Visual Reflections: Nature Photography in the Age of Uncertainty: No. 40 (Spring Collage)

23 April 2018

Lens:

Taken in Polamatic and edited in Snapseed and Pixlr.

‘Bonfire’ Rosaceae Collage; All Rights Reserved Sally W. Donatello

Click onto image to enlarge. Let me know your response to this collage. Prints are available upon request.

Pens:

On a recent stroll through the university’s botanic garden I was enchanted by the seduction of a flowering tree that I have never seen: Prunus persica ‘Bonfire’ Rosaceae. It wasn’t just the gentle pink of the petals and the fancy interiors. But it also was the brush of light and shadows across their faces, blossoms whose grace were distinguishable by the way each reached toward the sunlight.

Even after my attention changed its direction around the gardens, little engaged as that flowering tree did. But there was little emerging to charm. The season has been glacial and temps are seesawing, frustrating gardeners and (well) everyone. But those jewels already had been transformed for waiting visitors.

The strength of their delicacy and eloquence was touched with dark shadows by morning light beams. They perked my inner need for such floral radiance. Most trees are not in the bud stage, and green shoots are not as advanced as usual. But we know there is no usual any more. As the world turns with climate change, so does the uncertainty of nature’s schedule.

In the Lens section is a collage of two views of these early spring blooms. The ‘Bonfire’ Rosaceae took such hold of me that it was quite a while until I moved onto another section of the gardens. Without a doubt these stunning florets and the tulips were the center of my interest, and just enough to push the senses into a state of quiet exultation.

Note: Yesterday was the 48th anniversary of Earth Day, and truly Mother Earth needs as much celebrating as we can muster. A word that rose to the occasion is biophilia. For you words fans it is a gem that had me humming its sing-song melodic pronunciation. Its definition is one that fits honoring the planet that supports our very existence: “the love of life and the living world” (from dictionary.com). I wish that everyone felt about the wonders of nature as those of us who work as stewards for the earth, embracing every day as a tribute to the collaboration between nature and human nature. But regardless of your devotion, everyone can do a small or greater contribution to sustain our planet. It’s the perfect season to plant a garden. Gardens can be created in the earth or containers. For example, plant pollinators that support agriculture and its various byproducts. Flower and herbs gardens are a perfect beginning. Happy planting.