In Australia, chrysanthemums are synonymous with Mother's Day. In the week leading up to this date, they are everywhere; brightly coloured bunches appear at pop-up roadside stalls and potted 'mums' are placed strategically near the counter of every supermarket, garden centre and hardware store.  I grow a few of these plants in my garden, including a pale pink variety which belonged to my Nana, who grew loads of them and sold excess blooms to local florists. This week's IAVOM arrangement was created and given to my Mother-in-law for Mother's Day.  As my Nana's pink chysanthemums are not quite fully opened yet, I will admit that the pale pink 'mums' in this bunch were purchased to bulk out the arrangement. All of the additional flowers and foliage, including the gold chysanthemums, are from my garden.    I hope all Mums had a happy day on Sunday. Flowers: shrimp plant Justicia brandegeeana, Hydrangea macrophylla (unknown cultivar), Chysanthemum (gold, unk...

Autumn is by far my favourite time of year.  Our (often hellishly) hot summer temperatures gradually subside to cooler nights and UV radiation levels dip low enough to allow for gardening sessions without the non-negotiable long sleeves, sunscreen and hat of summer outdoor activities. Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Natchez' in autumn regalia Many of my favorite perennials are in full flower frenzy, intent on making the most of the warmth before the cooler weather sets in. Plants in the tropical garden look good too. After months of balmy temperatures, they have likely forgotten they are living in a temperate climate.  Backlit Canna 'Tropicanna' But more than anything, the reason I like this time of year is for the glowing ethereal quality of autumnal light. The way it comes in sideways, backlighting foliage, seedpods and flower stalks, transforming the mundane into something magical.   Begonia sp. lit up like stained glass I attempted to capture this light during...