South Pacific Interlude

We momentarily put a rain soaked winter behind us ….

… and for a couple of weeks were able to live in a tropical paradise.

Mid winter is a fabulous time for a gardener to take a break and to be honest I really felt like I needed one after a long slog in a not so desirable growing season.  So the family and I took off for 15 wonderful days cruising about in the South Pacific.  It was indeed a tropical treat and we met so many lovely new friends, visited exotic places and did exciting things.   Sadly now it is little more than a memory, like the warm glow on my sun kissed shoulders.

The water was so clear you could easily enjoy the tropical fish and coral without getting wet!

Basking in warm water – this was a favourite occupation of mine while we were away – and with water temperatures of around 27C – it seems a perfectly logical thing to do!

I must be mad, for the second time I went swimming with the sharks and stingrays. I did a lot of girly shrieking and quickly got back into the boat and observed the majestic creatures in their clear clear water from a place of safety.

We were blessed to be able to travel to all these wonderful places by cruise ship.

Even the sand was able to offer up exquisite things. These tiny shells, balanced on the arm of my sun lounger were pretty amazing

While it is best to see clams, coral and other majestic sea life in the ocean in all their colour and glory, sadly it is obvious the reefs are under attack from the more undesirable aspects of our modern world. We do need to pay more attention to the effects of our lifestyles that we don’t see. This coral bound clam was found on the beach above the tide line.

There is nothing more fun than drinking your cocktail from a coconut… problem is – coconuts are rather large… if you get my drift!

If I could I’d love to linger here

A cruise ship by night is as delightful as if it was lit up by fairy lights.

I loved the look of these sun loungers early in the morning, just waiting for the occupants to come and enjoy the day

I love the contrast between the deep blue sea and the shallow waters separated by the coral reef. You can almost see the tropical fish from here.

A good tropical holiday should always include a good number of these!

Some wonderful experiences were had

But as a gardener, coming home to the garden and the prospect of a new season is also a joy in itself.  With spring not too far away I have many things I would like to achieve in order to be prepared to meet it with arms open wide, instead of the usual head down bum up approach as I try desperately to play catch up with the season.  This time I intend to be ready and waiting.

Vanilla Flower

Tomatoes on display at the market

Pandanus fruit

Pineapples

So many different types of palm trees offered a wide range of architectural images. There was beauty wherever you looked.

Fiji White Tendril Flower

Fallen coconut

hibiscus

Breadfruit

Coconuts in the tree

This bright and beautiful flower was in gardens everywhere, but unfortunately I’ve been unable to find out its name.

Tiare Flower (Gardenia Tahitensis) If only you could smell this wonderfully fragrant flower. It is amazing.

Of course there has to be some plant stuff

Over the coming months I hope there will be a great sense of achievement from the garden and I look forward to sharing it with you, but I would also love to share where I’ve been with you as we travelled from Fiji to Tahiti via some amazing places.  Without wanting to bore you with the thousands of photos I took, I’ve selected my favorites for you to glance at.  If you want to know more, then click on each one for descriptions and comments.

Stones on a planter

Graphics on a wall

Rope on a post

Crystal clear water

The deck on the ship

Manhole cover

A lamp on a wall

Well trodden sand

Barefoot and fancy free

Tiles on the side of a building

Tahitian pearls

Shallow waters

I was also drawn to the incredible textures I saw and couldn’t help take a photo

Meanwhile I will be waiting patiently for the water table to return to its proper place – below the soil (apparently there was a lot of rain while we were away, I’m not sure how much though as my rain gauge has overflowed) and then I can indulge myself in my favorite thing of all…  growing things.

Come again soon – there is so much to do and so little time!

Sarah the Gardener  : o)