Hi Steem community!!! This is my first official contribution to the Steem community and it will focus on shots I've taken of, what to me, are beautiful blossoms I've taken on my journeys through Australia.
A little background on me and my love for flowers. I am a professional landscaper by trade. I've always been in love with plants and flowers since I was a child. Growing up in a home with an abusive and violent father the backyard and garden would be where I'd seek shelter from his tantrums and vitriolic storms of rage. There huddled behind bushes or under trees I felt a bond and connection to these wonderful creations of nature. They comforted the scared trembling child and offered a place to temporarily escape the horrors of daily life. This connection is still with me to this day. I love transforming a space into something beautiful that offers the same comfort and fascination to others, extending the service flowers gave to me as a little boy onto others. Hence I became a landscaper.
Ok, on to the pics. All of these photos were taken by me either in the heart of Brisbane at the Roma Street Parklands or in the quiet rural town of Kingaroy. Both locations in Queensland, Australia.
Heliconia
This here is my second favorite flower of all time. Originally from Central America Heliconias exotic flowers have been taken to all over the Caribbean and South Pacific where they do exceptionally in the warm, humid climates found there. These flowers scream Tropical Paradise to me and they can be found in almost every color of the rainbow.
I've always been fascinated by them. Theyre related to Banana, believe it or not. Incidentally they make for wonderful cuttings in bouquets as they last for a very long time and stay vibrant thanks to their almost plastic like exterior.
Heliconia comes in two main types. Whats called Lobster Claws (Rostrata) due to their shape, or the smaller more delicate looking Psittacorum that resemble a more exotic version of the Bird of Paradise. Another fun variable with Heliconia is you can further break them down into two other groups. Ones with upright flower stalks and ones with pendulous hanging flower stalks. Both are amazing and scream for attention. My photos dont do Heliconia the justice she deserves. A quick internet search for Heliconia will bombard you with a myriad of colors and shots far prettier than mine.
If you live anyplace warm and humid with no frosts Heliconia is an excellent choice both as a showpiece and for creating large privacy screens with their large paddle like leaves.
One day I dream of having a modest nursery dedicated to all varieties of Heliconia.
Frangipani
Next up is my favorite flower and scent in the world. Frangipani also known as Plumeria. Not only is this flower stunning, it's scent is absolutely captivating. In my opinion a single whiff of Plumeria blossoms and their delicate scent will instantly lower your cortisol and blood pressure and take you away to a exotic island somewhere. It's used a lot in perfumes due to its recognizable and heavenly scent.
My obsession with this special flower started years ago when I was working a awful soul crushing office job. My blood pressure was up 30 points and doctors told me my job was literally killing me. I knew I had to do something drastic. So I converted my tiny patio into a lush tropical garden so that I'd have a haven to decompress in everyday after work. I went out and spent every cent I had collecting Frangipani and soon they became like pets to me. I gave each names and I loved them dearly. They took care of me and in turn I took care of them. One reminded me of this beautiful soul I had met who suddenly entered my life. I called that plant and her flowers Kaelci's Captivation. After the love of my life 
Candid night shot of Kaelci's Captivation
Frangipani is a great choice if youre looking for that special something in your garden. She likes sun and warmer weather, and doesn't like frosts. But, if you can meet those basic needs she's not finicky at all and will take care of herself. although they start off growing slowly, the scents and blooms are always worth it.
One day I have serious aspirations to start a small Frangipani plantation so others can also have several cultivars of her to choose from for their creative spaces and gardens.
Some shots from my old patio garden and Frangipani friends.
Now that I've talked about my absolute two favorites please take a look at these other beautiful flowers I've taken shots of.
Beautiful Ginger
Royal Poinciana and her fiery blooms
Poinciana creates a graceful umbrella like canopy and its bold red blooms make for a fantastic highlight to a yard or lawn. It pairs beautifully with grass. Some say she is the most beautiful flowering tree there is. I personally think Frangipani gives her a run for her money. Good thing they look great together growing side by side. Whenever I look at them I'm immediately reminded of past visits to Hawaii and Fiji where I first came across them.
An Australian Favorite Delicate Gravella
Gravella is a landscaping favorite found in yards all across Australia. The lorikeets absolutely love eating their flowers. If you have a pet parrot of any type toss them a few gravella blooms. They'll devour them.
Ok this next slew of pics are flowers I cant identify but i think they're beautiful enough to include. If any of you guys can identify these flowers please let me know in the comments.
Well, I figure this is a good place to finish my first official post here on Steemit. Hopefully I didnt bore anyone with my ramblings. Thank you Steem community for giving me an outlet to share and dicuss my passions.
Best,
Steemydave
