Photos: Spectacular Colours Of Summer Flowers
[Written by Jeff Sousa]
As we all drive around Bermuda, we are taken aback by the spectacular colours of all the summer flowers. Right now, our Island is at its peak colour-wise, and it truly is the most beautiful time of the year.
Our vegetation hasn’t looked this magnificent in four years. Ever since we received back to back hurricanes with Hurricane Fay hitting us on October 12th, 2014, and while still cleaning up from that storm, we were hit by Hurricane Gonzalo on October 17th and 18th.
These storms caused significant vegetative damage along the lines of what we saw with Hurricane Emily on September 25th, 1987 and Hurricane Fabian on September 5th, 2003. So in these four years, we have had some close calls, but nothing substantial, allowing our trees to take on some growth.
Many don’t know, but all this colour we see driving around our Island, is all given by introduced species to the Island with the magnificent Royal Poinciana being the most prominent. The Royal Poinciana [Delonix Regia] is originally from Tropical Africa, Madagascar, and India.
It was introduced to Bermuda from the West Indies though, in about 1870. The tree can be seen throughout Bermuda as it makes an excellent shade tree and boasts a brilliant display of orange [there’s a lovely one at the Aquarium] to a very deep red.
This weekend would be worth it to take a drive around the Island with the family just to see these gorgeous trees that are in full bloom.
As a Bermudian who has been involved in the horticulture industry for forty years, I am blown away by what I see around every corner! Can you imagine what our visiting guests feel while driving around?
All of these pictures were taken today on this first day of summer, from my iPhone!
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S p l e n d i f e r o u s!
So lovely to be able to enjoy Bermuda from afar. Beautiful!
Thanks, Jeff, for your article and outstanding photos. I cannot remember such a profusion of colours in my lifetime. Even Bermudians can be shocked at times by the beauty of our island. I stated only yesterday that there are so many spectacular sites with the Royal Poinciana to photo, the best way to achieve this would be to buy a book of tickets and get on and off bus routes. This would avoid parking problems and would work well with many areas with exception of Harbour Road.
Indeed thank you, Jeff! I have been wondering why the media have not mentioned this incredible sight. I can never remember such glorious vistas as this year. For sure there must be some old tales about “when the poincianas are in really full bloom it means” etc. etc.
Thank you Bernews for highlighting this.
The Beautiful things that come from Africa!
Truly a riot of colour!!
Thanks Jeff, for pointing out the beauty of Bermuda also take a drive from middle road through Orange Valley and Montpellier Road awesome.
Visited Bermuda may 31- June 10 from Nova Scotia, the island was starting to bloom and yes it was spectacular. I captured a picture myself to share with friends. The bustop on middle road next to Warwick academy has a beautiful view of two of these trees. I especially love the hibiscus hedges. Really wish I could bring these home. Guess I will have to keep coming back to Bermuda!
Magnificent ! Have emailed to friends abroad