Dahlia Clarion The nearly black foliage and rounded lemon yellow petals of this dahlia species make for a passing resemblance of its little pollinator friend. With a blooming season that lasts from mid-summer until the first frosts, this bitty bee has plenty of time to collect pollen and nectar ahead of winter. But you can... Continue Reading →
Is there any other flower's fragrance that evokes a stronger memory of pleasant, leisurely seashore walks on a warm summer afternoon in New England? Words and images by Michael J. Hall
Sometimes we feel that we stand alone. It's our nature to experience moments of seclusion, where we believe we are facing the world entirely by ourselves. While these times of solitude may lead to meaningful personal growth and self-discovery, it's important to recognize that we are never truly alone. There are always others around us... Continue Reading →
This daylily is so named because it resembles a star of gold. The blossoms arrive for a day and then fade away. Fortunately, each plant produces several flower buds that mature at different times making it possible to enjoy these lovely blossoms over the course of several weeks. Perhaps a more fitting name for the... Continue Reading →
Many have wasted lives and lifetimes on the quest for the fountain of youth. No such chase ever appealed to me; it seemed like such a foolish undertaking. However, as happenstance would have it, my journeys led me to stumble upon this enchanting pond of velvety, shimmering cocoa. What a delectable spectacle for my eyes... Continue Reading →
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 →
Serenity Now The melodic and distinctive cries of the common loon resonate across the forested hills and over the placid waters of this deep, glacial pond. The mournful wails remind us to contemplate our peaceful connection with nature while enjoying our moments of solitude. Words and images by Michael J. Hall
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