Love, Prosperity and Blessings coupled with Energy in the midst of Adversity blooms in early Spring. The spiny shrub bursts forth in exuberant color after winter’s chill. To bloom, bring beauty amongst the thorny issues of Life seems to me a worthwhile aim and a reflection of God’s Grace within…
Wishing you a blessed Lord’s Day.
Love y’all, Camellia
* Photographs of the Flowering Quince here at the Cottage, are obviously taken by me this week, during an unseasonably warm February.
Known as ‘The Southern Rose’ … the Camellia grows very well in our climate. Around old home places and in botanical gardens, you will almost always find Camellias- I love them. They bloom in late January, February and on into March when almost nothing else is in bloom. In the language of flowers, Camellias are the epitome of enduring love. Most flowers shed the blossom petals first and then the center is left to fruit or to fall later; not so with Camellias- it blooms and then falls intact, unseparated by age or demise.
Asians considered the Camellia an appropriate wedding flower- in part because of the union of petals and calyx, which remain together for the lifetime of the blossom. The base of a Camellia is a fading but beautiful reminder of enduring love. The Colors of Camellias range from Deep Red to Pink to White with multitudes of hybrids in between.
An evergreen plant with beautiful glossy leaves, it looks good year round. Camellias seem particularly suited to this year of the Winter Games in South Korea. Koreans consider Camellias as a symbol of faithfulness and longevity. Alabama’s State Flower is the Camellia, generally considered as a Red Japonica- and almost always considered The Southern Rose– since many cultivars of roses are more difficult to grow.
Coco Chanel, the great fashion designer preferred Camellias to all others and used them in her iconic designs. Here, at Camellia’s Cottage, our Red Japonica Camellia is putting on a show. Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t resist…
If you are looking for a gift plant (hint: would be great for Valentine’s- give an IOU if you’ve forgotten!), a great housewarming gift, a bereavement plant or if you are planning your own garden- Camellias are always and forever, a sweet romantic addition. I hope you enjoy our very own Southern Rose!
Love y’all, Camellia
*All photographs are obviously mine. They taken early this morning, in which the light seemed to change the blossom color!
Magnolia scented Moonlight…
Starry Southern Nights…
Moonrise tugging on the tide…
Or peeping thru Pillow-y Clouds…
A big full Moon hanging, on a pitch black sky…
Twinkling Blinking Star Lights-
Wishing us Good Night!
When we consider all, the work God’s Hands have made.. And see the stars– we can’t help but be- in awesome wonder! And, must proclaim- ‘My God, how great Thou Art!’
Our Heavenly Father, seems to have endowed ‘Alabama the Beautiful’ with an extra measure of beauty- day or night! The ‘Night Skies’ photographs were taken by our very own Star! The Award Winning Jeremy Miniard! Camellia’s Cottage has been blessed to have Jeremy as an enthusiastic part of our team for almost two years! Since January brought not one but two glorious full moons and several stunning star filled nights- I asked Jeremy for a collection of Alabama moon and stars and- as you can see- he never disappoints! The struggle is coming up with words when his images speak volumes. Enjoy!
Love y’all, Camellia
*Words from the first part of the last paragraph are obviously a play on the iconic hymn- ‘How Great Thou Art!’ by Stuart K. Hine
*Stay tuned for more about Jeremy’s awards, we are thrilled for him! The photographs contained within are the sole property of Jeremy Miniard and are used with permission. Find him at jeremy-miniard.fineartamerica.com
In the language of Flowers, Roses speak of Love…
Whether in Spring Bud- full of sweet possibility and promise…
Or Winter’s gently fragrant comfort, speaking with wisdom, beauty and age.
Both as vibrant and vital to our well being as Love…
‘Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.’ I John 4: 11 KJV
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
Love y’all, Camellia
*Photographs of Dried Roses obviously taken by me. The roses were grown here, clipped to adorn our Cottage Christmas Wreath, when dried, the amazing colors and calm fragrance were an inspiration. Pottery tray by Earthborn Studios in Leeds, Alabama, Tena Payne- Potter. Find them at earthborn.net Amazing story and products!
Camellia's Cottage 