a week below everest

Enjoy images of most beautiful flowers in the world....

Canna

Cannas not only feature pretty blossoms, but also beautiful leaves 
(often likened to that of the banana plant) that come in a variety of stunning colors. Popularized in Victorian times, Cannas are popular 
garden plants.

Cherry Blossom

The unofficial flower of Japan, the spectacular display of blossoms
 that arrive in the spring are celebrated by festivals both in Japan 
and the U.S. The most popular colors are white and pink.  
They are beautiful while on the trees and remain a stunning sight 
even after carpetingthe ground.

Colorado Columbine































Growing high in the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Columbine is a 
welcome reward for the enterprising climbers of Colorado's 
14,000-foot high mountains. Picking one in the wild carries a fine 
($5-$50 depending on the Ranger who catches you)!

Hydrangea

Magical snowball puffs in fall: gorgeous. The clusters of 
star-shaped blossoms, often found in delicate pastel hues, 
embody innocence.They are popular in wedding bouquets 
and as garden flowers.

Lily of the Valley

A delicate and fragrant sign of spring, the Lily of the Valley 
has inspired a number of legends. One such Christian 
legend explains  that the tears that Mary shed at the cross 
turned to Lilies of the Valley, prompting the flower to sometimes 
be referred to as "Our Lady's Tears." Another legend tells of 
Lilies of the Valley springing from the blood of 
St. George during his battle with the dragon.

Calla Lily

While visually stunning and elegant, this beautiful flower  is actually
a member the poisonous species, Zantedeschia. 
All parts of the plant are highly toxic, with the capability to kill 
livestock and children if ingested. 

Black Eyed Susan

The black eyed susan, a cheerful wildflower, is a perennial that serves
 as a beautiful back drop in any garden. The contrast of the bright 
gold yellow petals and dark middle makes it any easy one to spot
and recognize. This official drink of the Preakness stakes horse
race is named after this flower, consisting of 2 parts Bourbon
whiskey, 1 part citrus vodka, 3 parts sweet & sour mix, 
one part orange juice and garnished with orange and a cocktail cherry.

Bleeding Heart
 

These whimsical, almost fairy-like blossoms are a traditional favorite
in shady gardens. The flowers are either red, pink or white and appear 
in April-June.

Blue Bells

European woods are covered by dense carpets of this flower;  these are 
commonly referred to as "bluebell woods". It is thought that they were
 named by the romantic poets of the 19th century, who felt they 
symbolized solitude and regret.

Lantana

These delicate flowers, with their pink and yellow petals, are butterfly 
magnets. The bush can grow to be quite large and the color of the 
petals change as the plant ages. Beware - Lantana is
considered a weed by many that is quite difficult to get rid of.

Rose    

Roses are one of the most romantic and wonderfully scented of flowers. 
The giving of roses is steeped in tradition and cultural meaning,
 from the yellow rose of friendship to the deep red rose of true love.

Oriental Poppy 

This perennial poppy has a delicate and striking color. 
After flowering in the spring, their foliage dies back entirely, only to  
grow new leaves once again with the autumn rains. The Oriental 
Poppy is the flower of The Wizard of Oz.

Mussaenda erythrophylla (Ashanti Blood, Red Flag Bush, Tropical Dogwood)

These plants are native to the Old World tropics, from West Africa through 
the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia and into southern China. 
The beautiful red and yellow petals are a real showstopper. 
A favorite of not only of gardeners, but also butterflies, bees and 
hummingbirds.

Begoni

The first Begonia was introduced into England in 1777. Now one of the most 
popular flowers grown in the United States, Begonias are prized for 
their flowers as well as their leaves. This versatile plant can be grown 
either inside or out.

Ixora

Ixora flowers, also commonly called West Indian Jasmine, 
are often used in Hindu worship, as well as in Indian folk medicine.
This plant has traditionally been associated with enhanced sexuality 
and the re-kindling of passion. Who wouldn't want that as a gift!