I’ve been trying to formulate the words for a blog posting about how wonderful the last two weeks have been. How the gift of a camera and a new-found passion for photography, along with a deeper connection with nature, and the arrival of a long spell of beautiful warm and sunny weather, have combined to generate in me renewed vigour and rejuvination. However, up until I typed that (rather long) sentence, I hadn’t been able to put the words together in any semblance of order.
Isn’t it strange how when we stop trying hard to do something, it just happens. We are a strange species. Anyway, because I couldn’t find the words and I wanted to mark this wonderful feeling in a blog posting, I took a walk around the garden to look for some inspiration. Here are a few photos which encapsulate what’s happening in the garden this Sunny Sunday afternoon.
- Speckled Wood Butterfly
This beautiful fellow landed just in front of me as I ventured into the garden – at first minus my camera. I ran upstairs to fetch it hoping he would still be in place and he obliged. The Speckled Wood is a common butterfly in Britain and prefers dappled shade sites although the male sits in the sun waiting for a passing female! Isn’t he a wonderful specimen? He sat and let me photograph him for a while and as I walked away, he took flight.
Speckled Wood Basking in the Sun
Here he is fanning open his wings probably to attract a passing female……..
Centre of Attention
I wanted to photograph the interesting pattern the flower bud of the cornflower makes but took this shot of a ladybird on top of one instead. There are lots of ladybirds in the garden this year – perhaps the neighbours are organic gardeners too. If you look closely, you can make out some of the aphids attacking this plant. Should see some blooms in a week or two.
Starry, starry tulip
This pretty yellow tulip was all alone but in full glory at the south edge of Bed 1. It’s at an unusual angle as its stem was bending and twisting to allow for full sun exposure.
Atmospheric Shot?
This shot of the tulip looks a bit weirdly atmospheric. It’s here to serve as a reminder that when I’m composing a shot, I need to make sure I’m not creating shadow on the object!
I’ve a lot to learn……
It’s a pity because when blown up, the markings on the petals are quite spectacular.
Poppy Ready to Pop
The poppies in the garden had been mainly confined to the uppermost patio area where they are in full sun. I had always hoped they would seed in one of my bedding plots but it never happened until this year!
I am so pleased that I have lots of poppies coming up in Bed 2 which is a dappled area as seen in this photo. The bright yellows and oranges will be a delight for the eyes all through the summer.
It’s strange though: I can’t be sure whether I sprinkled some seeds on this plot last year or whether I simply thought about doing it. I prefer to think that the poppies chose that area.
Serendipity.
Free Flow Thoughts 