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| Cyclamen graecum ssp graecum1 / Greek Cyclamen / Κυκκλάμινο το γραικό / Griechisches Alpenveilchen - The first cyclamen were already in flower on the Rhodopou peninsula, although not in the large numbers to be seen a little later in the year. Despite our prolonged search the rare white blooms still evaded us. And on this occasion I was unable to find C. cartwrightianus, although I have photographed this autumn crocus before in this area. |
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| Cyclamen graecum ssp graecum / Greek Cyclamen / Κυκκλάμινο το γραικό / Griechisches Alpenveilchen - The cyclamen are just so beautiful, I could not resist another image for you to enjoy. |
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| Erica manipuliflora / Ερείκη η σπονδυλανθής / Quirlblättrige Heide - The tiny, bell-like flowers of this heather, when viewed at close quarters, are exquisite. Viewed from a distance, the shrubs add a magical mauve haze to the otherwise barren and dry mountainsides. |
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| Top of the world - Kallergi Mountain Refuge - The stunning scenery and the peace of the refuge have the ability to make one feel energised and relaxed at the same time. In June, we will be hosting a trip to the refuge where we will stay for two nights, to experience the tranquillity and beauty of this special place. For further details please check out our Trips page. |
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| Refuge - The refuge is open daily from April until October. During the winter months November to March it operate only at the week-ends, although I for one would certainly not attempt to drive up there in the snow, stunning as the scenery must be. If anyone has a photograph of the refuge and its surroundings in the snow, I would love to see it. |
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| Refuge - Another view of the Kallergi Mountain Refuge, which more than compensates for the drive! |
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| Origanum dictamnus / Cretan Dittany / Δίκταμομος, έρωντας / Kretischer Diktam - This endemic Cretan herb is known the world over for its health-giving properties. It has been famous since ancient times and is now cultivated to make herbal infusions. It is a constituent of Martini and helps to give the drink its distinctive flavour.
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| Cretan Dittany (Watercolour / Julia Jones) - This watercolour painting took me a long time to complete, as the hairs which cover its leaves were painted with a single-haired brush. |
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| Seed head - The contrast of this fluffy seed head with the stark grey rocks, made a perfect still life. How could I resist a photograph, even though I cannot identify the flower? Maybe someone can tell me? |
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