Spooky with a surprise ending!

 

Introducing Miss Willmott's Ghost...

I had thought I would post just one image today, from the two above, I thought that one on it's own would be quite a strong image and that to post a second might detract from the other, the problem was I couldn't decide which I liked best. Even now as I look at them I go back and forth and just as I think I like the first one best because of the ghostly wispy light in the background I then think that i prefer the angle of the flower in the second and on it goes...

I chose to photograph these in black and white because in the rain and shadow they were not that bright or colourful and I think that they actually look stunning in black and white. The lack of colour accentuates the spikiness. I also focused on individual flower heads because en masse they were a bit of a jumble but individually they are quite striking.

This by the way is a sea holly, Eryngium giganteum more commonly known as Miss Willmott's Ghost. It has earned this name after someone called Ellen Willmott who is said to have carried seeds at all times which she would plant in the gardens of fellow horticulturalists. Hopefully her habit was appreciated.

So, to the surprise ending; having intended on posting just one image (I am leaning towards the first one as my favourite) I have actually posted 3. As you can see from this last image the plant produces blue flowers which are short lived but attract all kinds of pollinators. In this case a bumblebee is taking a break and sheltering from the rain, if you look closely you will see some raindrops clinging to its fur.

Hanging On To Summer

I suppose there is nothing intrinsically Canadian about the Echinacea or Cone Flower but I noticed these fine examples hanging on to the last of the summer sun in the garden. They were also attracting a number of bees collecting pollen and all in all I think they make stunning images.

Echinops

I liked the picture of the bees feasting on the Echinops yesterday so I decided to post a few more images of this amazing flower today.

I like the first shot, taken from a low vantage point it gives the impression of balloons floating away. 

I also really like the third shot getting in close to show the detail of the spiky blossoms.

I can't decide which I like best, do you have a favourite? If so leave a comment below.

Sea Holly

Today I have left Whitby behind and these pictures were taken during a visit to Ness Botanic Gardens.

I thought these were a variety of thistle but apparently it is Sea Holly or Eryngium maritimum which has been described as "a Thistle with style". They are certainly striking plants and with their vibrant blue they look great against the background of wispy grasses.

I spent a few hours wandering around the gardens so you can be certain that I took lots of photographs of bugs and flowers and of course I can hardly wait to share the pick of the bunch so please keep coming back to see for yourself.

Winter Gold

As winter approaches you don't really expect to see brightly coloured flowers but on Thurstaston Common lit up by the rising sun I found this beautiful gorse in full bloom. I am always surprised by how delicate the flowers are compared to the violently spiky foliage.

Its A Puzzle To Be Sure...

Araucaria araucana or Monkey Puzzle (or Chilean Pine) to be precise.

The Monkey Puzzle Tree at Ness Gardens is probably the biggest and best specimen I have ever seen. For a shot of it in full have a look at this link. 

While it is quite spectacular in full I find the detail much more interesting with the twisted rope like branches and succulent spiky leaves. I also like the alien seed pods which were only growing on one side of the tree. There is so much going on in this tree.