My confidence level rises when my camera is on a tripod–the shot will be in focus. So there I was at water’s edge with thousands of lily pads before me. The next obstacle after focus and framing was lighting. A large bush behind me was casting a shadow on the first row of lily pads.Continue reading “Shadow on a Lily Pad”
Category Archives: flowers
Runaway Nasturtium
When left to its own devices, a nasturtium, truly a spreading vine, will head for the strangest places. Took this shot yesterday of one on its way to the end of our deck, past some weeds and a hose, where it will crawl up and over a brick wall on its way to freedom. MaybeContinue reading “Runaway Nasturtium”
The Black-eyed Susan Adventure
Last Fall I sowed a handful of black-eyed Susan seeds. They sprouted a few weeks ago; some were gigantic, well over two feet tall. Took the above photo of one that is near the end of its blooming life.Got to wondering where the “Susan” comes from. Turns out that the poet John Gray in 1720Continue reading “The Black-eyed Susan Adventure”
Sunlight on a Leaf
Everyday I walk past this clump of nasturtiums surrounded by succulents. I thought about pulling the nasturtiums out but the orange flowers contrast nicely with the bright green growth of the cactus like plant. When I noticed sunlight hitting the broad nasturtium leaves, I decided to let nature takes its course. You probably don’t wantContinue reading “Sunlight on a Leaf”
Lucky Flower Shot
Cosmos flowers were blowing in the wind yesterday save for one, held in place by the emerging bloom of another cosmos that had hooked itself between petals. A honey bee, taking advantage of a target that was steady, flew in for some nectar while I positioned the camera. Lucky.
The Nasturtium Process
July marks the start of processing pods from nasturtiums so I can plant them in the fall. I put collected pods on a paper plate that is left out in the sun for a day. Next, the plate goes in the house away from light for a week–the pods will go from green to lightContinue reading “The Nasturtium Process”
Rock Purslane “Rocks”
The succulent, Rock Purslane, is my kind of plant. It is drought tolerant and easy to propagate with showy purple flowers. Loves sun, well-drained soil and a temperate climate.
Nasturtium Comeback
We’re finally getting nasturtiums to spread again after three years of gopher attacks. I haven’t seen the battlefield lately with mounds of dirt and dead vines. Too soon to declare victory.
The Sacrificial Nasturtium
For ten years I’ve been growing nasturtiums, collecting the seed pods and giving them to friends to grow. I’m astounded by how these flowers have prospered at other yards. However, at home nasturtiums have been targeted by gophers as well as spittle bugs. Indeed, the bright green leaves of the nasturtium sacrifice themselves so thatContinue reading “The Sacrificial Nasturtium”
