Last
week I visited the hortus botanicus in Amsterdam. This old botanical garden is
an oasis of peace in the busy city.
As I
walk toward the pond my heart jumps for joy. The lotus is flowering! In my
opinion the lotus is the most beautiful flower in the world. It has been at
least 25 years since I saw a lotus flowering! I immediately sit down on the
bench next to the pond and start writing this blog to capture this delightful moment.
The diameter
of the pond is approximately 5 m. Dozens of dragonflies are flying across the
water surface. Occasionally a cabbage butterfly swirls around. The lotus
flowers gently sway back and forth in the wind.
Everything
about this plant is beautiful. The stem of the circular leafs are, quite rare,
in the middle. The leaf surface is waxy. The water droplets on it are shining
like pearls. This particular lotus has a serene white colour. The extraordinary
seedpods are visible In the middle of the flower.
These
dried seedpods you sometimes find in flower arrangements. You can hear the
seeds rattle when you shake the ripe seedpods.
You
might be tempted to sow some lotus seeds, but unfortunately, that will not work
for me. The lotus needs a heated pool of at least 20 degrees C. Even for the
most beautiful flower in the world, I think that is too much of a hassle.
That's
why I just sit on the bench.
Watching,
and enjoying the moment!
Lotus.
Later, the seed pod....
..turns into green
Seed pod, very decorative.
Droplets on the leaves.
The pond in the botanical garden of Amsterdam.
In my opinion, the most beautiful flower.
I link up with:
|
Wow that is pretty! It looks good enough to eat - like candy or butter!
ReplyDeleteYou may well be right, Hetty - although I would have a hard time choosing between a lotus and a dahlia.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/09/orchids-other-worldly.html
Gorgeous photography
ReplyDeleteBreath taking. Almost looks like a confection.
ReplyDeleteThat is one beautiful flower I've never seen before. Great photography. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow! It looks like some delicious dessert inside...
ReplyDeleteAgree. It is incredible beautiful. Perfect!
How fascinating! I didn't know lotus seed pods looked like that. I had to feature it for Flower Friday.
ReplyDeleteVery special and lovely!
ReplyDeleteWow! Lovely pictures of a beautiful flower :)
ReplyDelete