Just a quick post today. I’ve cropped two slightly different perspectives of the same passion flower, the first square, according to Becky’s instructions, and the second one, a portrait shape. Continue reading “Square Perspectives: A Passion Flower”
Bees Foraging Flowers
Cottage Garden Plants: Hollyhocks
For most of us, I suspect, hollyhocks are a dream, but what a dream they are!
Ruffled blooms with a hint of crinoline have the old fashioned charm and romance we associate with cottage gardens. The leafy green buds, typical of the mallow family, are decorative too. Continue reading “Cottage Garden Plants: Hollyhocks”
Backlit Stems With Seeds
Most of my ‘art’ shots are happy accidents. I give myself some credit for spotting an interesting subject, and playing with light, but can’t claim to have a clue how the picture will turn out. Here light seems to have been trapped by the hairy geranium stems and, by a stroke of luck, tinted pink. A smattering of blue blur circles in the top left of the picture hint at a blue sky, although they might be flowers. Continue reading “Backlit Stems With Seeds”
Anthropomorphising Flowers
We’re not supposed to ascribe human characteristics to anything else, but I can’t help it. Somebody planted white foxtail lilies (eremurus) with alliums to provide height in a white flower border. The alliums are growing as the designer intended – upwards, but the foxtail lilies are demonstrating how they got their name. I’m fully aware that the light is drawing them in that direction, but that doesn’t stop my mind from doing its thing. The alliums are clustering in groups to gawp at and gossip about the wayward foxtail lilies. Continue reading “Anthropomorphising Flowers”
What is a Mixed Border?
A border is a cultivated area of land set aside for growing decorative plants. Mixed borders combine different types of plants in one place: trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, grasses, bulbs and climbers on obelisks or against a wall. Anything you like to grow can be included – if you want to accessorise it with a birdhouse or seat or some form of artwork, so much the better!
Because there isn’t a fixed recipe, mixed borders are versatile and popular. You may well be one of millions of gardeners worldwide who are tending one. Continue reading “What is a Mixed Border?”
Epiphytes In A Crape Myrtle, French Quarter, New Orleans
If you were asked where is your favourite tree, and what kind of tree is it, what would you answer? This hospitable crape myrtle, growing in the garden of a purple house on Dumaine Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, is one of my favourites. I am several thousand miles away, so can only think back fondly to the last time my sweetheart and I saw it. Continue reading “Epiphytes In A Crape Myrtle, French Quarter, New Orleans”
Susan Rushton 