Plum blossoms…the most delicate of flowers

By on 5-16-2011 in Original photos

plum blossoms

Our plum tree is the first fruit tree to blossom….and the first to lose them. This tree was planted by an errant seed and shouldn’t actually be growing this far north. It has only kept it’s blossoms long enough to produce plums once. Normally rain as in this year or frost will take them before they are ready to go. Plum flowers cluster in groups and become spectacular if only for a week.

red parrot tulip

Parrot tulips are my favourites. This red tulip with it’s shades of yellow throughout the center as well as traces in the petals looks like silk shining in the sun.

yellow tulip

Another parrot, which is just starting to open. Later in the day its petals will be flat rather than upright in a normal tulip. It is very showy and delicate. I love this bright shade of yellow….like the sun it is reflecting.

May tulips and lilies take the place of April crocus

By on 5-11-2011 in Original photos

The sun is shining and spring is warming into summer…the crocus, sadly are gone, in their place are red and yellow tulips and white lilies.
E lily

These lilies are very delicate and will be gone in about two days. Rain, when first blooming decreased their life span substantially.

red tulip

This red tulip, almost in full bloom caught my eye with it’s yellow streaks throughout its petals.

yellow tulip

There is always one in the mix that is different. The rest of the yellow tulips are parrot tulips with big floppy petals. This one of a kind has a much lighter tone and reminds me more of a rose colour. It is growing right in the middle of the other yellow tulips and stands out as an individual.

A summer alarm clock….when did they learn to knock on metal pipe ?

By on 5-04-2011 in Original photos

yellow bellied sap sucker

Our resident Yellow Bellied Sap Sucker is back for the summer. He will knock on any metal around the yard including the aluminum step ladder. He sure makes a noise ! And does it carry ! I’m sure you can hear him for miles

yellow bellied sap sucker

I have three questions. The first…. how and when did they learn to knock on metal instead of trees to announce their presence? The second…..How do they manage to keep their bills in good shape….that’s gotta hurt !! The third….Do they ever get a headache?

Two more collages, these two honour Spring

By on 4-19-2011 in Digital Images + Collage, Fabric Postcards, Original photos

While I have been waiting for the rain to stop and the sun to shine I put together two collaged cards. For the first collage I used the yellow crocus. I painted the background, added moss from one of our trees then created a crocus brush. A very interesting piece of work, my first attempt at using the Photoshop layers in this way.

yellow crocus spring card

I chose the purple crocus for the second collage. I painted the background in this piece as well, and created another crocus brush which I used in two different sizes and colours to add depth to the piece.

spring card
I like the way the crocus flowers seem to float on air in both these collages and the moss takes on a character all of it’s own. Both of the collages would make great fabric postcards, especially with added embroidered embellishments.

Crocus Flowers….a beautiful start to spring

By on 4-10-2011 in Original photos

crocus flowers

This spring’s crocus are breathtaking. Such a delicate purple with darker lines of deep colour.

crocus

I couldn’t choose which photo to post so I am posting all three. They look like they were painted onto fine china.

crocus

These yellow crocus glow with colour, reaching out for the sun’s rays. Stunning….I wish they could stay blooming for longer.

yellow crocus flowers

Again, I could not make a decision of which photo to post so I am posting both.

yellow crocus