HelleboreThis is still in full flower at the base of the walnut tree. The flowers tend to merge into the background of the foliage but when you look at them in isolation and close up they are fantastic, one of my favourite flowers.
Lithodora ( Forget-me-not)These have self seeded all over the place which is not a problem as the splash of colour is electric at this time of year,
Primula veris (Cowslip)
I found these cowslips growing wild in the lawn last year, I decided then to leave a patch at the bottom of the garden unmown to try and encourage more wildflowers. It seems to have worked as I have more plants this year. I have also sown the area with a wildflower mix hopefully this will bring results later in the year.
Juglans regia (Walnut)The Walnut is also breaking into leaf and is covered in these male catkins, the female flowers form on the ends of twigs, I couldn't find any female flowers I presume they form later to prevent self pollination.
Hyacinthoides non-scripta (English Bluebell)My bluebells are also just beginning to flower. these are English bluebells not the Spanish bluebell that is slowly taking over the British countryside, the anthers in the Spanish variety are blue rather than the cream colour of our native.
Did you use white card behind the flowers when you took the photos? Very stylish
ReplyDeleteActually I used a special photographic table. It has a light diffusing background. I also used a large reflector for natural front lighting, Gary
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! Your close up are spectacular.
ReplyDeletePlease visit my blog post Where In the World is Bilbo? I am having a blogging adventure and would love for you to join in on the fun :)
Love the white background, it really makes the flowers glow. Have you ever sold your photographs? They're really good.
ReplyDeleteI like forget-me-nots and will forgive them anything at this time of year, but I get a bit fed up with them by the end of June, when they've gone mildewy. Still, at least you can rip them out safe in the knowledge that there'll be loads more next year...
Hi Victoria, Thanks for the comments. I did try selling photos as greeting cards but not for a couple of years. At the moment I have commissioned myself (if that's possible?)to do some herb pictures for the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteAs I said I use a macro photographic table, I first used one while I was on a plant Photography course at Kew. It's like photographing in a tiny studio.
I wish I had room for a walnut tree, which I don't, not even slightly. And thanks for mentioning how to identify Spanish Bluebells. I'd thought one had to rely on how big and lumpy they are, which is a bit subjective (!) and, if I understand correctly, they are cross-fertilising with the British varieties anyway. What a fantastic photo of the Hellebore. (Though the walnut is my favourite. It is like a botanical drawing. Speaking of which - do you know the blog 'Pencil and Leaf'? I'd highly recommend it.) Lucy
ReplyDeleteBrill Gaza .
ReplyDeleteHave finally found some English Bluebells. Will try to hand pollinate with a small paintbrush as Bees are absent . Is this a good idea .
Ta Alan In Hull East Yorks .
Keep up the good work.
Alan Longbottom .