Beautiful Bougainvillea
Seventeen days – well over two weeks – into our Greek Odyssey, and there’s nothing I’m missing from home (sorry kids!) There was a moment today as I drifted serenely through the crystal clear sea when I wondered how my garden at home was doing – what was flowering, had my pumpkin plants survived the slugs and beginning to fruit, but the thought passed in a moment – I’m not there to see it, and nothing I can do about.
Plus, the plants and flowers encountered on our trip – particularly here in Antiparos – eclipse anything I can grow at home. Cacti always impress me, and I love to see “houseplants” outside in their natural environment (Snake plants aplenty in pots and borders out here) but my absolute favourite has to be Bougainvillea, a climbing, trailing vine like plant, festooned with deep pink flowers.
Turn any corner in the street of Antiparos and you will see these vibrant flowers highlighted against white walls and blue skies. This evening we ate at a wonderfully picturesque garden taverna with a canopy of creeping bougainvillea above our heads, creating the most magnificent vista – like a scene from Mamma Mia! I may not be missing anything from home, but I will miss this wonderful plant when I do go home.
