Poppies and Pollen

Poppies and Pollen

Poppies and Pollen © 2013 Bo Mackison

That we find a crystal or a poppy beautiful means that we are less alone, that we are more deeply inserted into existence than the course of a single life would lead us to believe. ~ John Berger

I spent a rainy Saturday afternoon, organizing and re-arranging my bins of framed photographs and canvases. I am putting the final touches on my exhibit, Garden Party – A Celebration of Botanical Photography. The exhibit, which opens July 1 and runs through September 5, will be at the Alicia Ashman Branch of the Madison Public Library.

It will almost feel like being at a garden party instead of a library – there will be thirty-two photographs of bright flowers and garden scenes throughout the building. I’m looking forward to seeing all of my favorite Wisconsin botanical photographs hanging in one place!

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Bo Mackison is a photographer and owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC.

The Adventure Begins

Aloe Abstract

Aloe Abstract © 2012 Bo Mackison

Today I leave on my newest explore,
my goal to see that which I haven’t seen before.

I will share that vision in words and photos,
As once again, “Bo goes solo.”

With deep gratitude to those who help make this possible.

Next stop – Tucson, Arizona.

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Bo Mackison is a photographer and owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC. Today she begins her three month stay in Tucson and the surrounding region.

What’s Blooming in the Prairie?

Thistles in the Blue

Thistles in the Blue © 2008 Bo Mackison

Thistle, prickly to the hand and quite noxious to other plants as it tends to take over and monopolize the land to the detriment of other plants. The name “thistle” is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “to stab” – the plant is appropriately named, full of thorn set as a defense against crawling creatures after the flowers’ extremely sweet nectar. Birds and butterflies can easily approach though, and goldfinches are especially fond of both the seed as food and the down as nesting material.

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly Weed © 2008 Bo Mackison

Butterfly Weed, as the name implies, is an irresistible plant for butterflies. The huge domes make lovely landing pads and dining palaces for many adult butterflies and the foliage feeds the larvae of the monarchs. It is the orange member of the milkweed family.

Queen Anne's Lace

Queen Anne’s Lace © 2008 Bo Mackison

Queen Anne’s Lace, also called Wild Carrot. Its leaves, stem and root taste and smell like the garden carrot, its taproot can be eaten as a vegetable or roasted as a “coffee”. And legend says that if the “flowers of the lace are mixed in sweet red wine and drunk long into the evening” it acts not only as a love potion, but also as a contraceptive. Can’t speak for or against that lore.

Milkweed

Milkweed © 2008 Bo Mackison

The Common Milkweed might as well be called the Monarch Butterfly Plant, as it is essential to all stages of that butterfly’s existence. They lay their eggs on the plant; the caterpillars spend their entire lives feeding on the leaves. Once mature, they build their chrysalises on the undersides of the leaves, and when the butterflies emerge from their cocoons, they feed on the flowers. The plant also provides protection to the Monarchs as the sap the caterpillars feed on is distasteful and keeps away predatory birds.