Wednesday, June 25, 2014

The Blossoming of a Gerbera Daisy

I have come to enjoy having Gebera Daisies. They are so vibrant and beautiful. Another name for the flower is the African Daisy. When I planted this particular plant, it had several blossoms on it, but the next morning when I looked, there was a flower cut off and on the ground next to the plant. Hmmm. The next day, there were two more and the day after there was another one. By this time, there was only one flower left, and I realized I must be dealing with cutworms, so I dug it up and potted it in a pot on the deck and have had no more trouble.

I noticed a new bud opening and since I was watching it closely because of the problem with the cutworm, I decided to take pictures of the process.

As the bud first opens, it looks a bit like a sunflower, but it doesn't really have any color and it doesn't look anything like what it will become.


 At this stage, it almost looks a bit "creepy"! :)  The petals are odd....almost like little bananas that ring the center.

   I knew what this flower would eventually look like, but wasn't sure HOW that would happen when it started out like this!
This is a side view....
 At this stage, it becomes obvious that those "odd" looking petals that were on the flower at first, were simply rolled up petals. You can see the bit of color showing on the ends  of the rolled up petals above and also down one side.

Another side view.... the petals are getting longer and starting to open.....

They don't all open at the same time, which leads to a striped and uneven look.... that looks quite strange.









 Looks like a "bad hair day" for this guy.... as the petals open at various times and lengths.... all misshapen and still very odd.

 This is getting closer to being fully open... still so uneven, but the color is getting pretty consistent. Notice that some petals are still partially curled.... and the flower is not symmetrical yet.

The center is amazing!













Most of the petal are open, although some are not fully opened.... and there is much more symmetry now....
 The center is also open more....

 This seems to be the fully opened blossom.... these pictures were taken over several days.... I hadn't realized how long it took for the bud to fully bloom until I have been watching every day ..... and several times a day. :)

Once open, the flower lasts for several days........

So many subtle changes to a simple flower.... this happens every day in all sorts of flowers and plants and I find I take it for granted without allowing myself to be amazed by the wonderful unfolding that happens by a planned design. The intricacy is striking and some of the beauty is in the little details that go unnoticed. What an amazing God who has created  this process....
                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On this same plant, I had a double flower - it looked odd and a bit deformed as it was opening..... but it was a work of art when open......

 I thought it had a bit of an "owl" look to it. :)



So, Gebera daisies are beautiful and fun.... there are so many wonderful flowers growing at this time of year.

 I find myself thankful for the colorful beauties.... and also thankful that this one is in my own garden where we will enjoy it for this season.

 Thank you for visiting. I hope you are enjoying your week and the beauty around you. :)


Shared on:



Snickerdoodle-Make-Bake-Create
Simple Saturday
Friday Flower Day @ Holunderbluetchen
Home Sweet Home
Foodie Friday and Everything Else
Home and Garden Thursday
Homemaking Link Up-Raising Homemakers
Wednesday AIM Link Party
Talk of the Town
Tuesdays with a Twist
image-in-ing
Modest Mom
 Art of Homemaking Mondays
















Posted by at
Labels: ,

55 comments:

  1. Wholesome JoyJune 25, 2014 at 7:42 AM

    Beautiful pictures! I had not seen these before! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyJune 27, 2014 at 5:51 AM

      It was amazing to me how the petals unrolled - Thank you for visiting. :)

      Delete
  2. MadamdreamweaverJune 26, 2014 at 2:28 PM

    Nice photos. I love Gerbers. They're actually a member of the Sunflower Family. Being in north Florida, I often have one or two bloom in January. When I used to work in a flower shop I had a lady who needed a brown flower for wedding tables and I was able to order her some nice chocolate brown Gerbers. Not many flowers come brown, but Gerbers are one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyJune 27, 2014 at 5:53 AM

      Thank you........... I haven't seen any brown ones, but I have enjoyed all of the different ones I have seen. I will have to watch to see what the browns look like. Gerbers are such a durable and cheerful flower. :) Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  3. Esther JoyJune 27, 2014 at 6:54 AM

    It was like a visit with God in the garden! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyJune 27, 2014 at 9:47 AM

      What a delightfully encouraging comment!! Thank you.... .and thank you for visiting. :)

      Delete
  4. AnonymousJune 27, 2014 at 12:29 PM

    So beautiful! It made me think of our souls - as we grow in Him, slowly unfurling to be what He designed! So glad you took those stage-by-stage photos and shared!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyJune 27, 2014 at 12:37 PM

      That is a good analogy. Thank you for visiting and for your comment. :)

      Delete
  5. Bridgit's BellJune 30, 2014 at 9:09 AM

    I enjoyed this post! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyJune 30, 2014 at 3:26 PM

      That is nice to hear..... thank you so much... and thank you for visiting. :)

      Delete
  6. UnknownJuly 1, 2014 at 4:36 AM

    Amazing photos! Thanks for sharing at the Hearts for Home link up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyJuly 1, 2014 at 4:42 AM

      Thank you and thank you for visiting .... and for the link up. :)

      Delete
  7. Alissa CoburnJuly 1, 2014 at 6:47 AM

    When I saw this on Titus Tuesday I HAD to come visit...Gerbera daisies are my absolute favorite. I love that you captured these over time. It makes me realize how much we're like these flowers. Sometimes we look lopsided, unfinished and awkward, but God's still working on each of us, perfecting us.

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyJuly 3, 2014 at 4:44 PM

      I love your thoughts on this.... God is working on us. Thank you for visiting. :)

      Delete
  8. TheresaJuly 1, 2014 at 1:14 PM

    These are such beautiful flowers! Thanks for sharing them at the party @DearCreatives Theresa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyJuly 3, 2014 at 4:45 PM

      They are beautiful... thank you for visiting. :)

      Delete
  9. JESJuly 3, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    Beautiful pictures Joy! Thank you for sharing your love of nature with us :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJuly 17, 2014 at 12:01 AM

    Gerberas are lovely! Thanks for sharing at Green Thumb Thursday http://homesteadlady.com/green-thumb-thursday-71614/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasSeptember 22, 2014 at 5:00 AM

    Absolutely Stunning!! Thanks so much for your visit!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  12. NCSueMay 19, 2015 at 2:02 AM

    Beautiful macro images. The colors are so vivid, and each petal is crisp. Lovely!
    Thank you for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-walk-on-beach.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyMay 20, 2015 at 9:14 AM

      It was fun to take those... it took several days to do it, though... they open quite slowly. :)

      Delete
  13. eileeninmdMay 19, 2015 at 2:28 AM

    I love the Gerbera Daisy, they are beautiful. Lovely images. Have a happy day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyMay 20, 2015 at 9:19 AM

      They really are beautiful flowers.... and they last so long. :)

      Delete
  14. Rhonda AlbomMay 19, 2015 at 5:09 AM

    I really like that you included the side view.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyMay 20, 2015 at 9:20 AM

      Thank you... it is such an interesting plant... and I was fascinated to see how those petals unfolded... I didn't realize that was how it happened. Thank you for visiting. :)

      Delete
  15. daisy gMay 19, 2015 at 5:12 PM

    Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing this lovely post on The Maple Hill Hop!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Carole WestMay 21, 2015 at 5:40 AM

    Gerbera daisies are one of my favorites, they make a wonderful focal point in so many floral arrangements. I enjoyed how you shared the blooming process. -Carole

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyMay 21, 2015 at 12:31 PM

      They sure are beautiful and I am appreciating them more and more each year. :) Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  17. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonMay 23, 2015 at 9:16 PM

    I love Gerbera daisies as well. This is the first time in years that I didn't plant any. You got some amazing photos. Loved seeing it as it unfurled! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyMay 26, 2015 at 10:03 AM

      Gerbera daisies are relatively new for me in the last few years... but they are so pretty. Such a cheerful flower. :)

      Delete
  18. LA MuranoMay 28, 2015 at 7:07 PM

    I have never had much luck growing Gerbera daisy's....yours are beautiful!

    Thanks for linking up with Green Thumb Thursday. I hope to see you back again this week!

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyMay 29, 2015 at 9:12 AM

      Thank you.... I was surprised how well they did as I have had trouble with them before also... maybe I am starting to get the hang of it. :)

      Delete
  19. NCSueApril 18, 2017 at 1:09 AM

    Stunning photos! So glad you shared with us at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/04/making-dangerous-situation-kid-friendly.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyApril 18, 2017 at 5:47 AM

      Thank you... it was a fun project. :) Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  20. MollyApril 18, 2017 at 7:47 AM

    Love the vibrant colour

    Mollyx

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lori G. HillApril 19, 2017 at 1:56 PM

    I love these flowers but haven't had much luck growing them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyApril 22, 2017 at 6:51 PM

      For some reason, they have worked well for me... in a pot. Two of them I had in the ground didn't do very well, so I think I will keep doing them in pots. :) Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  22. Dee | GrammysGrid.comApril 19, 2017 at 8:00 PM

    Great pics! These remind me of sunflowers :) Thank you Joy for attending the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty. I shared your post on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyApril 22, 2017 at 6:54 PM

      I can see how they would remind you of sunflowers... :) Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  23. Thelma April 21, 2017 at 4:24 AM

    Beautiful photos. I love these flowers but they don't do well in my flowering zone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyApril 22, 2017 at 7:03 PM

      They are pretty... and most years, I can overwinter them in a pot in the garage and use them again the next year, which is a blessing. :)

      Delete
  24. betty-NZApril 22, 2017 at 12:10 AM

    I really like these flowers and have some in my garden, but it doesn't seem very happy most of the time and then it blooms beautifully. I love how you documented the growth of your lovely flower.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyApril 22, 2017 at 7:05 PM

      I had some trouble with them in the ground, but don't know why... except that we had probably watered them too often when watering other plants... and I don't think they like to be overwatered. We seem to better with them in pots. It was nice to see the steps the flower went through as it grew. :) Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  25. LaurieApril 22, 2017 at 8:51 PM

    Amazing photos of such a pretty flower! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyApril 24, 2017 at 4:14 AM

      Thank you... it was amazing to see how the flower actually opened. :)

      Delete
  26. HolunderbluetchenApril 23, 2017 at 9:43 AM

    Thank you for your beautiful pictures !!! I am so sorry but I have to remove your link because unfortunately it is not according to my rules .
    To participate in my “Friday-Flowerday” you have to arrange flowers in your home, in a vase , that’s the target ;-)
    I hope, that you will not be angry !!!
    Greetings from Austria and a nice weekend helga

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyApril 24, 2017 at 4:17 AM

      No, I am not angry at all. Thank you for letting me know. I couldn't read the words on your party since it was in a different language, so had to guess. :) Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  27. The Charm of HomeApril 26, 2017 at 3:01 PM

    What a beautiful flower! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyApril 26, 2017 at 6:40 PM

      Thank you ... it was a beautiful one. :) Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  28. steveAugust 22, 2019 at 6:27 AM

    This is most probably the best article that I have read about growing Gerbera daisies from seeds. I have grown about ten Gerbera daisies from seeds this year but that was pure luck. I am sure that I will be more successful by following the above instructions. Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoyAugust 23, 2019 at 4:10 PM

      Thank you... I have never grown them from seeds, but may have to try that.. They are beautiful flowers. I'm glad your are doing well. Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  29. steveAugust 24, 2019 at 11:58 AM

    Hello
    I so love this post. The gerbera daisy were my nieces favorite flower in the whole world. She passed away 4 weeks ago, and everytime I see a gerbera daisy it makes me smile. Thank you for this smile today and for sharing with me.

    You did a beautiful job photographing the beauty of this flower. The petals are just gorgeous.

    Country hugs...steve

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gentle JoySeptember 13, 2019 at 7:24 AM

      I'm so sorry for your loss. The gerbera daisies are just beautiful and I am glad my photos gave cause for a bit of a good memory for you. May God continue to comfort you in your loss. Thank you for writing.

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)