Bug Obsession

When I was doing research on a macro lense, the websites warned that they can create a bug obsession, and I admit it, I am now bug obsessed. When I am shooting flowers, my heart races in delight when I see a bug on them. They are darn hard to photograph, you can be convinced you have a terrific portrait, only to find when you see it on the computer that it is fuzzy, or the bug moved just as you were clicking the shutter. So, here is my latest little beauty.

Helebores - Seed Pods Starting Now

Here is what happens as Helebores mature in late spring. We usually cut off the bottom leaves that have been flattened on the ground and are the first leaves you see after the snow melts. As the blooms mature, new leaves emerge in the centre of the plant. The leaves are very tough and strong, and very dessicated compared to most other plants.

Here is a bloom showing the formed seed pod. Hellebores self seed easily, and although slow growing, we now have lots of seedlings, and they have started to bloom and give some colour variation to our collection. I love Helebores, but I know, this is enough pics of them for now!!

A Few May Flowers

A sprig of pink lamium. Even though a mint, this variety is fairly well behaved in the garden, with lovely silver green leaves.
This is a dwarf Iris growing out front in the ditch. The colours of purple are so coordinated and muted just a little. Beautiful.
This is a small plant called Pasque Flower, hardy to zone 3. It is slow growing, but has increased to a small clump about 10" across. Each year more blooms have shown up. The leaves are a little fronds of furry lace, a lovely soft grey green.