For the birthday girl

“Blushed” (Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Kinkaku’, Japanese Tree Peony), Nikon D300, 105mm F/2.8G Macro, F/8, 1/80s, ISO 640, Built-in i-TTL-BL Flash, -1.0EV, Color Efex Pro ‘Duplex’ Filter

I’ve been saving this image for quite awhile, waiting for the perfect day to post it. Well today is my sister Lynn’s birthday and I can’t think of a more fitting time!

Unlike myself, Lynn decorates for the holidays in subtle hues reminiscent of a Victorian Christmas (think shades of pink, cream, gold and pale greens nestled amongst twinkling white lights…soooo pretty). You won’t find a stitch of Christmas red and forest green but trust me, you won’t miss it one bit.

Lynn is a master gardener and if it weren’t for her, I doubt I would have any sort of green thumb. She helped nurture that seed in me oh, so many years ago when I was a new homeowner completely overwhelmed by the large landscape I had acquired. She lives across the state so I don’t get to see her very often but, we do stay in touch via telephone and when I’m in the garden or doing anything with flowers, I can’t help but think of her.

So, today’s post is all for Lynn, sending warm wishes, hugs and kisses! ♥♥♥

Hallelujah! It rained!

I cannot tell you what a pleasant surprise it was this morning to waken to find it had rained overnight! And not the ’8-inches-in-an-hour-so-everything-floods’ kind of rain, but, finally, a steady, ‘thirst-quenching-right-down-to-the-roots’ soak.

Such a relief!

“Raindrops on Roses” (David Austin English Rose ‘Tamora’) Nikon D300, 105mm F/2.8G Macro, F/14, 1/60s, ISO 640

The air smelled alive and every plant, shrub and tree seemed to revel in the most-needed moisture. Perhaps Mother Nature hasn’t forsaken us afterall? 

This is going to be a good day.

Let it be

"Rosebud" (David Austin English Rose 'Tamora') Nikon D300, 550mm (200-400mm w/1.4x teleconverter), F/5.6, 1/320s, -1.0EV, ISO 640

All season, I made sure the roses were properly pruned, watered and fertilized, that they were free of bugs and disease and sadly, received very little to show for it. I finally gave up on them and let them just be and wouldn’t you know, now I’m getting blossoms?

What is up with that?

So that does it.

Next year, I will let the roses just do what they want to and maybe, just maybe I’ll have the rose garden I envisioned!

What a difference a day makes

I am  pleased to report that day 2 of the art show went much better! Beautiful weather combined with a steady stream of visitors was a needed relief after the tragedy that was day 1. Phew! Let’s hope the weekend finishes strong!

Remember those rose buds from yesterday? Well, here is the largest one less than 24 hours later:

"My Sweet Rosie" (English Rose, 'The Shepherdess') Nikon D300, 380mm (200-400mm w/1.4x teleconverter), F/6.3, 1/50s, -0.7EV, ISO 640

Not quite yet fully open, the shape is bordering on peony-like in appearance (and you all know how I feel about peonies…). This girl’s soft, peachy-pink petals are a perfect complement to her delicate, fruity fragrance.

Mmmmmm, so sweet indeed!