Thursday, October 20, 2011

All Aglow

The weather has been absolutely glorious lately! There were some days--as recently as last month--when I didn't think I'd survive the heat. The equation breaks down like this: intense temperatures + lack of rain = pretty miserable summer. Yep, this one hit the record books. But it's all over and we lived to tell about it. I've almost forgiven Texas for what it put us through this year. Almost...

On Oct. 1 I visited the rose garden at Gussie Field Watterworth Park with a friend for photography. Upon entering the garden we were quite disappointed to find row upon row of scorched blooms. But it was understandable considering our drought situation. So I made the best of the afternoon by focusing on the assortment of butterflies and other winged creatures.

Last week we received a little rain. I really didn't think that much of it, knowing how low we are for the year. I figured we were so far behind that the couple days of rain wouldn't make a difference. Well, it's actually quite miraculous what happens to a parched rose garden when even just a little water falls from the heavens, caressing the plants, and soaking into the ground. Imagine my surprise last Sunday when I decided to pay the same rose garden another visit.

Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you. ~Richard Brinsley Sheridan


This lantana reminded me of Rocky fist-pumping, "Yeah! Take THAT you brutal summer heat! You didn't kill us! You only made us stronger!"
I only wish the "fist pumps" were in focus. You see it, don't you?
A zinnia with pink freckles. :) 
The scent was intoxicating. 
A Northern Mockingbird surveying his kingdom. He was quite vocal. I like to think that he was expressing how happy he is with the revival of the garden.


I caught the sun just as it was setting. I love the light at this time of day. 
 

This is pretty much straight out of camera except for a little sharpening in PS. 
I've always liked stripes. Such personality. And that orange glow? It's a street sign way off in the distance. Weird, huh?


The sun is giving off the last of its glow for the day.

Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend! We are going to the State Fair of Texas on Saturday, and on Sunday I hope to see my youngest son; the only one of my three children still living nearby. Hope everyone has a good one!!

27 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

even tho we didn't get near the amount of rain some parts of Dallas got last month, it was enough to jump start some growth here too! amazing what that trace can do!

these are gorgeous blooms! have a great State Fair experience! eat a corny dog or caramel apple for me! :)

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Gorgeous. It's amazing how much nature can bounce back given a little chance. Love your eighth photo, just delightful.

Have a wonderful weekend Gail.

hootnonny said...

What a glorious garden! This reminds me of a favorite saying: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence because it is watered! Look how a little water can save a garden, a friendship, a relationship! (Forgive me if I've used this analogy before!)

Have a fun weekend at the fair and with your son.

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell said...

Amazing at what a little rain can do! Love all of the photos, they are all beautiful.

Have a great time at the State Fair!! I actually had the pleasure to go a few years ago when I was visiting my friend and had a blast!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

What lovely pictures and such a georgous garden! My favorite photo is the one of the Mocking bird ~ fantastic. Have a super day.(-:

Pat said...

These are beautiful photos! Yay for rain! I like your fist-pumping Rocky but my favorites are the Mockingbird and the rose that follows it. Such gorgeous color!

beth said...

what a beautiful garden....and YES, rain, even in little droplets is such a blessing !

Kerri Farley said...

Your garden is so lovely ..... And those pink freckles are awesome!

Reena said...

Such a beautiful garden ..celebrate rain!

Lisa Gordon said...

Wow! These are beautiful Gail.
I love the lantana, and the point of focus in the 7th one is pure perfection. Love it!!

Starla said...

Oh WOW!! I love the photos (and yes, I could see the Rocky fist pump!!)
The zinnia made me think of a bite sized cupcake with a flash of frosting on the top, sitting in an elaborate cupcake holder

Bengts fotoblogg said...

Lovely garden, great shots.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Wow, Gail, such great popping colors. It looks like a perfect day for photography ... I'm lucky if I find one that I like,let alone so many great photos. We're still 9 inches below normal, but the cooler weather has allowed my lantana to bloom ... they didn't all summer, now it's bright and cheery. Have a good weekend.

Georgianna said...

Your photos are really stunning, Gail! It's so fortunate that you had that bit of rain and also that you returned to the rose garden to witness the magic it worked on the bushes. Lovely garden and really beautiful images – I loved the tour! – g

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous garden. Your photos look amazing..

Hugs, Linda

Rosemary Aubut said...

Simply gorgeous Gail! what a glorious place and I love the quote!

Anonymous said...

Gail, these are gorgeous! It truly is amazing what a few drops of rain can do (and yes, I see the fist pump!) Hope you had a wonderful weekend at the fair and with your son!!

Evelyn S. said...

Wow, wow, wow Gail! These images are so beautiful....and a perfect reminder of how important (and powerful) even a little rain can be. Your macro shots are totally amazing! The colors are beautiful...and those roses are out of this world. (I like the freckled zinnia, too!)

Rosie Grey said...

It seems as I'd like to echo Evelyn, but WOW was absolutely the first that came to my mind looking at your photos, Gail! These are fantastic!

Tricia said...

These are absolutely gorgeous, Gail! I can't believe everything is looking so beautiful there considering how late in the year it is and the hot summer that you had. I really, really, love the shot of the bird and some of the close ups of the flowers. What kind of lens are you using? I want to get a new lens and I don't know what I should get.

Nancy said...

What a lovely place to visit for flower photography! Just gorgeous, Gail.

I hope you have fun at the Fair and have a nice visit with your son. :)

Anonymous said...

What stunning shots! It's amazing how nature can survive almost anything...

Charlotte Wilson said...

Gail,
These are just beautiful images! Amazing what a little rain can do to quench the thirst of these blossoms!

All the best,

charlotte

Unknown said...

Wow is that real, it is amazing place, I must be dreaming.

Hilary said...

All beautiful images, Gail.. but that mockingbird touches my heart. I love your fair images from the above post as well. Lovely.

Susan said...

These are amazing Gail! What lens do you use for macro?

Kathy said...

Your garden pictures are absolutely lovely!