Mandevilla sanderi, the Brazilian jasmine, is a vine belonging to the genus Mandevilla. Grown as an ornamental plant, the species is endemic to the State of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Captured in Santa Monica, California.
Marguerite daisies can grow up to three feet tall with green foliage and a shrubby appearance, which makes them ideal for mass planting. Flower colors range from pure white to pink to bright yellow with a brown or yellow center. Found these in Santa Monica, California.
Brugmansia is an exotic, small tropical tree in the family Solanaceae, also commonly called angel’s trumpet, that produces dramatic, pendant, trumpet-shaped, fragrant flowers. Captured in Santa Monica, California.
Grevillea Moonlight, a stunning shrub blooms all year in some climates. A fast grower, its large, moonlight-colored flowers and finely divided, gray foliage are a must for any southern-temperate garden. Frost and drought tolerant once established, it attracts bees and hummingbirds. Captured in Santa Monica, California.
The genus name, “Agapanthus” is derived from two Greek words: “agape,” which means “love,” and “anthos,” which means “flower”. Taken together, the agapanthus is the flower of love. It is sometimes also known as “African lily” and “lily of the Nile,” tributes to its African origins. Lily of the Nile is a common ornamental in warm climates (below images from Santa Monica, California), grown for its large spherical flower clusters.
A collection of flowers of similar colors spotted in Santa Monica, California
The temperate climate of Southern California, especially around Santa Monica, allows growing of a variety of flowers. North Carolina is not far behind. Will be posting over the next few weeks images of flowers from Santa Monica and North Carolina.
Here is a collage of colorful roses ……
Signature palm trees and a lonely, near-barren tree provide stark contrast against white clouds and blue California sky
Spotted a Japanese style Zen garden with succulents in Santa Monica, California
Agave and other succulents line walkways along the Palisades Park, Santa Monica, California
Palm trees leaning towards the Pacific Ocean at Palisades Park in Santa Monica, California. Why do palm trees lean towards the sea? Palm trees lean to get more light called “phototropism.” The ocean acts as a mirror for light, so there is much more light coming from the sea than from a single building.
A colorful umbrella provides a resting place on a cloudy day at Santa Monica State Beach, California
Colors on a hazy day at the Santa Monica State Beach, California
Palm trees and beach chairs line up at Santa Monica State Beach, California
Shutters on the Beach is more than just a spectacular place to stay, it’s the epitome of Southern California’s breezy lifestyle. This captivating hotel is located directly on the sand and within walking distance of the area’s biggest attractions including the Santa Monica Pier.
In the middle of the Santa Monica State Beach is the Santa Monica Pier. The pier is a landmark for the beach and the city, featuring an amusement park, Pacific Park, Heal the Bay Aquarium, shopping, restaurants, and more.
On the south side of the pier, Santa Monica Beach is level with the city, with parking lots, parks, homes and hotels bordering the beach. The Original Muscle Beach (featuring gymnastics equipment) and Carousel Park are located just south of the Santa Monica Pier. The ever present palm trees complete the California beach scene.
Located just west of Downtown Los Angeles, the 3.5 mile Santa Monica beach is an iconic example of the famed beautiful beaches of Southern California.
The beach sign below has cutouts for the umbrella and the birds so that the colors change depending upon the shade of the sky in the background.
Santa Monica Beach is popular for beginners all year long. The waves are frequent and it’s easy to get to. Most of the surf comes from groundswells and waves at the beach break both left and right. Here is a lonely surfer captured from the Santa Monica Pier.
A view of Santa Monica (California) and its beach from the Santa Monica Pier
Photos by Ravi 