Monday, January 16, 2012

The Flora, the Fauna, and the Merry Weather



When we lived in California, right after I got my degree in Biology, I thought up this title for my book. I was going to write a book about the animal and plant life of California. But do you have any idea how insanely large an undertaking that would be? So I never got around to it.


However, while we were in Disney World I couldn't help but get sucked into all the gorgeous plants, flowers, birds, everything. Love.



So I snapped some goodies that I thought I'd share with you.



We found these guys just outside our patio. I think it's an egret and a black duck. Absolutely gorgeous at sunset.



These little fellas were trying to pick up our snacks. No way Jose!





As we walked to our place we found this pretty little blue flowers.



Based on my research, I'm going to call them blue plumbago.



But pretty little blue flowers works too. ;) Blue flowers are Eric's favorite, our eyes are immediately drawn to any blue flowers.



I just loved that Poinsettias were growing right outside. That never happens in Indiana.





You know I'm a sucker for orchids.



The California Grill had a large bouquet of them.



Gorgeous!



I loved this flowering cactus that we found ourselves sitting near when we were waiting to ride Thunder Mountain Railroad. So pretty. So I did a little research when we got home, and found out it's a Prickly Pear Cactus.



So words of advice: "Now when you pick a pawpaw
Or a prickly pear
And you prick a raw paw
Next time beware
Don't pick the prickly pear by the paw
When you pick a pear
Try to use the claw
But you don't need to use the claw
When you pick a pear of the big pawpaw
Have I given you a clue?"

No. Sorry.


World Showcase at sunrise.

And some more flowers from Epcot. I tell you someday I'd love to go to their Flower show in the spring.






A little chinese water lily. OK, not really sure if it's Chinese, but it was in China in the World Showcase. ;)



From the genus Osteospermum. No, I had to look that up. But Emily and I just loved their blue centers.



This is Emily's hand holding this one.



It was still warm enough for geraniums to still be in bloom.



"Bright, bright sunshiney day."


Check out the little water droplets!



Violas and petunias.



Violas in the diminishing sunlight.



I just loved that shade of blue.



On the Land ride, vanilla on the vine!



And dragon fruit. Who knew?!



I love the hydroponics. And actually this shows a bit of the aquaponic garden, fish under and plants above. Brilliant!

The evening we caught the fireworks show at Epcot, I couldn't help but be hypnotized by the palm trees in the firelight. How they don't burn up I don't know.



And the ball with the trees. Not to shabby for not having a tripod.



Lo, a rose ere bloomin'!



Because you know up here in Indiana, there are no roses ere blooming. Ah, wild roses.



Those flowers at the base of the castle just really took my breath away.






Spanish Moss.



A few of the flowers in Rapunzel's Garden. Impatiens and phlox.



And the last natural shot I got, Mickey and Minnie by the Castle.



How I love the works of the Disney Horticulturists.

Maybe I can be one when I grow up.

1 comments:

Kristi {at} Live and Love...Out Loud said...

Wow! You captured the flora and fauna of Disney World so nicely!

Just wanted to stop by and let you know that we announced our winter photography challenge today. I loved having you with us during the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge and would love for you to join us again! Stop by to learn more when you get a chance! Have a great day! :)