Wild Columbine

Columbine at Owen Conservation Park in Madison Wisconsin

Wild Columbine © 2010 Bo Mackison

A wild columbine seen on a hike through the Owen Conservation Park’s wooded area. Not quite open, its petals have not yet separated and flipped outward. The columbine is quite unlike any other flower even though it is related to the buttercups, anemones, and marsh marigold. It blooms in southern Wisconsin from May through July. My favorite woodland wildflower.

Odd Looking Thing…

magnolia after all the blossoms have fallen

Nature Can Be Odd Looking © 2010 Bo Mackison

So…I know what it is. Do you have any ideas? Give a guess…

And it may be odd shaped, but even so, I think it’s quite beautiful.

Purple and White Tulip

Tulip at Middleton Park

Purple and White Tulip © 2010 Bo Mackison

A pretty surprise while taking a walk in the neighborhood park.

Tulips on the Square

Tulips on the Square at Wisconsin's State Captiol

Tulip Bed on the Square © 2010 Bo Mackison

We went on a brief foray to the Dane County Farmers Market in Madison this past Saturday. It was a gorgeous day, appropriate for May Day, and evidently everyone else must had the same idea. We began our morning by ducking into a little spot for a bite of breakfast (Bradbury’s — yummy!) and then we ventured forth towards the market.

I was briefly distracted by this beautiful bed of tulips — love that red fringe — and so I had to take a few photos. I liked how there was a streak of sunlight showing off a few of the flowers. Then I dodged a few hundred people in the first half of the first block while trying to check out the asparagus and spinach. We decided to turn around and head home before we’d barely gotten started. Too many people.

I think I may be a rainy day friend of the Farmers Market. It has gotten so popular that the best time to check out the produce and visit with the vendors is either when the market opens at 6 am or when it’s cloudy and chilly.

Might get my chance this coming weekend — rain in the forecast.

Pink Lilies

Pink Lilies at Garden Center

Pink Lilies © 2010 Bo Mackison

Since my garden isn’t quite at the blooming stage, I like to visit my local garden center, a locally owned piece of paradise. No matter what color I have a hankering for, I’m sure to find it there.

Pink isn’t a color I seek out with much regularity, but this huge bunch of lilies caught my attention, and kept it long enough that I had to take a few photographs. Beautiful, hmm?