Amaryllis belladonna, fondly called Naked Ladies, are native to South Africa. But this ornamental seems to love the Mendonoma Coast, and begins blooming this time of year. One person told me they are a reminder that Autumn is coming.

Christine Haas found some blooming at The Sea Ranch. She wrote, "These Naked Ladies in the field across the street at the intersection of Leeward and Backpack were just stunning. A clump alone in the middle of the field, almost all of them gazing west towards the sunset. The color is exquisite - much more vivid than in lower Sonoma County. It’s got to be that fresh, clean air! And maybe the magnificent views! I mean, who wouldn’t want to be one of these Naked Ladies?”

These bulbs sprout leaves in the spring but they have long died back. So the tall stem with multiple pink flowers is "naked" of leaves. And they are fragrant. I love 'em!

Thanks to Christine for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

No fog today - yes, even Point Arena had sun this morning as attested by my sister, Linda Bostwick! It's sunny and very breezy, temps in the mid 70s.