Seeing Pink

Abstract Asian Lily

Abstract Asiatic Lily © 2012 Bo Mackison

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. ~ Lao Tzu

Another lily, but this lily is different from the more common Easter Lily which looks like a trumpet, or the orange Wood Lily which has petals that spread outward. This lily’s petals curl underneath, and form a tidy looking flower. This photo was taken with my back upon the earth, as I looked into the lilies on the plant.

August Break 2012

Bo Mackison is a photographer and the owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC. She is taking an August break from writing long blog posts – usually – but the photos continue. Too many flowers to stop now! Yay!

A Vision of the Mind

Opening to the Earth

Opening to the Earth © 2012 Bo Mackison

What is seen by the eye is transformed and colored by the vision of the mind. ~ Robert Wade

Another macro view, this time highly abstract, so it’s hard to identify the flower.  It’s a different view of the hybrid lily photographed at the Test Gardens west of Madison, Wisconsin. Aren’t these colors amazing, almost like a blazing fire.  A perfect match for the fiery days of August!

August Break 2012

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

Pink Lily Abstract

Pink Lily Abstract

Pink Lily Abstract © 2012 Bo Mackison

“Who would have thought it possible that a tiny little flower could pre-occupy a person so completely that there simply wasn’t room for any other thought.” ~ Sophie Scholl

Another macro view of the pink lily at the test gardens west of Madison, Wisconsin.

August Break 2012

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

A Lily Like a Flame

Lily in Macro

Lily Flame © 2012 Bo Mackison

Art attempts to find in the Universe, in matter as well as in the facts of life, what is fundamental, enduring, essential. ~ Saul Bellow

I visited the Test Gardens this past weekend, and found that the thousands of lilies in blossom only ten days ago were nearly gone. Amidst the many shriveled lilies, there were only a few in full bloom, including this red hybrid lily. Its identification marker was not in sight, but it sure looks like a flame to me.

————-

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

At the Garden Shop – Sunday Series

Ah, the Variety - Seed Packets at the NYBG

Ah, the Variety © 2012 Bo Mackison

“Whether you tend a garden or not, you are the gardener of your own being, the seed of your destiny.”
–  The Findhorn Community

Gardening Display at NYBG

Gathering at the Garden Store © 2012 Bo Mackison

“Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed.  Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.”
–  Henry David Thoreau

Sun Hats, Garden Hats, Hat Hats at the NYBG

Sun Hats, Garden Hats, Hat Hats © 2012 Bo Mackison

“What dreadful hot weather we have!
It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance.”
~ Jane Austen

Wall Flowers at NYBG

Wall Flowers © 2012 Bo Mackison

“Flowers have a mysterious and subtle influence upon the feelings, not unlike some strains of music.
They relax the tenseness of the mind. They dissolve its vigor.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

Garden Layers - NYBG

Plants for Sale © 2012 Bo Mackison

I have found through years of practice, that people garden in order to make something grow; to interact with nature; to share, to find sanctuary, to heal, to honor the earth, to leave a mark. Through gardening, we feel whole as we make our personal work of art upon the land. ~ Julie Moir Messervy

Ceramic Stone Path - NYBG

Ceramic Stone Path © 2012 Bo Mackison

“The mere thought of walking outdoors on a brilliant golden-blue day causes fire-works of delight to go off in most people’s psyche.  It gives one an instant feeling of happiness and that is meditation!  We are not only in touch, at that moment, with the physical splendor of nature, but also with the beauty of merging our own spiritual nature with it.”  –  Karen Zebroff

———————

These photographs were taken at the Garden Store at the New York Botanical Gardens.

And a note of explanation regarding the last photo – this garden path was made of round ceramic stones, in varying sizes but most about an inch and a half in diameter. The Garden Store sold these small ceramic stones to benefit the Botanical Gardens.

The stones have possibly the most interesting history of any garden stone I have ever heard – each stone was handmade in the early 1900s as a functional object in a clothing factory. What could have been their use?

The stones were put in with newly manufactured fabric and washed. Stone washing!  It “gentled” the fabric and made it ready for use.

And yes, I absolutely had to buy a couple of dozen ceramic stones to place in odd spots in my garden – if only for the history they hold. At 4 for a dollar, it was money well spent. I have much enjoyed this tiny addition to my garden! Simple joys!

———————

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