This is the time when our Easterlies that bring us colder temperatures now stopped and all we get is the hot air coming from the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, that hot air is courtesy of the El Niño phenomenon, now looming in that area, bringing us even hotter temperatures, longer dry season and concomitant adversity in crops, animals and humans alike. Temperatures are now at 33-36°C with heat index at 39C, and we are just starting the dry season. I can't imagine what is still coming.
Some provinces have already declared calamity status because of the scorching heat, cracking paddies and completely dried rice and corn plants. There are some available calamity funds, but that will not be able to sufficiently feed the needy, produce water for the crops and complete the cycle of production and food. This is a bad picture for the future, and this scenario might just be the beginning of worse scenarios that might come.
The Blooms
the last hurrah for the chrysanthemums that flowered due to longer nights
last blooms also for the marigolds that have been blooming before Christmas
lantana might still linger around they are hardy to hot temperatures and dry season
this red salvia looks wonderfully lovely even with the heat
Dracaena surculosa flowers bloom at night that turn pink at dehiscence and eventually produce berry-like fruits
this hibiscus gets enough watering now inducing lovely blooms, it tolerates drier environments
not sure if this belongs to the justicia genus, but it surely produce attractive blooms and bracts
Bougainvillea is a plant that tolerates our long dry season and hot months. They always produce plenty of blooms during this periods. At the back is a big cycas plant and a tall Dracaena bicolor.
My small Cycas revoluta is already old but still remains a small plant. It responds favorably to slight watering and full sun.
The Weeds
an unknown weed that has lovely very small blue flowers, as small as 5mm petals.
weeds near our place are already drying
these are the already dried weeds en-masse
The Hoyas
Hoya nakarensis
Hoyas are receiving special care, or more watering compared to other plants. Of course they are my special pets, bought also from different sources and already used a lot of resources. They have to respond favorably as well. But they also suffer much stress this season.
Hoya mindorensis
Hoya mindorensis
Hoya ilagiorum
Hoya paziae
Nice pictures of flowers. Sixth picture is my favorite. Very good macro
ReplyDeleteIt is worrying to read about your weather changes. Our weather has also changed in recent years, but without such devastating results. I always imagine you having beautiful weather, but maybe a little too hot. The lack of rain already is very concerning. Your flowers are looking lovely. I hope you can keep them alive during the hot season.
ReplyDeleteWeather is changing all over the world, can understand you are worried about the drought. We had far too much rain the last few months, the garden was soaked and together with some very cold nights it was a nightmare for many herbacious plants, we will wait and see.... I'm always impressed about your wonderful Hoyas and the wonderful tropical flora of your place in the world.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous collection of flowers. Your photos are lovely. Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers. I enjoyed my walk through your garden.
ReplyDeleteYour flower are interesting, most very different from what we have in the middle of the U.S. I hope your weather improves. Thanks for visiting my blog. I do the garden clean up over a number of days, and love spending time out there, once winter is over.
ReplyDeleteamazing pics of hoyas, they are so perfect they could be artificial. The scenario you paint is very scary, that climate change is already affecting food production. I think the next generation will have very different lifestyles to us.
ReplyDeleteamazing pics of hoyas, they are so perfect they could be artificial. The scenario you paint is very scary, that climate change is already affecting food production. I think the next generation will have very different lifestyles to us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers Andrea .. The yellows and oranges are always favorites of mine ...like little patches of sunshine. El Niño is doing weird things to the weather all over. I hope your garden survives the heat.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your comment on my blog about naming the chickens! Showed that to my husband, who grew up in the country and had that same experience with farm animals that ended upon the dinner table).
So many beautiful flowers! many I have never seen before. They are all worlds unto themselves, Andrea.
ReplyDeleteI like your shot of the Dracaena surculosa; tiny flowers of snowflakes formation. Your succulent Hoya seems to be thriving in the heat of the Equinox.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty - the benefits of living in a tropical climate. But I'll take our snow over that heat - we never experience that level of heat here!
ReplyDeleteEl Nino brought us milder winter weather, which was a relief after last year's record-breaking cold and snow. But it was not good news for those who depend on the winter tourist economy (skiing, snowmobile trails, ice fishing). If El Nino years become more frequent as a result of climate change, it will bring negative consequences for all of us.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the hot colors of your tropical flowers, especially at this time of year when my world tends to be a bit lacking in color! -Jean
That is very hot! Sorry about the extreme weather. We get that warm sometimes, but not for very long. Although I hear we are supposed to have a hot summer this year. Your plants look great despite the heat and dryness. I'm thinking about planting Bougainvillea in pots this summer, to bring in during the winter. They are so glorious draping over a trellis or an arbor. The Salvias and Lantanas are two of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful selection of amazing flower photos, Andrea. I do hope you get some respite from the terrible weather. El Niño has widespread effects and we see it wreaking havoc here in Australia also.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for participating in the Floral Friday Fotos meme.
My goodness that is hot...here our weather is warmer but not warm enough long enough to get much going yet...I hope it levels out for you so the heat is not too awful.
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