Photo 101

I've been taking a Photo 101 class at Nicole's Classes and have finally been learning to use the manual settings on my camera.  I still have a lot to learn but wanted to show you my progression.  Here are a couple of my first shots.  Hopefully we'll see some improvement over the next couple of weeks!

Zinnias

I know, I know...these are such a common plant, but I really do love them.  I adore cut flowers and these always perform rain or shine.  Every spring my husband just sprinkles a few seeds in the garden and wa-la! How can I resist all these delicate differences in shape and color?

Time to Redirect

Christmas is over and family has left.  Though the quiet is nice once again, we sorely miss everyone.  You work so hard planning meals, decorating the house, buying gifts...then it all comes and goes in an instant. 

Now I need to sit down and redirect my focus. I have several projects in my head, but where do I start? Book outlines, garden cards, video editing...

This isn't about resolutions, but about how to create a plan, then move forward.  Just one thing at a time (but maybe I should put the Christmas decorations away first).

A Dependable Container Plant

I know that many of you are disassembling your container gardens as we speak, but I came across this image and wanted to share it.  It highlights one of my favorite groups of plants - succulents - perfect for containers. If you like containers, but can't quite remember to water on a regular basis, succulents are your go-to plant.  Place them in something pretty and wa-la!

Dinner in the Garden

I saw this photo today and just starting daydreaming about a lovely dinner in the garden...minus the heat and mosquitoes.

Image via Tumblr

My First Spring Arrangement

I can finally bring cut flowers in from the garden again.  Our Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) are popping with color and just begging me to grace our dining room table with their fabulous blooms.



I found my favorite mini-bottles and tucked three stems into each one.  These little glass cuties were purchased at a university surplus store.  They were probably once part of a science experiment, but now fill a special place in my diverse vase collection.

Beauty and Function

Beauty and function go hand in hand more often than we think.


Photo courtesy of Bloom, Grow, Love

I found this lovely quote while writing my thesis on farm gardens. It describes me and what I love perfectly. I have always been intrigued with functional things and how they bring beauty into our lives.


Photo courtesy of Gingerlillytea

Think of a colorful clothesline, a comfy chair or even the dishes on which you enjoy a tasty dinner. All have a purpose and can be quite stunning. These are the things that give life to our gardens.


Photo courtesy of Skunkboy Creatures

Take a peak around your landscape and find beauty in vernacular objects. What loveliness hides in your backyard that deserves a second look?