I’ve been trying to understand why I am drawn to photographing flowers when there are so many other things that one could use as a photographic subject. Flowers are generally available, although in Minnesota they are not in their “own” environment during our snowy winter months, but can be found in the humidity and warmth of a conservatory or a floral shop. Yet just because a particular flower is blooming does not mean that a beautiful photograph can be made of it. The best conclusion I have come to is that I am drawn to color — the bright colors, the subtle colors, the hues and shades, and the combinations of multiples colors together. This photo is of a plant that many people would not even consider growing for its beauty — catmint. It can become big and it can become floppy. And yet in its own way it is a beautiful combination of shades of lavender and purple. Today I found this stand of catmint near some salmon-colored poppies. The two seemed to be subtly and beautifully complimenting each other in the soft and wonderful way that only nature can provide.
summer
The power of memory
I was out photographing early this morning at a nearby garden. It was still and peaceful with the sun slowing dawning an a clear day with the promise of summer. As I wandered through the garden my eyes were stopping on different flowers and shrubs. But when I turned around and glimpsed a rhododendron in bloom I stopped in my tracks. In Minnesota we do not have many rhododendrons that can survive our cold winter climate. So when I saw this beautiful white rhodie I was quickly taken back to the time I lived in the Pacific Northwest. There, with the temperate marine air rhododendrons grow to be the size of trees, their blooms the size of large bowls. All this was going through my mind as I photographed this lovely white rhododendron that was blooming its heart out, but was only three feet tall. I realized how easily we associate things and how powerful our memory can be. In our home garden we have three peony plants with buds that will be bursting into bloom in the next week. One of these plants was purchased in Minnesota, the other two I brought from my parents’ home in Kansas. It is a wonderful memory I have of growing up and having the peonies blooming on the side of the house. How lucky I am to be able to surround myself with items that bring back delightful memories, or to happen upon something as simple as a small rhododendron that holds fond remembrances.
An amazing and beautiful Twin Cities garden
Last year I had the most delightful opportunity to photograph a Twin Cities garden that was brimming with iris, hostas, peonies, and other flowers and plants. Patti and Lloyd Weber put all their love of gardening into their yard and garden beds, and the end result is a delightful respite of color and beauty. With numerous gardens throughout their yard it was a challenge as a photographer to capture each one. The “Parents and Grandparents Garden” has shrubs and flowers that have been passed down through the families, or ones they remember their relatives tending. The “Grandchildrens Garden” has round stepping-stones with each child’s footprint and name. The “Fairy Garden” is a delightful miniature garden with a sign reminding one to “Believe.” There’s even a “Hosta Hospital” where Lloyd cares for those plants needing a bit more TLC before going back into the main gardens. Everywhere I looked there was something to catch and delight my eye and cause me to slow down and capture the photograph. I visited the Webers many times last year and each time there was something new to see and photograph. It was a challenge to narrow down my submission images for the feature article that has just been published in the May/June issue of Northern Gardener Magazine. The iris on the cover shown here is “Orangutan Orange” and is one of over 100 different iris that grace their gardens. If you’re in the Minnesota area pick up a copy of the magazine and enjoy the beauty of the Webers’ gardens, their personalities, and their passions that are featured in the article. Northern Gardener Magazine is published by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. For more information, please check their website at www.northerngardener.org.
Story Lines: an exhibit of prints and photographs
I have a new exhibit that’s opening this week in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Ellen Wold, a photographer and printmaker, and myself will be exhibiting at the Unity Church – Unitarian from November 3rd through the 30th. The opening reception is this coming Friday night, November 5th, from 6:00 to 9:00pm. The Unity Church – Unitarian is located at 732 Holly Avenue in Saint Paul. My photograph that is shown here is titled “Work in a field of lavender” and was made in Sequim, Washington. The Sequim Lavender Festival is the largest lavender festival in North America and takes place each year in July. With the warmth and sun of summer and fields of lavender all around, the distinctive scent of the purple landscape permeates the air. I invite those of you in the vicinity of Saint Paul to come to the opening reception and the exhibit. Ellen and I would enjoy sharing our art and our stories with you.
Concord grapes – the sweet smell of summer
Our harvest of concord grapes was plentiful. With pans and trays of the purple grapes everywhere, the sweet smell of summer has been wafting through our kitchen. Their fresh aroma is strong and intoxicating, and it strengthens as the grapes simmer on the stove, crack open, and release their juices. For now we’re enjoying a deliciously flavorful concord grape sorbet that melts in the mouth — a small taste goes a long way. It’s a deep, dark color of rich purple; almost (but not quite) too beautiful to eat. And we also have a plethora of concord jelly ready for the upcoming months. When the snow is piled around and the temperatures are cold, we’ll open a jar of grape jelly and be quickly transported back to the waning days of summer.
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