Dead Wood

 In the forest in winter it would be easy to think that everything is either dead or dormant but actually as you look around you will find an abundance of life. Everything in the forest works in harmony and even the old dead wood is home to so much new life; from the insects and grubs that feed on it and help to break it down, to the fungi and mosses that draw on its rich supply of nutrients.

Then in the rain or after a heavy rainfall the sound of water dripping from the tress and the sheen on the leaf litter adds even more to the experience.

I enjoyed my woodland walk here (this is in the Black Forest) and I will be certain to get out to a forest near me over the coming weeks so that I can draw on the energy that it gives.

Under The Greenwood Tree

This avenue of trees in the park at Dunham Massey provides a lovely shaded place to walk and the colours are absolutely stunning. 

I was really pleased to capture the shot of the deer in the first of today's pictures as the young stag slowly walked into view. Seconds later a dog walked arrived on the scene and the deer ran across the path and out of view.

I love the perspective in the second shot which is taken from a low vantage point and I think the contrasting colour of the walkers further along the path give a focus to the image.

Although the shot look better in colour because really the colours are what makes the picture I think it also looks really good in black and white. In this version of the image the structure of the trees stands out a bit more.

Luscious Curves

Canon EF 24 - 105 mm F/4 L IS USM

ISO 2000  99 mm  F/9.0  1/400 sec

ISO 2500  105 mm  F/9.0  1/400

In the palm house as I said yesterday the heat and humidity were almost unbearable and so we didn't stay inside for very long but I spotted these beautiful leaves.

I wondered what flower might be produced by this plant but the sign that identified it was understandably written in Swedish so it meant nothing to me. It said Karambola, Averrhoa carambola, Oxalidaceae.  I could work out that the plant grows to a height of 8 - 10 metres and that it produces fruit.  So a little bit of research was necessary to discover that the Carambola plant is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philipines, Nepal and other countries in that general region with similar climate and it produces Star Fruit.

I think there is so much to like about these leaves, the texture (or different textures) as they unfurl, the rich shades of green and the curves which almost give a sense of motion.

Out of the woods...

Today here are two shots of a gateway from Wilverley Inclosure looking out onto Wilverley Plain just outside of Brockenhurst after a walk along the edge of this woodland we entered the shaded inclosure.  I love the view looking out and the dappled greens as the sun breaks through the leaves.
Is it any wonder I love being in this wonderful place.

Abstract Green

Today we are back in Bodnant and I have picked some abstract images of a couple of plants with a very green theme.  There's not a lot more I can say really other than I am always impressed by the hosters at Bodnant because they never seem to be affected by slugs or pests which means the leaves are always perfectly formed.

Morning trees

Today's pictures are again from my early morning walk in Delamere Forest a few weeks ago.  I have chosen two beautifully coloured shots and a third in black and white.  I generally don't make any real adjustments to the photos I post mainly because I try to get things right in camera and in a way it feels a bit like cheating to do much post production work. However I have made a few small tweaks to the shadows and highlights which have enhanced the overall colours.

Looking at the pictures really brings back the peace and quiet of that morning and I'm itching to get out with my camera again.  Let's hope the weather is kind to me on Saturday.