I absolutely lover Stargazer lilies. Their color and texture are hard to ignore.
Their aroma draws anything with a nose closer. It is hypnotic in nature.
But beware of getting too close while entranced. That rusty, dusty pollen has a dark secret.
It stains everything it touches. Sniffer beware.
If you want to clip some for an arrangement, it is best to snip off the stamens first.
FLOWER
A parade is a show moving by as one stands still. Spectators must pay close attention so as not to miss the small, special elements that give the whole thing its spark. My goal was to catch those jewels among the steady flow.
There is a technique to this scan and zoom kind of photography that is very dynamic compared to taking pictures of flowers in a stationary garden.
Here is a gallery of my favorite special sparks.
I love the Blowing Rock parade!
FLOW
If you are a fungi fan, you will love this book.
I used to teach biology so this is right up my alley. Ha
FLOW in mountains with no internet
This Crocosmia is my absolute favorite. It blooms so prolifically that it requires support fences to hold up the flowers.
I love the symmetry which reminds me of Stealth bombers flying on stalks.
The best part about Montebretia ‘Lucifer’ is that nothing eats it.
I really love Lucifer in bloom.
FLOWER
I have gladiolas planted in groups throughout the gardens. They are bright spots in the backgrounds of the beds.
Their form, height and colors draw the eye from far across the lawn. I have Priscillas and a mix named Mardi Gras. The pink Priscillas bloom first.
The hummingbirds are attracted to them as well.
I am glad I have glads.
FLOWER
I am home again for a day. The wedding was lovely and Rose was lovely. It was a wonderful weekend with treasured friends.
This morning I toured the gardens. I was lamenting that my beautiful flowers were in ugly fences.
Then I arrived at the spot where South Seas should have been blooming. There were empty stalks instead. I had forgotten to put its fence ring back up.
There is a lesson here. I do not like the fences. They are an ugly addition to a beautiful garden, but…
NO fences, NO flowers.
FLOW
I was out this morning photographing one of my favorite daylilies, South Seas.
As I was admiring its gorgeous color I envisioned a dress of this fabulous hue.
This reminded me that I must chose a dress to wear to Rose’s friend’s wedding this Saturday.
Rose is a bridesmaid and will be in a lovely eucalyptus green gown and gold shoes.
My dress for the event? I have chosen a midi that just happens to have that lovely color smeared on it. It’s old and its blue.
I hope it won’t be too much with red shoes!
FLOWER
I was afraid that there might be NO devils in my garden this year. They were slow to show.
Finally the big devil sent up its creepy stalk and a bunch of leaves.
Then I spotted a spotted sprout.
The third little devil has not emerged yet.
I do love this weirdo plant, Amorphophallus konjac
FLOW and a weirdo
Hundreds of beautiful blooms and hundreds of large weeds greeted me upon my return to my garden this weekend.
I am home with my new computer. My usual computer, mouse and keyboard are in use at Mama’s. Nothing is like it should be anywhere.
I will just share photos of the blooms, not the weeds.
My dahlias have been in pots too long and must be put in the ground today.
Forgive my lack of labeling. If you really want to know a name, ask in comments. I will answer using my phone.
CLICK ON pics to make them full size. They got cropped in the gallery.
I have a lot to say but no time to say it and no one to say it to. Next post is about the Devil.
FLOW on the GO
floweralley 