Roses after the rain and before the storm

We had a bumper rose blossom for the last two week. After many days of light showers and meticulous fertilising of the fussy rose plants, the result was 27 small pink roses and a huge pink rose the size of a adult human's fist.

The storm this week will certainly damage the delicate petals. But I have taken pictures to serve as reminder of their beauty, albeit transient.

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Cake Decorating

My first attempt at wedding cake decoration after a few lessons.

Various types of roses and buds at different stages of blossom, some with chipped petals and aphids (fortunately, not noticeable unless you look closely).

The green dye from the "natural" selection was too dull while the one from the cheaper range was too bright - that was how we ended up with bright coloured leaves.

The observant would notice that the swan is incomplete, with missing wings.

My favourite part was ribbon insertion (right in front). I believe I did a good job at this. Piping should have been a breeze had my royal icing been a little thicker. Tying the sheer organza ribbons and sticking them around the sugar flowers were actually quite easy.

Mount Tomah - cool botanic gardens

Mount Tomah is 100 km west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains. Because of its elevated ground, some 1000 metres above sea level and irrigation from a constant supply of mountain water, many temperate plants that are not suited to the local climate are able to thrive in this garden.

Conifers, Rhododendrons and Heath gardens




Rock Garden and succulents









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