Why is it this tree reminds me of samba dancers at Carnival in Rio? Maybe it's because of the impossibly tall, slender, and curvy bodies. Or maybe it's the elaborate decorative layering of leafy feathers and frill. Or maybe it's the graceful, rhythmic movements of the intertwined limbs dancing in the breeze. Whatever it may... Continue Reading →
Poppies feature prominently in masterpieces of fine art from painters such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Gustav Klimt, and Georgia O'Keefe. The mesmerizing scarlet, vermillion, or persimmon blooms immediately command attention, which make them ideal elements to include in any masterwork. However, it is curious that none of those most famous of paintings capture... Continue Reading →
Approaching ten thousand steps at a brisk pace through the park, the edge of my sightline caught some fluttering movement and brought me to a pause. Seemingly a dozen birds with plum tail feathers and canary yellow wings hovered in the space of garden above forget-me-nots and bleeding hearts whilst chirping tenderly to each other.... Continue Reading →
The greatest of friends, Peony and Lilac always arrived together. Peony, being the bolder of the two with her vibrant face and lush garb, chose a subtle perfume, whereas Lilac sported a rather robust fragrance to compensate for her more faint and dainty nature. Each with their own way about them - laughter, song, and... Continue Reading →
Bearded Iris II Iris was a messenger goddess often depicted with golden wings and the personification of a rainbow who travelled to earth to deliver communications from the gods to mortals. It is said that colorful flowers grew wherever she stepped upon the earth and those flowers were named for her. 'Nature is glorious' is... Continue Reading →
A late afternoon respite by the garden, washed warm by side light and cooled by long shadows and dewy grass beneath cherry blossoms. The rhythmic trilling of tree frogs sets the pace of my breathing. With a deep inhale I catch a slight peppery taste of pollen on the air, but rinse it immediately away... Continue Reading →
Beauty is not perfection - it is imperfection with a modicum of grace. Words and images by Michael J. Hall
Wisteria Waterfall A solo yellow eastern tiger swallowtail swims upward against the cascading clusters of wisteria. The alluring aroma draws the butterfly onward and is further energized by drops of nectar. A final flicker of its feathery wings releases a dusting of pollen as it breaks free from the weight of the fragrant blooms. Words... Continue Reading →
Lupine Garden At one end of the picturesque garden these tall, elegant spikes adorned in vibrant blooms of blue, purple, pink, and white appear like nature's popsicles, attracting pollinators of all kinds and remind us that the summer is nigh. Unless you are an insect, do NOT eat these popsicles! Words and images by Michael... Continue Reading →
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