Golden Glories

I managed to be in Portland, Oregon during this summer's heat spell. And it was a doozie. I felt sorry for the flowers. Most like cooler climates and weren't doing too well, but these Gloriosa Daisies were happy little campers.

"Golden Glories" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Tiger's Claws

I found this spectacular flower in Costa Rica last month and it took me a while to track down it's botanical name, but thanks to my gardening friends I now know it's called a Gloriosa superba "Rothschildiana". That's a mighty big name for this stunning member of the lily family. Native to Africa and Asia, this tropical flower resembles a burning flame. It's also known as Tiger's Claws; why, I'm not sure.

"Tiger's Claws" © Kathy Dunham 2008