floria

No summer floral display is complete without striking, sculptural dahlias. With a dazzling range of forms, colors, and sizes to choose from. Dahlias are vibrant beauties. Source: www.gardenexpress.com.au/growing-guide/planting-growing-g...

The star-like flowers of the boronias have long enchanted bushwalkers in various parts of Australia from the east to the west coast. Add to this the delicate floral perfumes and cut flower qualities of species such as the brown boronia (B. megastigma) and you have a group of plants worthy of the attention of gardeners. It should be said, however, that boronias do not rank among the easiest of plants in the garden but it is fair to say that with the right attention to horticultural detail you can enjoy delightful displays of this outstanding group of Australian plants. If you treat boronias as short-lived perennial shrubs in your garden then you can enjoy them while they last without being overly disappointed if they do not become a more permanent part of the landscape. Boronias belong to the citrus family (Rutaceae) which is characterized by the presence of all kinds of interesting essential oils in the foliage and flowers. By holding a leaf up to a light source you will usually see translucent dots that represent the oil glands that are spread across each leaf. Crushing the foliage usually unleashes a scent that can vary from delightful to distressing, depending on which member of the family you are examining. Boronias are typical in this regard and foliage fragrances vary from the pleasing lemon-like Boronia citriodora to an odor, not unlike that left by a tom cat marking its territory as in B. pinnata. A number of the boronias also have wonderfully perfumed flowers such as brown boronia and native rose (Boronia serrulata). The Melbourne suburb Boronia was named for its historical connection with the highly perfumed brown boronia. Even though this species occurs naturally in Western Australia it was widely grown for its outstanding qualities as a cut flower by local councilor Albert Chandler who happened to also be a nurseryman and cut flower grower. Source: www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/boronias-for-beginners-2/

Nymphaea gigantea is a species of aquatic perennial herbaceous plant native to Australia and New Guinea.[2][3] N. gigantea is a tropical and sub-tropical species that establishes tubers in the muddy bottoms of still waters. Petals can be seen to be a light purple-blue when they first blossom. As they become mature plants they become a light blue, or can even be white.[4] Due to its blue-white color, it is also known as “Blue Cloud", and typically flowers between the months June and July. Source: inaturalist.ala.org.au/taxa/334777-Nymphaea-gigantea