Dressed in Yellow

Yellow Flowers at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison Wisconsin

Dressed in Yellow © 2010 Bo Mackison

Though these densely formed flowers remind me of chrysanthemums, they are fully abloom in May. Love the bits of brown on the tips of the petals. Though I searched for an identification tag in the gardens, I never did find one. Not sure what lovely flower I was photographing.

I swear, as I stood examining the flowers for the best angle to photograph them, they opened, boldly, right as I watched. I am so loving this time of year — every day brings new plants to see, new colors to absorb, new scents to lift the spirits.

Also, you are invited to visit The Calm Space as I have a new article on writing about memoir featured in the Memoir Space in the May issue of Karen Wallace’s online magazine. Hope you’ll check out that article and all the other writers as they consider this month’s theme – PURPOSE. Enjoy!

Tulip in Blue Bugle

Yellow Tulip in Blue Bugle at Olbrich Botanical Garden in Madison Wisconsin

Tulip in Blue Bugle © 2010 Bo Mackison

These little yellow tulips are scattered in beds of blue carpet bugle. Makes a pretty picture.

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!

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.