I found this one miniature gladiolus growing in a large pot in a sunny place. It hasn’t been subjected to the mud which is everywhere at ground level and so is flowering while we are still technically in Winter.

With it is Cerinthe or Honeywort, an early plant just coming in to flower, with it’s lovely leaves varying from light yellow green through to almost turquoise and the purple flowers bees love. I added a few rocket flowers from winter salad pots on the deck at the last.

I’ve paired the flowers with grapefruit which matches the slightly greenish yellow in the gladiolus, a red tamarillo, some habaneros which have fruited all winter in the unheated greenhouse, and a jar of last year’s honey which has crystalised in beautiful little flower shapes.

The Kanuka trees make a honey which crystallises easily, but mostly it just turns to sugar in the jar. I have no idea why a few jars have crystalised so beautifully. It’s like delicious cake decorations to eat. I’ve been making ice cream lately, so perhaps I should try stirring some in, or drizzling it on top.

See more vases of flowers or contribute your own any Monday at Rambling in the Garden.