Daffodil Shine

A special flower that has popped up a month early this year.  Can spring really be here (or is this just a trick)?

Image courtesy of The Jonathan Galleries

Garden Design Principles: Repetition

In class we've been discussing the importance of design principles and how they guide a successful garden composition.  I took this picture at the Desert Botanical Garden last March because it exemplified the principle of repetition.   I love how the small round cactus is used over and over drawing your eye down the path.  Very simple, yet very effective.

A Simple Garden

I found this postcard at an antique store last weekend.  I was totally enamored by the simplicity of this landscape...bright white walks, crisp green lawn, stately white house.

Yes, I know, it's totally empty (and devoid of energetic plant life).  But, after grading tons of complex landscape designs this past couple of weeks I think my eyes enjoyed the relief.

For those interested, this is an image of a house in Story City, Iowa in the 1920s.

Only One Month Away

Spring is officially only one month away.  We've had a false sense of spring all winter with warmer than normal temperatures and very little snow.  I look forward to the real thing with green popping out of the ground and really cool thunderstorms.  I found these stunning images by The BQE Photography that draws us just a little closer towards this next amazing season.

Iris Leaves Nearby

Lily Leaves

Daffodil Leaves

Bleeding Hearts

What's Valentine's Day without a few hearts from the garden?  I found these lovely images of bleeding hearts that I just had to share. I hope you have a loved-filled day.

Image courtesy of Dreamy Photo

Image courtesy of Judy Stalus

Image courtesy of Sounds Like Rain Photography

Image courtesy of Photography by Karin A

Apple Love

I've become fond of apples.  One day I realized it was better to munch on an apple for fifteen to twenty minutes, rather than a bunch of sugary snacks.  I like that one apple can keep me preoccupied for so long. It's also quite nice that there are so many different kinds.  Each time we visit the store or orchard we can try a new color and flavor.  We are are very excited about planting our first apple trees this spring.  I'll let you know the final choices in a couple of months. Woo-hoo!

Photo courtesy of Marianne LoMonaco Photography

Photo courtesy of Terra Vision Photography

A Winter without Snow

Okay, we have had some snow, but not much.  If it's going to be cold, we might as well enjoy some white sparkle, but alas, only a sprinkle here and there.  What's left...freezing temperatures and a barren landscape devoid of the pretty, fluffy stuff.  Oh hum. The image below is only a dream.

Image courtesy of photography by bomobob