mystical

Low tide, low clouds diffuse the blue of the sky, quiet inland waters contrast with ocean waves in the distance. This feels like a mystical glimpse of the coast.

parts

When I walk into a garden, the first thing I see is the shape of the beds and the color of the flowers. Next is the shapes of the flowers, then the petals, then the tiny pollen-producing parts. Each view is different; each carries its own beauty.

prairie sun

Early morning is a perfect time for a solo walk in the garden. I shared the space with rabbits and birds, no other two-legged creatures. As I stood still a hummingbird whizzed by my head, stopping several times to feed at attractive flowers. Goldfinch swooped through the wildflower garden, occasionally landing on a flower.

Many varieties of Rudbeckia hirta are in full bloom. This one wears the name 'Prairie Sun'.

summer afternoon

The air is warm and the sky wears blue decorated by puffy clouds. While the wind creates ripples in the water, a bit of a reflection is still visible.

delicate

Wandering in the garden between rain storms was my afternoon activity. Each time I visit I enjoy both new and changing flowers.

Today these tiny, delicate blooms caught my eye.

honeysuckle vine

There are so many different flowers in the garden that attract butterflies and hummingbirds that I often see the honeysuckle vine without any visitors.

The bright splash of color is wonderful.

chasing pollinators

Early evening is often my selected time for garden visits. For a change, today I visited Stevens-Coolidge Place in the heat of the early afternoon. I was rewarded with views of pollinators flying, buzzing, flitting among the flowers.

I tried to capture a hummingbird clearwing moth (with my camera). I've never seen one of these wonderful creatures with its wings standing still; they are in a state of constant movement.

a walk in the rain

It was a day of warmth, humidity, and rain.

After a Pilates class at the Y, I headed out for an exercise walk. The air was warm and full of moisture in the form of humidity. I was delighted when it started to rain since the falling water felt cooler than the humid air. The rain stopped, I continued walking. The rain started again, wonderful!

Later in the day blue sky appeared, decorated with billowing white clouds. My camera drew me out for a wander in Lawrence.

clouds, mill buildings, and the Merrimack River


a chair or a sculpture?

echinops

Last week's photo of bees enjoying the flower of an echinops ritro showed the flower as a globe of spikes, possibly a source of the plant's common name, globe thistle. A bit further into the growth cycle, tiny blossoms now show at the end of the spikes.

The bees are still happy.

wild roses

Wild roses, petals a bit past prime, create a splash of pink in the garden.