Flowers
Pink Pom Poms
While visiting relatives in Kansas, we enjoyed a stop at the Topeka Zoo. Along with the expected variety of animals, they had a unexpected collection of attractive flowering plants. I spotted the beautiful, unique blooms on this large tree and took a few photos. I later learned this is a Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin).
Though it is revered for its beautiful and fragrant blooms, the mimosa tree is considered an invasive species. It was brought to this continent from China as an ornamental plant about 250 years ago. Like most invasive plants, it reproduces prolifically. The flat seedpods are numerous, tough and can remain dormant for decades, even over long periods of drought.
To view a larger view of this photo click on it.
Forgotten Embrace
This red rose evokes an entirely different feeling when presented in a monochrome tone.
This started as a color image and I spent a lot of time trying to get this just right. I like it better than the image I started with but…it still seems to be lacking something.
To view a larger version of this image, click on the photo.
Spring Beauty (Scilla Siberic)
These delicate flowers are known as “Spring Beauty” and “Siberian Squill.” Their formal name is Scilla Siberic.
They are very short (the tallest of the bunch might be 6 inches) and very early, spring bloomers. Scilla Siberic is native to southwestern Russia, the Caucasus, and Turkey. Despite its name, it is not native to Siberia. This small bunch pops up every spring in the lawn of our Wisconsin home.
To view a larger version of this image, click on the photo.
Sisterhood
Soft Allure
I was early for an appointment. While waiting, I pulled out my camera and snapped a few photos of the flowers in a flowerbed outside the meeting location.
This is why I advise photographers to keep their cameras close by. You never know when a photographic opportunity will present itself. You won’t be able to take advantage of an opportunity every time it arrives – I’m always seeing scenes I wish I could pause to capture. So, often circumstances don’t allow it, but occasionally they will. If you don’t have your camera with you, you will always miss it.
To get a better, larger view of this image, click on the photo.
Floral Fuzz
This is a wildflower that I found sprouting among the weeds that grow on the edges of our rural Wisconsin yard. The fuzziness of the edges caught my eye.
I don’t know what kind of flower this is, but I think it is an early version of the type you can see in aother post I titled Sun and Stars.
To view a larger version of this image, click on the photo.
Berrylicious
Although I wouldn’t advise it, these berries look good enough to eat. I found them on a walk along a wooded trail. There were plenty of these orange berries but even more red of the same variety. I don’t know what kind they are but I rather like the color.
To get a better look, click the photo and a larger version will open in a new browser tab.
Vintage Lily
Every now an then, some vintage black and white just seems right. This is a lily bloomed in a flowerbed in our yard. I can’t remember if it was wet from a shower or the early morning dew.
This is the kind of image that looks very sharp in a simple black frame and wide, white mat. (Take a LOOK)
To view a larger version of this image, click on the photo.