Superior Color Combination

Aphelandra sinclariana

This plant is a real winner. I’ve never seen this unusual shrub before in my life before stumbling upon it last year here at QSBG. What an interesting show it puts on too. It’s an off season bloomer, last year here at QSBG it bloomed late Dec.-early Jan. This year it just finished up in the middle of March. Last year I only spotted 1 gem of a specimen. This year there was an entire stand of plants, full of flowers, just waiting for visitors to admire these strange and very colorful blooms from Central America. They start out with an unusual golden-orange pagoda like shapes which peek out above its foliage which hangs in there but feels the effect of the hot tropical Thailand heat. These builds up for a few weeks and then the magenta gradated flowers emerge for a few more weeks. A big fluffy colorful delight. I just can't rave about this one enough.

The Jade Vine at QSBG

Strongylodon macrobotrys, also known as the jade vine is just spectacular. This emerald or turquoise flowering vine is native to the  tropical forest of the Philippines. One of the more rare vines in the world due to its difficulty to propagate from cutting and even more difficult to set fruit, having one in a collection is a huge achievment. This unusually colored vine, where the colors of the flowers change each day they as they age is so fantastic it seems unreal when you see the flowers in person. These photos were taken on the big arbor entrance to the Glasshouses.

QSBG Water Lily House

Water lilies are lovely this time of year. I remember coming up to visit the garden in May of 2013 and they were blooming their heads off then too. This year is no different. They are more lovely than ever. Walking into the Lily house is like walking through a house full of jewels. So many colors and shapes, each glorious on their own and magnificent all together as a grand lily show. I know some of you just can’t get up here to enjoy these water loving wonders so here is a sneak peek into the QSBG Water Lily house.

Interesting ceremonies

Thailand is full of unique and interesting ceremonies. Today was no different. In the main hall of the welcome center of QSBG this was no ordinary book giveaway. It was a golden filled palace like environment. Every detail seemed just perfect. Large photos of the King and Queen everywhere. Along with scores of folks in their finest military uniforms adorned with metals and stripes, there were also the local hill tribe people in their most colorful costumes. It was quite a sight. Then the announcer made his speech, which everyone understood but this foreigner. Then the books were handed out, diploma style like it was graduation at a university. I enjoy these ceremonies here in Thailand. They create importance and worth. And who doesn’t like a little showmanship every once in a while to spice up life a bit.

Behind the scenes greenhouses

Here at QSBG I get to see the behind the scenes viewpoint most of the day. 

One of the most impressive is back in the nursery area where workers tend to their plants tirelessly. It's full of color which is just great for me because I can communicate in color and with plants here in this blog post but the local language is not that easy. Anybody who loves plants would love to see endless tables and racks filled as far as your eyes can see with tropical plants. Lets take a look at today's journey.