Verdant Sonya's Garden

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,

Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,

Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,

With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:

There sleeps Titania sometime of the night,

Lull’d in these flowers with dances and delight;

And there the snake throws her enamell’d skin,

Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy in...

~ W. Shakespeare from "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

The most enchanting garden one will ever lay their eyes upon in the Philippines is Sonya's Garden located in Tagaytay, which is roughly a 2-hour drive heading south from Manila. I had heard about this place that will transport you to a Shakespearean soliloquy in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in years past but have only been graced with time and good company to visit it 3 days ago. It's a very well kept secret garden, truly verdant with blooming flowers and shrubbery all year round. The garden is also fecund with vegetables, herbs and fruit-bearing trees which are served at their organic restaurant and just the thought of that is quite exultant. Kudos to the owner, all gardeners, caretakers and horticulturists because the wonder they have achieved here is worthy to dwell in the annals of the history of Philippine gardens.

 

 

The cabanas decorated with lace, flower-patterned sheets and embroidery of sorts found all around the garden property are romantic and I will say, this whole reservation is capable of surpassing the botanical gardens I've been to in some cities outside the Philippines.  

Planting and landscaping began in 1998 at Sonya's Garden and as one may expect, all shrubberies, trees and flowering plants have taken root making the organic flow and growth of all manner of flora a marvelous sight to imbibe.

Herewith is a photo of their house salad served at their conservatory restaurant area:

Varieties of Morning Glorys, Hibisuses, Impatiences, Hydrangeas, Butterfly Peas, Geranium flower varieties, Mums and many, many others hang or lay about everywhere. 

Aside from the luscious garden itself, the property houses a bakery with their artisanal boulangerie items; an apothecary where lotions, spices, oils, candles are sold, a gift shop, the restaurant I mentioned earlier and a bed and breakfast.

Visit the place if you are able, it will be an experience.

Mas Provençal: A Restaurant Where Flowers Go To Live

Discovered this restaurant located in Eze, France (southeastern France region) in the internet that houses a plethora of flowers from orchids, gladiolas, bougainvilleas, carnivore pocket flowers to roses and etc...

I have not personally been here but it is such a thing of wonder that such a garden of beauty with this magnitude would be incorporated to a restaurant in this way.

The element of flora in this restaurant is what piqued my curiosity, I have not read any reviews about the status of the cuisine here but by the photographic accounts, it's a place that would be worth visiting anyway for someone like me who is a flower enthusiast. 

**photos shown here are not my own, they were gathered via Google images and sources range from individuals collections to media outlets archives.

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Funky Shoes, Purple Leaf and An Eerie Castle :

WEEK OF MARCH 18, 2012:

The Funky Shoes:

Theme: Shoes Monday. Votes: 16. 

These are indeed the funkiest shoes I own. I do not mean to be vulgar when I wear it, I just appreciate good workmanship and style.

The Purple Leaf:

Theme: Leaf On Thursday. Votes: 28.

This Purple Agave Lipstick Plant  gave me the highest votes up to the time of it's post and maybe even to date! I like it but I didn't expect this kind of reception for it! mahvelous!

The Eerie Castle:

Theme: Monochrome Monday. Votes: 19.

This photo I processed to make it look as vintage as possible, in fact, medieval. Like the age and architecture of the castle! Edinburgh Castle to be exact. To me it's as if, a period piece film is about to unfold with this pic! ;-)

Flora, Fauna and Ella :

Flora:

"Floral Friday" is also a great theme to participate in because flowers are beautiful and is soothing as a subject. This succulent photo i took in Washington DC, is the Guzmania Linguata; the colors are outstanding and the specie a league of it's own! 15 votes.

Fauna:

This Giant Leopard Moth insect was a fortuitous find! I was in queue at an ATM machine and this was situated almost camouflaged by the ground. I love how God made this creature because the patterns are notable and I believe it makes this moth extra special. This garnered 21 votes which was my highest pointer up until the 2nd week of March!

Ella:

 Ella is my niece and she appeared on G+ for the theme "Portrait Tuesday." I took this pic one afternoon of all my niece and nephews and they wore their beautiful clothes for their Auntie. i love that afternoon, it was fun and the kids were just awesome to photograph. Ella got me 22 points and G plus-ers from all over loved her!

Nota Bene: If you are reading this please note that I do realize there are photographers on G+ who get hundreds of votes in a matter of minutes. I do not by any means line myself up with them nor do I even dream of being in their league. To me, taking pictures with my humble gear, the process of editing if need be and sharing the pictures is a reward enough. At best I really just am an avid hobbyist in photography. :-)