Thursday, July 1, 2010

(Day 182) Pure gold

When we moved into our current home just over 7 years ago, there was absolutely no landscaping - no flower beds, no shrubs, and no trees near the house - 'unspoiled' in realtor terms. It sat on an open piece of land, surrounded by at least 30m/100' of grass on all sides. Over time we've put in the 2 ponds, created flower beds, planted trees - primarily birches by the pond, and maples in the yard - and added shrubs and flowers.

Some of the perennials we bought about 4-5 years ago were asiatic lilies, of various colours. Since the birches by the pond have basically claimed that area as their own, the lilies we planted there need to be moved to a new area this fall. However, the ones at the front of the house have grown from single stem potted plants to large clumps - I suspect I'll have to split them this year. The ones in today's shot are nearing their full glory and bring beautiful colour for us to enjoy as we sit on the front porch. When I made some photos earlier this evening I had Eva Cassidy's version of 'Fields of Gold' playing in my head (even though the song refers to barley fields) - if you're not familiar with it, have a listen - I think you'll like it.

(18-55mm  f5  1/80 sec  ISO200)

24 comments:

Teté M. Jorge said...

Estou ouvindo Fields of Gold... linda! A flor é linda! E linda é a vida!

Beijos.

S. Etole said...

What rich, golden beauty.

Rick said...

@teca - Sou feliz você gosta de ele. agradece-o.

Rick said...

@S. Etole - yes, a summer favourite!

darlin said...

Wow, you sure have done a lot of work to beautify your property and this single photo shows that every last bit of energy was worth it. All the photos you have shared of your property are astounding Rick, you've done some amazing work! Magnificent shot and thank you for the inspiration, I WILL NOT give up on that one large flower bed which is mostly overgrown with grass and weeds!

Happy Canada Day!

marty said...

Hello Rick - A gorgeous image of this flower - I think that all around your home it's so beautiful now ! thank you for the song !
belle journée
bisous de france

Costea Andrea Mihai said...

yes..very beautiful!! regards

Katherine said...

Rick I am listening to Eva's song as I write this to you, it is a beautiful song. I do like it!
And the slide show of photos that accompany it are also beautiful.
Your photo of your glorious golden flower is equally as beautiful...thank you again for sharing!

Scott Law said...

That is pure gold. You've done such an awesome job with your surroundings and thanks so much for sharing it.

imac said...

A lot of hard work Rick, but its paid off for you, look at all these shots you captured.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Looks like some of the same as are growing in our gardens.We love lilies and they seem to do well here.Beautiful flower.
BLessings,Ruth

Rick said...

@darlin - thank you; just like Rome though, it wasn't done overnight, nor in 1 year ;-) I too tackled a flower bed this spring that was totally overgrown - we had removed a piece of lawn there and I guess we didn't get all the grass roots. I salvaged some creeping phlox which I moved to near the cabin (where all my 'past best date' plants go). Good luck with yours! Have a great weekend.

Rick said...

@Marty - merci beaucoup! I'm glad you enjoyed the song - Eva is one of my favourites! Have a wonderful weekend.

Rick said...

@Costea Andrea Mihai - thank you Costea; fine weekend.

Rick said...

@Katherine - yes, Eva's songs are wonderful for those late nights when I'm visiting blogs. She does an absolutely amazing version of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' - haunting! Thanks Katherine, and hope you're already enjoying your weekend.

Rick said...

@Scott - thank you Scott; we've been given so much to work with in creation - each plant has a beauty of its own if we look for it. I hope you're already enjoying your retirement!

Rick said...

@imac - that's why I did it mac, so I didn't have to travel for my shots ;-) LOL. Have a great weekend!

Rick said...

@Ruth's Photo Blog - yes, they're gorgeous; we have a few varieties, including very fragrant ones - the scent wafts up on a quiet summer evening. Thanks for stopping by Ruth.

Julia said...

I used this one as my new desktop picture!!! Very nice!

Rick said...

@Julia - royalties are 5Ȼ per day ;-) Haven't you taken one from your garden you can use for your desktop ?

Jeanne Frances Klaver said...

Beautiful photo. Thanks for the link. I'd never heard Eva Cassidy. She has an amazing voice.

Rick said...

@Jeanne Klaver - thanks Jeanne. Yes, she is amazing! You should hear her sing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'!

Unknown said...

Pure gold is right. Wow, so calm and soothing. The lighting you've captured is just right! I like it!

Rick said...

@Krista - thanks! Evening light can be so flattering.