Yellow Spires

Three Yellow Flowers at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison Wisconsin

Yellow Spires © 2010 Bo Mackison

Yellow flower spires, in triplicate. Photographed at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison Wisconsin.

Red Daylily – A Photo Visit in My Garden

Daylily in Garden
Red Daylily © 2010 Bo Mackison

I visit many botanical gardens.

I love botanical gardens, especially the ones where winding, almost secret paths lead from area to area. One minute I’ll be wandering in a rose garden, the next, in an alpine conifer garden, then a trip across a bridge brings me into the magical world of a Japanese Garden. I love all those grand sights, the vistas, the fragrance only a million roses in one garden can offer. But I am one of the lucky ones. I don’t have to go to a garden across town or across the state to get my flower fix for the day.

There are gardens surrounding my home that I lovingly tend.

I don’t live in the country, though a country home has been on my life list for decades. I don’t think it’s going to happen. We are too content in our home on the edge of the city. And after living here for nearly 25 years, the barren lot we purchased has been lovingly transformed into a luscious green space. The trees we planted back then now reach way beyond our roof. The gardens we planted with little bits of plants now mound high in the summer with bouquets of perennials. The rock garden is well established, as is the hosta garden. I have my little space of country here on the edge of the city.

I love tending my flower gardens, but I don’t take photographs as often as I might.

So for the next week or so I will offer a few photographs of my own gardens along with my favorite visiting garden spots.

Today’s flower is the lovely day lily, from a plant I transplanted from my grandfather’s garden in western Illinois more than 20 years ago.

Tulip from Above

Pink and White Tulip , Abstract Macro

Tulip from Above © 2010 Bo Mackison

Another photograph from an early Sunday morning walk through Olbrich Gardens. An abstract macro.

Purple Bells

Allen Centennial Garden in Madison Wisconsin

Purple Bells © 2010 Bo Mackison

Been searching for an ID on this flowering cluster of dark purple bells, but no luck so far. Seen at the urban Allen Centennial Gardens at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

This is the photographer’s view, flat on back on cold stone garden path. I think that adds to the photo, on a personal note, at least. Brings back such interesting memories of me trying to right myself after spending a half hour on the ground. Good thing I have a monopod that can double as a walking stick!

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.