While I enjoy eating artichokes, I enjoy their color and shape even more. They grow in my garden visible from the street and passer-bys have been know to enquire as to why I would grow ‘thistles’ in my garden.
What a gorgeous color contrast the red bug and vibrant purple flower.
Even before they reveal the amazing purple, they are striking.
And of course, the bees appreciate them too, hiding deep inside or buzzing around the flowers.
Two turtles sunning themselves on a log in the lagoon.
Slip.
Slip.
Slipping away.
And then there was only one.
I’m almost ashamed to admit that this beautiful flower is a “Weed of National Significance’ in my state and I love it in my garden. It’s classified as a poisonous weed. Personally, I haven’t found it to be invasive, although it is thriving here where mostly it’s a struggle to get plants to survive. It is toxic to animals, but the bees seem to love it – so that’s another plus.
My pokers grow in a garden outside my bedroom window. Usually by Christmas they poke their heads up so I can see them just outside the window. This year they are preparing to bloom, maybe a little earlier due to all the rain that we have had recently. I love watching all the flower gradually reveal itself. The best part is that just about now, when they are starting to bloom, the honey eaters find them and sit on them bobbing around while they feast on the nectar. I’m waiting to catch them in a photo
Caught this little guy sitting on my felt hat!
Today was hot and humid. Most of the wildlife was quietly at rest, finding places to cool off. The pelican seemed happy just to cool off in the shallows.
It took me a while to realise this cockatoo was sitting above in the leaves just keeping an eye on me.
The duck also happy to sit around in the lagoon.
The turtle was just surfing, waiting for a wave that wouldn’t eventuate.
The hawk was just not bothered and keeping a wary eye out.
I wonder what this conversation is about….
The fuzzy bird is the young one demanding food from a parent.
Please, come on, hurry up, I’m starving.
What’s this all about?
Such a sweet young thing.
These gorgeous little ducks were at a weir close by the farm. I think they are Australian Wood Ducks.
I might be entering a new photo phase, arty shots. I was playing around with a picture of the the palm tree out front of the house and this is the result. I must take a realistic photo for comparison, but this is a fun shot.
I saw a much better shot of this flower and realised that it was growing in a dilapidated part of my garden. I enjoyed experimenting with different angles. This is the result.
2. Darker edges and I tried to emphasise the curves.
3. It got wet. I needed to do more with the drops!
4. I ended up liking this shot most. It’s quite unnatural this way. The flower should probably droop downwards.
The light was on the right hand side and the photo was rotated. I liked the angles…
I’ve forgotten what the name of this flower is. It’s quite common and thrives with neglect. Please help out.
Be Original!
Drop in and stay awhile
Gallery and Giftshop
En fotoblogg
To See a World in a Grain of Sand...
Fotografie, Radeln und Reisen
Just another WordPress.com site
"You must have birds in your heart before you can find them in the bushes." -- John Burroughs (Journal of the Outdoor Life, v20, 1923, p. 137)
Gardening Fairies Flowers Spirituality Angels Love Joy
AT PATHO 