I am from a long line of horticulturists. Marla’s plants do very well with her loving care. My grandfather had a large greenhouse and grew beautiful orchids. My Mom and grandmother knew the names of just about every flower and plant. But, alas, my talents are not at their level. I do love flowers and plants though, and here are a few of my favorites this past year. The photo above is a dazzling pink water lily next to a giant Victoria Amazonica water lily in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

A Chinese Hat Plant at the Wallawwa Hotel in Sri Lanka.

Vibrant Red Hibiscus in San Remo.

A Banyon Tree in Bali.

Beautiful Trumpet Plant in Honfleur, France.

Flower offerings in the sacred temple of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anurdhapura, Sri Lanka.

Mexican Shell Flower in the gardens of Giverny, France.

Horsetail plant in the Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Marin County, CA.

Water lilies in Mahamodara Lake near Galle, Sri Lanka.

Spider Lily in the Goa Gajah temple in Bali.

Dendrobrium Formosum orchid near Goa Lawah Temple in Bali.

Folded lotus flower.

A vibrant Clivia plant.

Red Columbine Marin County, CA.

Thimbleberry plant in Samuel Taylor Redwoods, Marin County.

Left: Harvest Brodiaea. Center: Mariposa lily. Right: Ithuriel’s Spear. I saw these on a hike in the Shell Ridge Open Space near Walnut Creek and Alamo.

In the foreground are oodles of Tuberous Sword Ferns. Taman National Park in Malasia.

Ground Orchid seen while hiking at the Taman National Park in Malaysia.

Macarthur palm with red fruit. Malasia.

Parrot Flower Heliconia in Bali.

While walking to the spa at the Uga Ulagalla Resort in Sri Lanka I was startled by a 3′ Land Monitor whizzing by the Dumb Cane Plants.

Tropical Pitcher Plant at the Gardens By The Bay in Singapore.

Left: Red Ginger in Bali. Right: Balinese Goddess sculpture and Ti Plant.

I’m holding a “Phuang malai” in Bangkok, Thailand. Beautifully woven from fresh jasmine they symbolize respect, love, and good fortune. They are used for offerings to Buddha, honoring elders, and as good luck charms. 

Left: In the amazing Cloud Forest Conservatory in the Gardens By The Bay in Singapore. Right: Angel Wing Begonia in the Garden By The Bay.

An ancient building in Honfleur, France, with purple geraniums.

The lobby of the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok was decorated with gorgeous orchids.

Colorful floral display in the Blue Elephant Restaurant in Bangkok.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.