Tag: Växter

Spring is in the air…

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Back home and back to my usual routines here in Malta.

Last Saturday we spent the whole day in Majjistral National Park.It’s not often that I see mushrooms growing here in Malta, but here is one.

Snart blommar Mimosan / Soon the mimosa blooms.

The nature, the plants, everything are so different from what you find in the rainforest in Sarawak, Borneo. Very soon the mimosa blooms as seen in one of the image above. The very best about coming home is to be close to Fanny again. Away is good but home is best.

Some Fun Growths & Fanny

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There is a lot of growth to be found in nature now here in Malta.

Here are some of more or less funny plants that I saw last weekend when we visited Il-Bajja tal-Ġnejna. Another exciting nature park we never visited before. But thanks to Fanny we still find new places to explore.I’ve never seen anything like this. Looks edible! Wonder how this one will look when growth ends.A cool growth hairstyle.For me, the most precious growth, when Fanny became part of our family.

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Growth

Monday’s Malta pics

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Macro photography is always fun and I guess this is a hornet, Vespa crabro, or Bålgeting as we say in Swedish. I see many of them now among our hibiscus on the terrace. Sadly, with fewer plants the butterflies are gone.The plant blooms but the leaves are more yellow than green. Perhaps more care and nutrition are needed. Finally, there are lots of spiders to find in Ta Qali National Park, this one is about two inches. More to come…

In search of Autumn

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When the prickly pear cactus fruit are ready to eat, it’s autumn. This delicious fruit has a sweet, melon-like aroma and grows wild throughout Malta and Gozo. Tasty and said to be healthy but with a prickly skin. This giant flower, like the other images in this post were chosen for their colors, to give a sense of autumn. First of October and yet few signs of autumn while the temperature slowly drops, today we have 28 degrees. Did you know that Malta enjoy around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, one of the highest rates in Europe!

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
― Albert Camus–

The importance of Insects

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Insects, flowers and pollen. A fantastic combination for reproduction, created by nature.“If we were to wipe out insects alone on this planet, the rest of life and humanity with it would mostly disappear from land. Within a few months”
-E.O. Wilson-

Selmun Bay

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Last weekend we went to Selmun Bay after we heard that there should be a nice dog-friendly sandy beach. Getting there was quite challenging, this is NOT a one way road! Fortunately, we didn’t meet any cars.Here we are! Looks nice and very dry up here, but we have to climb down a steep slope to reach the beach.

We soon realize that the water and the sandy beach is black! Black and full of seaweed! And where the water is clear it’s very rocky and slippery which makes it difficult to walk, especially when holding Fanny in my arms.But we manage to take a quick dip and a few meters from the shore the bottom consists of soft sand.Back from the water and Fanny has decided that it’s enough for today. No more swimming, now I just want to relax and observe what others are doing on the beach and in that black muddy water.

Fanny is obviously not the only one who prefers to stay on dry land.

All pictures in this post were taken with my digital camera Panasonic Lumix TZ100 that I rarely use for the reason that I still haven’t learned how to use it. I used only P-mode but I’m pleased with the quality and will try to use it more. The weight is only 300 gram compared to my Canon 1,5 kilo.

Summer shades…

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It’s very dry now here on the island.These are seen on many dry plants right now, I’ve no idea why.A glimpse of Selmun church is seen in the background.Fortunately, there are some plants that survive the heat.On a Sunday in mid July, most people here in Malta choose to have fun on the beach, 30 degrees or swim in the sea, 26 degrees. I think I’ll do the same. Wish You a great Sunday, wherever You are on this planet. Splash!!! 

Happy Birthday!

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Today is Fanny’s birthday and she’s now one year old. We have had here since she was three months and this post is dedicated to my lovely Basenji. A clever engaging breed with great personality and a strong own will……and with a very special tail.Here she’s only three months old and just arrived from Sweden to our home in Malta. Today she runs free in Ta Qali without leash, always coming back when we call or if we hide.

Always looking for something.
Hiding in the grass. Today, the green grass is gone because of the heat.
She really loves the sun.
I don’t know why but Fanny has always enjoyed chew on stones and I have noticed that’s a commmon habit even in other dogs.
Tired.
Tired after running too much.
Playful!
What are you looking at? 😀
We have only meet one Basenji so far here in Malta. They are not common at all and I think there are not more than 5-6 dogs of this breed here on the island..

Click on an image to enlarge. There are a short text to every image.Did You Know?
*The Basenji, whose name means Bush Thing, is one of the most ancient breeds of dog.

*Basenjis have been around very long, they hung out with the ancient Egyptians. In fact, there is evidence of the dogs existing as far back as 4000 BCE. Each is different and unique, and each breed provides dogs that have their own personality traits.

*Well known as the “barkless” dog from Africa, the Basenji attracts admirers with his short coat, small, muscular body, alert manners, erect ears, and tail curled tightly over one hip. A wrinkled brow gives him a quizzical and sometimes mischievous expression.

*In Kenya, the dogs are used to lure lions out of their caves, as Basenjis not are afraid of bigger animals. Masai hunters use about four of these dogs at one time to find lions and get them out in the open. Once a lion leaves the safety of its cave, hunters form a circle around the big cat to take it down.

*Like cats, Basenjis like to lick themselves clean. They shed very little and have no undercoat, so they do not tolerate the cold very well. They tend to find the sunniest spot to take a nap.

*Basenjis love to play and play. They act like puppies even into old age. They are very comical to watch and provide entertainment for their owners.

*Basenjis are very intelligent and quick learners but that does not make them easy to train. They are very independent and usually have an agenda of their own.

 

Happy Midsummer!

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In the midsummer’s eve, according to Swedish tradition, seven kinds of flowers should be picked and put under the pillow. If you like to know how to celebrate midsummer in Sweden Click here. Two very special flowers from a very special blog friend.
Thank you BP, they are still in my kitchen after four years.“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…
it’s about learning to dance in the rain”

Seventh Heaven On the 7th Floor

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It was on our roof terrace I took my first macro images.A few years ago we bought seeds in an attempt to grow rhubarb. But it didn’t succeed.

Spiders! Click on an image to enlarge.

It’s early in the spring and my dear man is cleaning while I take a selfie in the window of our office.

I’m not sure how many different kinds of flowers we have had but these are some of them.

One of my husband’s many fun experiments. Can you really fry an egg in the sun? Obviously!!Our terrace as it once looked and below, what it looks like right now. Yes, added some color. Our office, my dear husbands atelier and our dining room that we use every summer are gone after twelve years. Of our flowers and plants there are only a very few left and so are the butterflies and other insects. Looking at the stars in the sky and the moon that shine but this is not my Seventh heaven anymore. Fanny, Yeah, come on!!! Rock ‘n’ roll!!!

All images in this post have I taken on our roof terrace over the years gone by…
…apart from the last one.

Shades of Red

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Today I just want to spread some color!  My favorite flower and color, the Bougainvillea on top.A Flower fly is looking for nectar in the flowers of Ta Qali National Park.Color & flower.

Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 2

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Last time, we went along the narrow path to the small buildings that you can see in distance at above image. From there we continued our walk in search for the staircase up to the plateau, where we got lost.Here we are still on our way to the buildings by the sea and the path is easy to follow. My dear man carries my pink bag with water, my macro lens and some snacks. Fanny is the leader while I, as usually, walk behind.Surrounded by huge cliffs……and the Mediterranean Sea below.

I could follow the path for hours. Hear are lots of beautiful and small flowers.
This wooden bridge was not entirely safe to walk on.
Suddenly we are surrounded by high grass..
A steep slope of dry mud. A place I’d not choose to walk on after a rainy day.
Always curious about what’s waiting around the corner.
Don’t look up, don’t look down look where you put your feet, it´s quite deep down to the sea..

The scenery varies quite a lot but we just have to follow the narrow path and there’s no risk of getting lost.Finally, by the sea to rest for a while. I dip my feet in the water before continuing our walk around the corner.

Water and some chicken for Fanny…

…while I take a look at some of the pictures I have in my camera that I’ve taken along the way. Now I realize that even this post will be too long so I finish as last time with a picture of my beloved and brave Basenji Fanny. Part 3 will come later but to give you a clue, there were no easy paths around the corner…

Soft Sunday…

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Instead of Silent Sunday. But the pictures may speak for themselves anyway.
Today we spent another day at Majjistral National Park in search for the way around, more to come…

Poppies

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Poppies, or Vallmo as we say in Swedish, are one of the most beautiful wild flowers I know and very common during spring here in Malta. Looks like this one is dancing, despite some lost petals.I always think about Princess Cakes when I see the pistil of these flowers.Stamens and pistils along with amazing colors create a beautiful flower. Nature is a wonderful world.

Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 1

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In my last post, I mentioned that we went hiking in Majjistral Nature Park last Saturday. We walked for about three hours and we got lost. These are just a very few of all the pictures I took, just to give an impression of how it looks in the park. You can choose between walking at the flat plateau which we did the first time… …for more adventure you can choose to walk along the slopes on narrow winding paths, and that’s what we did this time. Me, my husband and our brave Basenji Fanny. Here at the beginning the walkway is quite wide.Our first stop will be at the small buildings by the water. When we were here last time we thought this was a dead end but on our way back we meet a couple who said that you can continue around the corner and further up there are a stairway where you can get up to the plateau. No need to go back and just a few hours walk.

This trip can easily be a very long trip since I stop all the time to take pictures. Here´s the second butterfly I seen so far this year. Sadly, my macro lens was in my bag, but I managed to take some close ups anyway.Now the paths have become more narrow and the slopes down towards the sea are steeper.We will soon arrive at the small buildings where we will rest before moving on to see what’s waiting around the corner. It became quite exciting, but I’ll leave that until part two. Before I finish, I have to mention my beloved four-legged friend. She’s soon nine months old, still a puppy but very clever and so brave. She proved that on several occasions during the next part of our adventure.💖💖

I think this post may fit well with the theme of breathe with its breathtaking views, the breathtaking adventures, and our deep breaths when we were exhausted after climbing and when we realized we were lost. If that’s not enough then it’s obvious above how Fanny breathes.

Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s / Theme: Breathe

 

Future

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This week, Frank invites us to share one or more photos that makes us think about the future.Yesterday, we were hiking for three hours in the Majjistral National Park where nature is stunning. The sea, the huge rocks in different shapes, all wild flowers and the swirling footpaths gives a feeling of being truly in the middle of nature. That we totally went lost is another story…Nature is both delicate and strong. As long as we let nature take care of itself, it will also survive…

One of many threats to the future of our nature is plastic. In the deep oceans, as well as on land.What every generation teaches to the next……will be the result of our future. And I strongly believe in the future.Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s / Theme: Future

A Special Flower of the day

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I’ve never seen these flowers before but there are thousands of them growing in Ta Qali Park right now.
When I first saw them, I thought they were some kind of fungus.

Apparently, insects are attracted to them too.I found similar but in a different color and my dear man picked one for me. I have no idea what kind of plant these are but I’m sure some of my blog friends know.

The joy of insects

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Is it really possible to feel joy when watching small insects while most people try to wave them away.Yes, if you have a camera and if you are really eager to learn more about macro shooting and the amazing world that you can explore through your camera. Just wish I started to learn this earlier in my life.Maybe too close, but I really had fun!!
In my next life I´ll be a photographer specialized in macro, a botanist and entomologist.
Until then, I continue to practice, learn and have fun…

WPC – I’d Rather Be…

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Where would I rather be, I asked myself when I was sitting in front of my computer and worked last Friday. I decided to take a day off and went to Majjistral National Park a second time to explore and enjoy the nature. Just me, Fanny and my camera. I’d Rather Be out there than sitting on my office chair.

In the park you´ll find wild flowers and different plants everywhere. Most of them are quite small so you have to look for them. Now I also got the chance to try my new macro lens but sadly, it was very windy and for some reason, my M mode setting doesn’t work anymore. But it was a lovely day, where I´d rather be…

Click on an images to enlarge.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge  / I’d Rather Be…

Beautiful view

Majjistral Nature Park – Malta

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Yesterday we went to Majjistral Nature/History Park, the only natural park in Malta that includes coastal cliffs and a rich ecological and rural heritage. Thanks to Fanny, we discover new amazing places here on the island.Mimosa blossoms.It was a lovely day with blue sky and a temperature of 20 degrees. My dear husband and my lovely dog, always by my side, waiting patiently while I’m constantly taking new pictures.

Maltese Pyramical Orchid
Maltese Pyramical Orchid.

There are around 430 different species of plants in the park and during spring, the best time to visit the park. I saw hundreds of flower and different plants. These, I believe, are Maltese Pyramical Orchids. Guess if I was a bit sad that my macro lens is broken. But not too bad, now I have a reason to buy a new one!!

Spring Flowers

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Just a few scenes from last weekend. All from Ta Qali National Park here in Malta, except the last one.Some trees are blooming now……while most are still bare.

This flower is a bit special, I’ve shown it before but have no idea what it’s called..This yellow one is very common in spring, often seen blooming all over the meadows like a carpet of flowers.Another small and colorful flower and that’s all for today. Now I’ll go for a walk with Fanny… …and today we will walk along this path.

CYW – 18-24 February

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21. Outrageous Orange.
I love this one painted by my husband. Colorful in thoughtful simplicity.18. Forest Green.
Some greenery from Ta Qali park here in Malta19. Pacific Blue.
Fisherman at the clear Mediterranean waters of the Mediterranean Sea.These are the week’s colors in Jennifer’s Color Your World Challenge.

Power of flowers and colors

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Isn’t it amazing that the flowers I gave to my husband in June are still blooming. Flowers with power.

Some flowers from our terrace, January 2018.Hibiscus close-up.Finally, some sweet strawberries I bought from a farmer. Yes, they are grown even in the winter here in Malta. Thanks for all new year’s greetings! Let’s take some power from our flowers and create joy of all colors!!

 

Saturday’s mix from Malta

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Tack finaste bloggvännen Beate för det mjuka paketet som kom med posten. Hahaa.. vilken överraskning, till glädje för både mig och Fanny. Två färgstarka leksaker att tugga och bita i. Behövs verkligen, hon biter i allt!Ice cream in November!  I prefer this prickly pears but not to pick them by myself.You always find something to photograph while waiting for the traffic light.That’s all for today!!

Historical buildings are seen almost everywhere on this island.
Almost dried out but with some greenery kept on top and around..
Lovely color!
Not alive but still nice as nature’s own decoration.
Greenary, November is not a bad month :-)
Fanny exploring the environment.
Like sunshine, there is always a little sun in my heart. Tralala … !!
Looks soft but are they..?
Beautiful autumn flowers!

Why Malta – This is my Malta part 2

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Yesterday we went to Saint Agatha’s Tower in Mellieħa, also known as the Red Tower, located half an hour’s drive from home. Not because of the tower itself but for the surroundings, the nature and the view.Fanny really enjoys to explore new areas and there’s a lot left for her to discover on this island.On  Saturday when we visited a park close to Floriana nearby Valletta. Fanny is kept on a lead all the time while I try to teach her to walk without pulling all the time, not as easy as it sounds. A stone is a stone, but some stones can even smile. Or did we meet a magical being 😉

Click on an image in the gallery to enlarge. To each image there is a short text.

Sunday pics from Malta…

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Yesterday we took the car out to the countryside here in Malta…

…in search for signs of the autumn and this is what we found.
Click on an images to enlarge.We went to Blue Grotto located on the southern coast of Malta. A popular spot for tourists during high season. In November, a popular spot for locals to relax by the Mediterranean Sea.Fanny really enjoy to be in the nature. And for the first time she`s close to the Mediterranean Sea.

Around five it’s getting dark and time to go home. To the left you see the small desert island of Filfla. To the right some youths after a dip in the 22 degrees water, same temperature as in the air. We really had a great day!!

Tuesday’s thoughts

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At the moment, I feel quite ambivalent and don´t know what to photograph or why I photograph what I actually photograph. Macro, people, architecture, flowers, my everyday life here in Malta. There´s so much I want to share, but sometimes my posts may looks a bit incoherent. That’s life! Hope you enjoy this anyway.

Cactus fruit and fruit on a palm tree. Edible and non-edible.Fisherman in Spinola Bay, San Giljan.

Fishingboat and a church. Click on an image to enlarge.Tourists, I’m sure they are on holiday here on this beautiful island. Or maby not…I enjoy taking photographs of others who taking pictures. Don’t ask me why.Typical Maltese balcony and a beautiful bougainvillea.

Varför skriver jag på engelska kan man undra när de allra flesta kommentarer jag får är från mina svenska följare. Dels behöver jag träna, trots att jag bott på Malta i många år så hakar sig min engelska en hel del. Rätta mig gärna vid påtagliga fel! 😐 Har också fått många nya följare från andra länder runt om i världen tack vare att min blogg blev uppmärksammad av WordPress i “Läsaren” under “Upptäck”. Helt fantastiskt och så roligt! Ja, ni som har WordPress vet vad jag menar medan ni andra får tänka till 😉

Weekly Photo Challenge – Waiting

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Photographing insects with macro often means waiting for the perfect moment.
Click on a circle to enlarge if you like to see the whole image.Most waves them away while I chase them with my camera, waiting…Worth waiting for.

Weekly Photo Challenge / Waiting

Mediterranean Snails

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In the distance, it looks like small white flowers growing on the dry branches. But, if you look closely, you’ll notice that there are small shells, it’s the Mediterranean snail.I saw thousands of them! I just don’t understand why they are attracted to the dry plants. I read it’s a well-known agricultural pest in many parts of the world and that they are edible. Interesting and very special.