{Our Firmiana simplex, Sterculia platanifolia, Chinese Parasol Tree}

Our Firmiana simplex, Sterculia platanifolia, Chinese Parasol Tree is a very special tree that blooms and six weeks later produces seeds. Yesterday I took photos of those seeds so this makes it complete for showing it to you. This tree is original from China, Japan and Taiwan. German link: Firmania simplex for my German readers. Also a Spanish link: Parasol de la China (haga clic en la palabra). It is a very interesting tree with different attractions, huge leaves and large trusses of flowers, than the seeds. And so far it bears the longest botanical name I have come across! Of course I am not talking about a Garden Tour during the HEAT of summer. 

It was May 31, when this photo was taken.

Quite a load of flowers!

Huge leaves; hence its name 'Chinese Parasol Tree'...

Photo taken this morning, look how in six weeks those berry-like fruits (seeds) have developed!

So tell me; were you familiar with this kind of 'Parasol'...?

{Antique Christofle Toast Rack + New Ideas for You!}

Probably you will pick up an idea or two for putting a toast rack to more uses. Have you ever served waffles in them for a breakfast in bed or a lazy Sunday brunch? Look at this photo from an old Victoria magazine where you can see the example. 

Bet you like that!

Here you see an antique silver plated Christofle Toast Rack being put to use as a card or letter holder.

This one was available at my Zen Cart powered on line boutique: Mariette's Back to Basics. 

This 1912-1914 model does have 4 slots.

And yes, I picked fresh blueberries today from our garden...

Using my English Rose by Royal Doulton China. The hyperlink will bring you straight to Replacements Ltd.

From Table to Desk...

Next tip is to use the toast rack for holding napkins! Folded into a triangle seen here are cocktail napkins that can be used for a tea or hors d'oeuvres.

Of course you can easily fold in two napkins per slot, I used only one for each opening.

Here you can see it without anything inside...

The Christofle hall mark and that number 7 in a square frame stands for 7 grams of pure silver laid on the alloy (probably brass).

To the right there are more numbers.

From an old Christofle catalog.

Shown is one with 6 openings, it was available in two sizes.  

Sorry Sold out...

{Our Jasminum Nitidum 'Royal Jasmine'}

Our Jasminum Nitidum 'Royal Jasmine' which we got from +Logee's Greenhouses (link you find below post) is another exotic and highly fragrant flower. We keep it in a large planter in the greenhouse during winter. But come spring and summer, it is outside and shows off its perfect blossoms. Have a look at this beauty!

Related link:

Logee's | search under fragrant flowers with several jasmine varieties being listed