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As the wildflowers start to break out of the ground, they have been popping up in my yard in areas that I have never noticed wildflowers before this year. Like the Star of Bethlehem that grew in the middle of my lawn, these beauties have made their presence known on their own, with some help from birds I suppose. Included is a wild tulip. I hope you like these images. These were shot on March 19, 2010.
This is a Species Crocus, (Crocus speciosus). It is a wild Crocus, and this one was growing an inch from the base of my Magnolia Tree. This bloom was almost 3 inches wide.
This is an English Primrose, or Common Primrose, (Primula vulgaris). The name Primrose comes from Latin, Prima Rosa, or "First Rose", denoting the wildflowers early spring blooming period.
This is Corn Speedwell, (Veronica arvensis). This wildflower is considered a weed in most lawns, but if you get close up and personal with the tiny, 1/4 inch blooms, they are beautiful.
I was having quite a hard time trying to figure this one out. It was in none of my books and I was at a loss on what it was. I sent this image to a knowledgeable friend, Katherine Hix. She identified it almost immediately, and I then researched it. This is a Kaufmann's Tulip (Tulipa kaufmanniana). It is a true wild tulip, but it is native to rocky slopes of Kazakhstan and Russia. How it got to my yard, I have no idea.
It is another year, and time to break out the cameras, assorted macro gear, and head out in search of more beautiful wildflowers. I travel more during this season than any other. and these little wonders of nature never cease to amaze me. They seem to grow in some of the oddest, most unforgiving places, yet bring beauty and grace to wherever they bloom. This year, the first image of the year was a wild Crocus, blooming in the middle of my lawn on March 10th. Like the Star of Bethlehem last year, I have no idea how it got there. A bird, most likely. Anyway, here are some early images of the early bloomers. Winter Jasmine, Hellebore, Snowdrops, and Crocus.
This is Crocus, (possibly Crocus vernus), it is an early spring crocus, or snow crocus. This is the one that bloomed in my lawn.
This is Hellebore (Veratrum viride). This is early in its blooming cycle, and is very obvious amongst the still dormant forest floor. This is in the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden.
This is Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum). These flowers were growing on Wiley Drive.
Some more Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) on Wiley Drive.
These wildflowers are Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and are located in the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden. They are early in their bloom cycle and have not spread their petals.
Some more Snowdrops located in the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden.
These Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and are located in a private Franklin County Wildflower Garden. They are later in their bloom cycle and have spread their petals.
These Crocuses, (possibly Crocus vernus), are also in the private Franklin County Wildflower Garden. These are some of the most stunning Crocuses I have ever seen.
I have some images to post. These were taken on the side of Williamson Road in Roanoke. I certainly could not pass up this many wildflowers. These images were taken on May 30, 2009.
These wildflowers are Lance Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata).
Here we are in the middle of winter. I still have hundreds of images that I have not posted from last year. It is a bit overwhelming, but I am sure I can get through it if I could just focus. (No pun intended)
I have noticed that my shooting styles change a bit from day to day, so that might be mood related, but I don't know. Sometimes I image wildflowers with a bit of the background evident and in focus, or slightly out of focus to highlight the primary in the image, the flower. But sometimes I seem to avoid any background at all and expose strictly at the flower bloom, maximizing detail there, and nowhere else. Here are some examples of this bold imaging, which were shot on the same day back in May 2009.
This wildflower is a Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum). This is a flower that always draws my attention.
I am relatively sure that this wildflower is a member of the Ranunculaceae, or Buttercup family. However, without leaves in the image, it is hard to tell which one it is.
Another image of a member of the Buttercup family, but earlier in its bloom cycle.
This is a Species Crocus, (Crocus speciosus). It is a wild Crocus, and this one was growing an inch from the base of my Magnolia Tree. This bloom was almost 3 inches wide.
This is an English Primrose, or Common Primrose, (Primula vulgaris). The name Primrose comes from Latin, Prima Rosa, or "First Rose", denoting the wildflowers early spring blooming period.
This is Corn Speedwell, (Veronica arvensis). This wildflower is considered a weed in most lawns, but if you get close up and personal with the tiny, 1/4 inch blooms, they are beautiful.
I was having quite a hard time trying to figure this one out. It was in none of my books and I was at a loss on what it was. I sent this image to a knowledgeable friend, Katherine Hix. She identified it almost immediately, and I then researched it. This is a Kaufmann's Tulip (Tulipa kaufmanniana). It is a true wild tulip, but it is native to rocky slopes of Kazakhstan and Russia. How it got to my yard, I have no idea.
