pink

all in the neighborhood

260/365: sedum flowers

blog092115_sedum flowers

I always feel that the sedum flowers are the ‘girl next door’ in the garden. That is to say: gorgeous and overlooked.

I had to check to see how often I’d posted them in the past…turns out it’s been five years. Definitely time these beauties get another turn in the spotlight.

Visit the 2010 sedum post here. I really like what I wrote about them back then.

sun salutation

230/365: sunrise, lake harriet

blog082215_sunrise-yoga

One of my favorite parts of summer is my daily sunrise yoga practice at Lake Harriet. Friday morning was particularly glorious: a cool, late summer breeze, pink-tinged clouds, the lonely screech of sea gulls and clank of sailboat moorings. It was all so beautiful I had to pull out my iPhone to take a picture. I’m so glad I did. I want to remember that August morning long after the snow flies.

Thank you Lake Harriet Yoga Project for the wake up calls…

embarrassment of riches

As if the wealth of sun-ripened berries and full rainbow of farm-fresh veggies weren’t enough – the farmer’s market is now bursting with blooms in such exuberantly colorful & random bouquets that is almost feels like too much. Almost.

blog071615_farmers-market-bouquet193/365: farmer’s market bouquet

rebranding for good

This gorgeous blossom is undergoing a rebranding effort in the name of monarch survival. Commonly referred to as Swamp Milkweed, the plant is one of the essential natives for monarch caterpillars. In an effort to encourage more gardeners to embrace this beneficial plant, the new moniker lends a more delicate, desirable image. This is no swamp plant: it’s Rose Milkweed (thank you very much).

blog062515_milkweed-closeup173/365: rose milkweed

garden tapestry

I frequently zero in on the magnificence of a single flower and I do enjoy that kind of intimate study of a particular color and form. But often the beauty comes in the combination of elements – the layering and the contrasts. Sometimes I have to remind myself to step back and take it ALL in.

blog061415_garden with wisteria

162/365: garden view with wisteria

snap shot

Most of the time, the way I work is comically antithetical to any standard or recommended way of taking photographs. Images are usually composed roughly in my head as I bring the viewfinder to my eye. There is never a tripod involved.

This image is an extreme example of my haphazard style. A single shot, snapped on my iPhone, while holding the leash of our very rambunctious (75 lb) puppy, Rocco. Kids in tow. Feet planted for a single second of stillness.

Thanks, azaleas, for being such an easy target.

blog050715_azalea125/365: azalea on the fly

where there’s smoke, part two

While I was out photographing the prescribed shoreline burn at Lake Nokomis, the little prairie garden near my house was cooking up its own surprises. I did a double take when I spotted the little magenta buds of prairie smoke. And I was glad to see a heartening display of green shoots poking out from the charred spots. The fresh colors seem so especially vibrant this time of year.

blog040215_prairie smoke90/365: prairie smoke buds