256/365: clematis seeds
The Virgin’s Bower clematis is an aggressive vine. Covered with small white, star-shaped flowers in summer, by early fall the whole vine is a hairy mess of seeds. I can’t help thinking of truffula tufts (or a raging case of bed head).
They have a certain disheveled charm. Then, after a while, they just look messy. It’s a fine line.
236/365: passion flower
Plants are sexy.
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.
162/365: garden view with wisteria
I couldn’t resist another shot of the mandarin honeysuckle vine now that it’s covered in blooms. Having something this beautiful in my life just makes me feel so blessed. Also, this vine happens to be growing on the arbor my dad built for our wedding 15 years ago today…beauty abounds.
158/365: mandarin honeysuckle
In a few more days, the mandarin honeysuckle vine will be covered in luscious orange blossoms. It will be glorious. But I also like the form of the petals before the flowers open. And, the softness of the light. And, well, I guess I just couldn’t wait to celebrate the emergence of the first tender soul. There’s something intimate about this moment. It’s quiet. It’s the kind of subtle revelation you might miss if you weren’t paying attention.
151/365: mandarin honeysuckle
We have these crazy clematis that turn into hairy Seussian tufts when the blooms are spent. There are plenty left over from last summer. As usual, the late afternoon sun worked its magic. Seriously – everything is beautiful in the golden hour.
137/365: last year’s clematis
It wasn’t my intention to post TWO bud photos in a row but, two things: it’s all happening (!) and a lot of that activity looks like plants, trees, bushes, vines, budding out. And it’s awesome.
Second, I got my eyes dilated yesterday and spent half the day incapacitated (ugh!) unable to take photos, do any computer work, or be functional, really, in any way. By the time I got my vision back, it was slim pickins’. Fortunately for me, I don’t have to look very far to see the wonders of spring afoot…
92/365: honeysuckle vine with buds
I love the linear quality of vines and they stand out among the upright stalks of so many prairie plants. I may have to wait for summer blooms to identify this one, though. Unless you know. If so, please let me know in the comments. Guesses welcome.
37/365: dry prairie vine
One to get lost in. The frost blankets the leaves with an animal softness that belies the harshness of the cold. It has all the intricate crystalline beauty of the ice formations playing off the organic curves and lingering color of the ivy.
4/365: frost on the vine
The garden sleeps, tucked in beneath the snow, undisturbed by the occasional rabbit crossing, unaware of the wind and weather.
Time passes and leaves marks. Blue-gray metal beneath flaking paint and the blue-green hint of patina. Remnant leaves still on the vine almost vibrant in their crunchy orange contrast, a memento of seasons past.
Winter garden: paradigm of biding one’s time.
57/365: faucet with vine
avant garden 365 