02 August 2013
Lens:
1. Black-Stemmed Hydrangea, iPhone 4s, July 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013
2. Black-Stemmed Hydrangea, iPhone 4s, July 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013
Let me know which you prefer and why.
Pens: In the Lens section are my entries for this week’s challenge. Each one has framed a portion of a black-stemmed hydrangea, which has showy clusters of purple blooms.
These midnight-black stems foreshadow in a few places the blossoms yet to emerge. Tiny leaves are edged with the future–the flowers that will serve nature’s missions.
This preview of summer’s floral bounty repeats itself with forecast after forecast. In this instant the lime green is a small burst of possibilities. Nature teases, but always delivers with astonishment.
Hydrangea perform with such ebullience that I am awed by the huge flowers that form little by little. Each cluster has smaller clusters that are fabulous cut flowers.
My home becomes their exhibition space. Or I can simply stroll through my gardens for numerous displays (This species has over seventy varieties), and watch as each plant foreshadows what is yet to delight.
Note: As always I welcome any comment about this post or any part of my blog.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
Black with vibrant greens, stunning!
Thank you.
I love the first one, but the second is nice also.
Thanks for the comment and the visit.
lovely, very well composed
Thank you for the comment and the visit.
Definitely the first vertical image. What a great print this would make for decor in a home!!
Laurie, that’s very kind. I am thinking of doing a calendar for the holidays. I thought that I’d ask my readers, which to include. Maybe this one would be the first candidate. Thanks.
Like both, but prefer the first as it ‘feels’ more natural.
Rona, thanks.
Dear Sally,
it`s so hard to choose, but in the end I like the first picture most. For me – and sorry, I can`t really explain it – the first one is more balanced, and it`s more nature like as stems grow upwards. But as I said, actually I like both pictures.
Enjoy the rest of the Sunday
Klausbernd
Thank you, I appreciate your comment.
Love your use of the black stemmed hydrangea for the foreshadow challenge. I haven’t seen one of these hydrangeas; I must keep an eye out for them. They look stunning in your photos.
This variety of hydrangea has remarkable clusters of flowers with various shades from light pink to purple. Soil is always a deciding component of their flowers. You can always order one. It’s worth the wait. Thanks.
I love the first photo, it is very “uplifting”. We have some Hydrangeas and have been blissfully unaware of the Black-stemmed variety. Now we will be looking out for one to put on our hillside (purple is our favorite color).
Allan, they are such a stunning variety. Hope that you find one, or order from your local nursery. They do become rather showy. Thanks.
These are wonderful Sally, and you’ve tied them into the challenge perfectly. Love the graphic feel of both shots.
Tina, thanks so much.
Like the top one…a LOT!
Thanks.
I prefer the first one – tall and thin and reaching for the sky.
But they are both good as I always liked strange proportions (square or narrow) rather than the “safe” postcard or A4 shape.
Best wishes 🙂
Pat, thanks and enjoy the weekend.
I prefer the first, but then I find I always go for a vertical perspective… 🙂
Sandra, thanks for the comment and the visit.
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I feel like the kid in school with his hand raised saying – pick me pick me …..
I pick the 1st because of the composition. It’s super nice.
Isadora, your comment brought a smile. Thanks.
#1, that’s an interesting interpretation of the theme 🙂
Thank you, happy weekend.
Beautiful! I pick the first too 🙂
Thank you, I appreciate your comment.
soooooo beautiful and new! #1 is also my favorite of the day!
How lovely, thanks.
Very nice photos, Sally. I like them both, their intertwined stems forming abstract masterpieces. Really cool.
Gracie, thank you, and enjoy your weekend.
Lovely Sally-very abstract and I like the minimal appearance of both-I am more drawn to the top though-the verticality of the image works really well.
Thanks, and see you soon.
horizontal version because I see the green leaf far more clearly. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Your welcome, and thanks for the comment and visit.
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Just Lovely!
Thank you.
LOVE THESE!!!!! #1 if I have to choose! Really nice work Sally !
Thank you so much.