Albizia julibrissin or more commonly the "Silk Tree".
Delicious pink & cream silky flowers
A long time favourite of mine & one of the (many) things I miss about having my own garden. A rather spindly looking sapling of this species was the first ever tree I planted in the first large garden I created.
I'd just finished laying a large cobblestone patio & had created some raised beds around it - in one corner, in view of the kitchen window, I planted a spindly specimen of Albizzia. In a few short years it grew to provide the most wonderful dappled shade over part of the patio.
I loved following the paths of the seasons through that tree, but the best part of all was always January & February when it flowered.
On Saturday while driving through the city I realised it was that time - so went home & grabbed my camera & took some photo's of a few that I could see from the street. No cloud & bright relentless sunshine did not make this an easy task.....
Delicious pink & cream silky flowersA long time favourite of mine & one of the (many) things I miss about having my own garden. A rather spindly looking sapling of this species was the first ever tree I planted in the first large garden I created.
I'd just finished laying a large cobblestone patio & had created some raised beds around it - in one corner, in view of the kitchen window, I planted a spindly specimen of Albizzia. In a few short years it grew to provide the most wonderful dappled shade over part of the patio.
I loved following the paths of the seasons through that tree, but the best part of all was always January & February when it flowered.
On Saturday while driving through the city I realised it was that time - so went home & grabbed my camera & took some photo's of a few that I could see from the street. No cloud & bright relentless sunshine did not make this an easy task.....
Planted close to a fence they will shoot mainly upwards
Left to do it's own thing.
Reaching skywards due to close tree neighbours
Perfect Umbrella shape when left with room to spread
Oh yeah - I remember sitting out there in the shade of one this shape with a nice Gin & Tonic , or wine in the evenings ;o)
I didn't even mind the clean up of the fallen flowers, & later in the season, the leaves.
I didn't even mind the clean up of the fallen flowers, & later in the season, the leaves.
