This particular clematis is growing on my mailbox. At least, it had its beginning at the base of my mailbox. We have had such remarkable growing weather, the clematis has grown so tall that its tendrils have grasped the maple tree that hovers above it, and is now climbing, ever upward, along the branch of the maple.
Visitor
Composition in Rock Garden
Prickly Pear Rose
Ecstatic
Our peony season in Madison has been over for a week, the victim of torrential downpours which soaked the flowers and sent them drooping onto the garden’s earth. So when we took a visit to Racine for a Frank Lloyd Wright Tour this weekend, I was happy to see peonies in full bloom. Lake effect. We were only a mile inland from Lake Michigan and spring was later in coming. The peonies were at their peak.
As we headed up a driveway to one of the homes on the tour, I noticed this peony plant. Each flower was pure white save for a tear-shaped streak of deep pink and a single petal with pink edging. I hadn’t planned on doing any macro photography – not on an architectural tour – but luckily my lenses were in the car. Sherpa was hurrying me more than usual, as the skies were graying and raindrops were splashing around us. But I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to capture this white peony with the unusual pink markings. So we went back to the car for the right equipment and I studied the peonies.
Fifty shots later, and we were back on the tour. But I’m glad I stopped to smell the roses…wait, wrong saying.
Glad I stopped to photograph the peony.




