Polydrusus formosus

 

This is a green immigrant leaf weevil.  It was very difficult to photograph because it was so small and moving very quickly along the garden wall.

It is a pest really and has potential to cause damage to emerging leaves and  blossoms so not really a welcome visitor to the garden but it is quite interesting with really vibrant colouring. As you can see from the second image which is a close crop of the carapace the colouring is actually a series of very fine dotted lines (you probably have to zoom in a bit) each dot like a little green jewel.

It is hard to get a true sense of scale when these are enlarged but if you use the grains of sand in the mortar as a guide you will get some idea of how tiny this thing is.

Making a Mark

 

These shots were taken in the Black Forest just outside of the town of Triberg. I had gone to see the waterfalls which are famed as one of the highest in Germany.

I had been once before in March 2015 with my son, however on that occasion due to the snow the paths to the falls were closed and I didn't get to see them. I had hoped to see them during my recent visit in November, before the winter snow arrived. However, following recent heavy rains the paths were once again closed. 

I was of course a little disappointed although the forest is so beautiful and the drive through the mountains to get there had been lots of fun. I was determined not to let that setback ruin my day and enjoyed a walk in the forest before heading into town for some hot chocolate and a piece of cake, and a little shopping.

I loved walking in the forest, surrounded by the variety of trees, I immersed myself in the sights, sounds and smells of the woodland in winter. I took lots of photos that captured some of the magic of the experience and along the way I spotted this mile marker a little way off the main path in the trees. I tried to imagine the people from years past who would have used this stone as a guide along their journey and wondered what life in the forest might have been like. 

The colours in the forest at this time of year were rich and varied and in these images I have used the masking tool in Adobe Lightroom to highlight the stone and separate it from the background using a variety of settings. I like all three images, not only because they help me recall a wonderful day out but also because they look good. As well as the richness of the colours I love the texture of the stone that has weathered over so many years exposure to the elements.

Colours of Autumn

 I had planned on sharing these images over a few days but I couldn't resist putting them all into one post.

The light yesterday was fantastic and it really helped to show off the autumn colours at their best whether it's the multitude of greens, the blue sky, the sunburst through the branches of the vibrant red of the leaves backlit by the sun.

I think my favourite image is the second one because when photographing red plants it is incredibly difficult to get an accurate representation of the colour and I think with this shot I have nailed it. I am not one for blowing my own trumpet however as a colour blind photographer I also miss a lot of the reds and greens so again with this shot I think I have done exceptionally well. 

Drip Drip Drop!

I tried so hard to capture a shot as one of the droplets on the end of these fern fronds let go and completed its journey to the ground but getting the timing right was impossible, at least in the time I had available. I would have been helped by having a flash but that was safely at home.

Nevertheless I am very happy with these shots. I find it fascinating how the surface tension of the raindrops means they hold their shape for so long as they slowly make their way along the leaves and dangle clinging to the tip as if by a thread. I also like the way they shine.

Topiary

 I had such a lovely time at Sizergh Castle, the gardens are really wonderful. I didn't get to explore everywhere because I didn't have an awful lot of time but I made the most of what time I had.

One of my favourite parts of the gardens was the topiary, it was just so peaceful and I like the view looking through the gates as they welcome you into this hidden gem.

I would normally try to avoid getting people in my shots and anyone who has been with me when I take photos will have been frustrated as they wait for me as I wait to get the perfect shot. As it happens I didn't have to wait long to get people free shots in this part of the garden however as you can see in the second image there is someone there. I had watched them walking towards the end of this passage and I knew that they added something special to the image.

I love the third image because I had sat for a few minutes just soaking up the atmosphere and wishing I could stay a bit longer

Potential

The jewel in the crown at Bodnant Gardens is the magnificent Laburnum arch that flowers in late May and June in a beautiful display of golden yellow flowers that hang down in a 55 metre long tunnel. It was created in 1880 and is the longest and oldest one in Britain.

At this time of year it is just beginning to come into bud and walking beneath the frame it is fascinating to see how carefully it is maintained with each branch and twig meticulously tied and trained into its correct position.  

This is just one bud that will very soon be a golden chain of tiny flowers. I love the colours in this image and the shape as the buds curl downwards and it is filled with so much promise.

 

Coming to Life

The other day I shared a couple of shots of a bracken heart which I think looked quite lovely. Today I have selected another shot of some bracken coming into life but from a side on perspective.

I just love the way this plant develops from tight little green balls, coiled up, covered in fine tendrils, slowly unfurling one stage at a time until it produces lush green fronds giving ground cover and a haven for birds, insects and small mammals. Even from a static image I think there is a real sense of movement or at least potential to spring into motion at any moment.

I like the lighting in this shot too, moments before I had tried to capture an image but a cloud had passed in front of the sun and so the fern was in shadow but as the sun appeared from behind the cloud so this lovely curl became illuminated giving light, and depth to the image.

Green and Black

I know (because I trust those that tell me) that this picture is a blend of greens but to me it looks like black and gold and rather like molten metal. 

However you see it I hope you like this as much as me.

Kaleidoscope

Today is a return to something abstract. This is another shot of ripples and reflections from Burton Mere over the recent Easter weekend.  

In most of the reflections shots I have taken I have used a fast shutter speed to give a smooth final image but here I have used a slightly longer exposure to create a more wispy effect. I quite like this, how about you???

Marco Polo

Could this be a winner?

That's not for me to say but this is the image that has been selected for the Williamson Gallery Open Exhibition 2019.  I was disappointed that the image I shared yesterday wasn't selected as well but I think this was definitely the better of the two images and I am really really happy with this. 

It is yet another of my Reflections of Venice series and I have titled this picture Marco Polo because it is a reflection of the exterior signage to the Margo Polo glass works on Murano.

I love the random shapes, the loops and whorls, I love the green of the water and I love the writing that draws you in. 

I hope that you love this image as much as I do and I hope that it is well received by the judges and visitors to the exhibition, please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

The Grass Is Greener

So you can see the theme of today's selection is dewdrops on grass. 

In the first image which is a cropped image from the original you can see the veins in the blade of grass magnified by the large drop of water.

And as with yesterdays pictures you can, if you look closely, see the fine "hairs" which give the water droplets purchase on what otherwise appears to be a smooth surface.

The third image is the colour version of the shot I shared yesterday in Black & White because I know that some people prefer to see grass "au naturelle".

Green And Pleasant Land

I have decided to share a landscape shot today. I know that not everyone likes landscapes but I like the way this one of Hawthornthwaite Fell in Lancashire. I like the way the shot is framed by the tree in the top corner and I like the shadows of the clouds across the fell and of the tree on the field which give the picture different layers and depth. I also love the fresh shades of green.

This was the fell (alongside Nicky Nook Fell) which overlooked the campsite where I stayed for a couple of nights last week. I needed a break away and this was just what needed. 

New Growth

I have always liked photographing ferns as they emerge, I love the way they unfurl from such tight little buds to form such lush plants. I love the richness of the colours in this shot too.

Fade to Green

There is so much about this flower that I love, the soft delicate petals curled around waiting to unfurl and reveal the heart of the flower, the soft white outer edges that gradually fade into green that looks like it has been applied in fine brush strokes, the shape like a candle flame and the way it stands out against the lush background. It is almost perfect but if you look closely at the left hand side you will see half way down a slight crease which shows how fragile this lovely plant is.

Waterfall

Today I am going back to July 2011 for this shot of Torc Waterfall in County Kerry in the Republic of Ireland. It was one of the few moments during my week in Ireland that it wasn't raining. It was a nice walk up to the waterfall, I love the colours and the atmosphere in this shot.

Unsprung

These images are great examples of why this season is aptly named Spring as these leaves uncoil like springs.

I love the rich greens in the first image not just in the plant itself but also the different shades in the background and the effects of the light.

I chose to post the second image in black and white because I like the contrast and it also makes the detail of the hairs stand out more. The background in this picture is also interesting as it is like a mirror image (albeit out of focus) of the plant which is the main focus of the shot. I know that not everyone likes to see plants in black and white but here I think the shot works really well.

New Blossom

I don't know what this particular flower is but I don't think my ignorance would be a reason not to share it with you.

From the tight little bud in the first picture emerges these beautiful tender white flowers with gloriously bright centres. Set against their soft green foliage they make a splendid sight.

I love getting in close with my macro lens to pick out the detail in the centre with those fine tendrils designed to lure in the bees and pollinating insects so that we can enjoy more of these wonderful plants.

I am so glad that spring has arrived and we can enjoy warmer days and more colour in the world around us.

Morning Fresh

Sometimes plants in the early stage of their development have something of an alien quality about them. Have a look at my post from Monday for a good example of what I mean. 

Today's first shot of an Bearded Iris springing into bloom is another good example. Springing is probably the wrong adjective because it is really a slow unfurling as the flower matures into a beautiful floatey flower.

This one has a soft green background which is the fern from the second of today's pictures. Ferns are really interesting plants with the lovely shades of green and the different textures of the fronds. This one has a really fresh colour as it it young and still has some of the early morning dew on it.

Lovely...

In The Ancient Woodland

Over the past few days hopefully you have enjoyed my posts of woodland creatures (if you haven't seen them why not take a few minutes to have a look). The main reason though that I had got up early to go to Boilton Woods was to see the display of Bluebells. 

I was a little disappointed to begin with as I walked down the steep wooded path because there was not the expansive carpet of flowers that I had hoped to see. However as I walked further into the woodland I was treated to a fantastic display of flowers spreading up the wooded hillside. 

I have some great pictures to share and as a teaser I have decided to post this beautiful picture of an isolated group of three stems. I love the way the morning sun lights up the delicate bells and the way the blue flowers stand out against the soft green mossy log. If you like this shot (and even if you don't) please come back tomorrow to see some more from my early morning photo shoot at Boilton. 

Songs From The Wood

I never tire of photographing Robins. They have such great characters, they're bold, inquisitive and sometimes cheeky. I love these shots because of the lighting, the texture of the mossy log and the green and blue background from the massed bluebells on the slope behind.

I know lots of you like to see these pictures too so I will keep on snapping Robins whenever I get the opportunity.