26 August 2019
Lens:
Dried Hydrangea Photomontage, Autumn 2017, All Rights Reserved 2019 Sally W. Donatello
Click onto image to enlarge. Let me know your response to this image. Prints are available upon request.
Pens:
There is something inherently captivating about a plant that can change year-by-year its blossoms’ colors by its response to the soil’s acidity and alkalinity. The range of hues from pinks to purples from greens to blues is sensational in their fresh and dry state. Hydrangeas are one of Mother nature’s most fascinating and intriguing flowering plants.
This singular species dazzles me and brings me to a serene place—a place influenced by the delicacies and intricacies of the flowerheads and their ability to still a moment for amusement and contemplation. Each of us has experiences where some form of nature tranquilizes and incites. While provoking emotions, the very sighting of summer and autumn hydrangeas moves the energy level back and forth from low (quiet) to high (enthusiasm).
To see a hydrangea bursting with boughs is to inhale summer’s bounty. And then exhale how life touches the senses and infuses them with memories. I’m pulled as though a magnet has encircled and possesses me, making sure that I breathe in the glory of the plant’s magic.
Years ago a friend gave me a black-stemmed hydrangea, and it always produces surprises: one year greener than green blossoms, another pink ones, than another purple. Each year seems to outdo the previous. This season the blooms are spritely almost neon green, but they probably will become more subdued as they dry.
My excitement continues to increase as the weeks bring more intense colors, and I cannot help but gather them for display and drying. The dried flower is as unique as the fresh.
And so each hydrangea bloom suspends time, giving me space to feel the moment and just be with its charm. Nature provides and I am captive to her omnificence.
I didn’t know this characteristic of the hydrangeas, interesting. And lovely image: love the tones!
Lovely to hear from you, and thanks.
The hydrangea truly has magical capabilities, Sally. I love the gently curling shadows in your montage. 🙂 🙂 Hope you are enjoying another week of nature’s bounty.
Jo, summer is beginning to work toward a finale. I can see the signs of autumn all around in my gardens. Thanks so much for your response.
Beautiful way to capture the beauty of nature. Your photos continue to remind us the beauty around us. Thank you, Sally!
Amy, that’s for the smile across my afternoon.
Hydrangeas are great for photographing, particularly when they are dried. I like them when they are dried, maybe because the colours seem more natural, if that makes sense. As always I am enjoying your photo-montage.
Otto, yes, hydrangeas are gorgeous at each stage.Thanks.
I love the different value in the purple in your lens part and how fun to get that black-stemmed hydrangea that keeps on surprising.
Yes, the black-stemmed hydrangea is a marvel. See you soon. Thanks so much,
Your black stemmed hydrangea intrigues me. Do the beautiful dried flowers come from it?
Lovely to hear from you, and yes, that is one of its gorgeous blooms.
I love hydrangeas Sally, and you have created a beautiful image that celebrates this magnificent plant.
Su, I appreciate your response. Thanks.
Light, shadows, and colors—all marvelous, Sally.
janet
Janet, thanks so much for your response.
Sally, this is lovely – and I must admit my favorite flower (with competition from the beautiful magnolia blossoms of course). I had no idea the soil changed the flower’s color – I thought they were planted in different colors. A last breath of summer’s bounty beautifully presented.
Tina, it has to do with the iron and other minerals in the soil, which changes over seasons. Enjoy the tail end of summer.
I like the contrast between the blackish purple of the flower and the multi-toned greys of the shadow behind it.
Ω
Allan, thanks and enjoy your the days ahead.
I love the way you respond to Nature’s delights, Sally. You have a true appreciation for beauty.
You’ve brought such joy to my day. Thank you.