Camelias, Spring Camelias

This posting is a complete non sequitur. In the middle of my postings about finishing up this kitchen I cannot control my enthusiasm for some local flora...spectacular local flora.  Early spring brings some gorgeous Camelias into bloom here. Unfortunately our hovel, did not come with these spectacular showy bushes. Our house came with some Irises, which could be run over repeatedly with the car, and still bloom! I appreciate them, and they for the most part are beautiful. They are not Camelias! Coming from the north, I am smitten with their color and forms. They are fascinating.

Yesterday I commented to a friend about the spectacular Camelias she has put into a vase for a centerpiece. Another friend at the same event heard my comments and brought me some of her Camelias which were so beautiful, my lips might have said to the first friend "you call THOSE Camelias?" The second sample of the curvaceous blooms were breathtaking. I have to share some photos of the blooms. These started blooming here in January. A " winter trip to the tropics" via a plant....the sight of these beauties just transports me to somewhere else. As I said, I am smitten....Next posting back to kitchen business...soon to come, more pantry.