This begonia is more than a year old and is surviving on benign neglect. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp

My garden bloggers’ bloom day has a tropical flare this January.

In the house, a orangy begonia is about to bloom and the forced spring bulbs have poked a few leaves through the soil in the pots on the enclosed, but unheated porch.

But the real show is in my extended yard.

There you’ll find:

Pink powder puff plant in full bloom. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp

Red powder puff flowers (Calliandra haematocephala) climbing a fence. Near by is the pink orchid tree (Bauhinia purpurea) with its hibiscus like flowers with incredible fragrance. On the other side of the yard is natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa).

Also adorning my extended yard are night herons, an interesting bird that will eat from your hand, but the pointy beaks sting a bit. Photo to come.

For more about Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day, visit the instigator, May Dreams Gardens.

Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa). (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp

Fragrant pink orchid tree. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp