A Forumist in Mallorca...

[Diane Clement]

We also found Ranunculus ficaria in the olive fields, and Umbilicus rupestris in the terrace walls

[Diane Clement]

We were too early for many orchids, but did find Ophrys fusca in various forms (and one other Orchid for Maggi, later  )

[Diane Clement]

One walk took us down to Puerto Sóller and round the coast
We were glad of local transport in the form of the little wooden tram to take us back to Sóller

[Diane Clement]

The last two days we spent in Puerto Pollensa which is more of a seaside resort (quiet, though, at this time of year)

[Diane Clement]

The rugged coast of Formentor has spectacular views

[Diane Clement]

Also on the north coast, the Boquer valley, a spot beloved by twitchers as migrating birds funnel down the valley.
We didn't see any exciting birds, but it was exciting to us to see Rosemary in its native habitat and also the European palm, Chamaerops humilis

[Diane Clement]

And, on our last day, thanks to a late flight, we were able to call in on fellow forumist, Hans A who has a beautiful little garden packed with treasures.  The Paeonia cambessedesii was not quite open, but I think Hans posted this already on the forum in its full glory.

[Michael]

Wonderfull pictures Diane, thanks for them!

Now that Chamaerops palm did impressed me. It sees to be growing on rocks? Or its just in that depression to protect itself from the wind?

[Diane Clement]

Hans kindly took us out for a lovely trip to Lluc (pronounced Yuc) monastery.
On the way, he risked life and limb to photograph the endemic Hippocrepis balearica (the close up is Hans's picture  )

[Diane Clement]

And a few "people" shots to finish
Hans and his delightful wife, Maria José in their garden
Me, Maria José and my husband, Michael (and VERY small dogs  ) 
Same combination in Hans's garden
Me and Michael with Hans.
With thanks to Hans for his hospitality!   

[Maggi Young]

A super set of pix, Diane, just the thing to cheer at this time of year when the weather doesn't know what it is doing here, to see the sumptuous tones of seas and sky.
 I would not have known what the Hippocrepis balearica was..... I was puzzled when I saw you teaser pic in an earlier thread.    Good plant though, would it be possible to stand underneath it and catch the seed at the apporpriate time, do you think 

I have a feeling that I see the secret to Hans great plants.... he lives in a lovely place, he has a delightful garden a very beautiful wife and two cute dogs.... the fellow is in Paradise, no wonder he is a good gardener 

 I don't suppose that Maria José  had any suspicion that if a spare bun had been handy she might have lost those adorable little Miniature Pinschers to such a dedicated Pudsey Piglet?  I would have thought there was considerable danger for a misidentification as sausage dogs and them being scoffed for a light snack   Cute as buttons those dogs, no notion in their minds that they are so small, and nice to see red colour as opposed to more usual black and tan.

[David Nicholson]

Lovely pictures Diane, I enjoyed them.

[Diane Clement]

I would not have known what the Hippocrepis balearica was..... I was puzzled when I saw you teaser pic in an earlier thread.    Good plant though, would it be possible to stand underneath it and catch the seed at the apporpriate time, do you think     

Nor me, my "Mediterranean Wild Flowers" unfortunately doesn't stretch to Mallorcan endemics.  Yes, doubtless a good plant, in that climate (frost free) and habitat (sheer vertical cliff face).  If you think you can replicate those conditions, in ours and yours soggy cold climates then we'll ask Hans to stand under at the appropriate time 


I just realised I forgot your Robinson's Barley water and now I can't find the pic ...
to follow   

And sorry, not very good pictures, either ... (the first pic is in Hans's garden)

[Maggi Young]

The Robinson's Barley Water  ( aka Barlia robertiana)  is a treat indeed.... how I love that plant!
I thought that was what you meant by a treat for me, but then I saw the wee dogs and decided you'd sent those , instead 

[Diane Clement]

Wonderfull pictures Diane, thanks for them!

Now that Chamaerops palm did impressed me. It sees to be growing on rocks? Or its just in that depression to protect itself from the wind?

I think it was growing between the rocks, but we saw it in lots of places, mainly rough and dry sites.