Today's Flowers; Exotics;

Heliconia rostrata

Heliconia rostrata is one of the most recognized and widely grown species, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is still considered one of the most beautiful. The inflorescence it produces is one of the most colorful you will ever encounter. The mature plant normally starts to flower in the summer. The flowers last a long time and make an excellent cut flower. It is an easy grower in tropical areas but some room is required because the stalks can reach 7 feet in height. Bright shade is ideal with good moisture in the air and in the soil, but no soggy soils. Heliconias are also heavy feeders.

-related to Bananas and Bird of Paradise

-clump forming, erect banana like foliage

Allamanda cathartica;

A genus of tropical shrubs or vines belonging to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).

The genus Alamanda is native to South and Central America. Their year-round production of large, bright flowers have made the Allamanda popular ornamentals.

For Flowers from around the world click here please.

Tomatoes...essence of summer;

Despite the dry we had a great crop of tomatoes. They are grown organically, no pesticide at all. This summer not one tomato was infested by fruit fly.

Ingredients for my Tomato Chutney, truly delicious and healthy.

1 kg tomatoes ripe and red

1/2 tbl spoon salt

1 fresh chilli or 1 teaspoon chillipowder or tabasco to your liking,

1 piece (ca.2 cm) fresh, finely grated ginger,

250 g organic sugar,

1/2 tbl spoon Garam Masala

lots of garlic, at least 5 big cloves pressed through a garlic press,

2 dl apple vinegar.

Mix all the ingredients, tomatoes halfed, and let slightly bubble for 1 hour until like a jam.

Generally I leave skin and seeds as they are good for a healthy diet.

Fill in squeaky clean glass jars. These are recycled. Enjoy!