There are clouds hanging low and moisture palpable in the air for the second straight day in a row but am I letting it get me down? No way. These conditions (as long as it's not drizzling or actually full-on raining) are a photographer's best friend. No need to worry about coping with harsh sunlight or shadows, everything is bathed in perfect light. Nothing could keep me from the garden on days like this, short of tying me down! Look how the salmon/pink poppy "shines" without the sun:
It's practically luminescent in some mysterious, magical way. and even better here with the antique gate in the background:
I've decided this spring (I think I've mentioned it before, I'm prone to repeating myself) that I like flowers in bud form. The poppies are just as pretty breaking out (if not prettier) as they are full blown, wouldn't you agree??. Something else breaking out are the Allium schubertii's. Here's a trio of them, just starting to bloom:
They have been true traffic stoppers. Anyone who walks by, wants to know what those "firework-looking thingies" are. It usually doesn't help much when I tell them but they like them anyway. So do I. I will definitely plant more this fall. Here's two with the lens moved in a little tighter:
I'm trying to figure out what else I photographed in the garden, between rain drops. Oh, Allium Moly Luteum, who is just beginning to open:
Maybe rainy days aren't absolutely perfect for photography afterall. See the moisture in the center of Moly Luteum? That causes reflections in itself that I'm still learning to overcome. Oh well, the odds are still significantly higher that you'll capture a better-than-average photo on an overcast day than on a bright, sunny one. So I'll keep after it.
Something else a rainy day is good for ~ cooking. I received the June 09 issue of Gardens Illustrated yesterday and one hour later, I was whipping up the yummy rhubarb walnut muffin recipe inside. But not until I looked up the metric conversions! Are we the only country that hasn't gone metric?? I have to tell you, the recipe is so good, that it was worth the extra time it took to make the conversions.
Yum. These were such a delightful blending of flavors that I have more rhubarb on my counter at this very minute to make another batch. Thank you Gardens Illustrated for that!
Overcast skies are great for photos. Yours are splendid!!
Posted by: Darla | June 03, 2009 at 11:22 AM
I love rhubarb, those muffins sound heavenly.
The poppy photo is outstanding. I agree, the quality of light, and the prism effect of raindrops all add another dimension to photos. I might add, it is also good for those of us (me) very, very late in finishing up planting. Overcast skies and frequent rains have saved me lot of watering and shading;)
Marnie
Posted by: Marnie | June 03, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Photos are beautiful as usual! That last one made my mouth water- Yum! Our skies have been overcast and gloomy yesterday and a little today- nice days for planting stuff!
Posted by: Tessa at Blunders with shoots, blossoms 'n roots | June 03, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Beautiful photos Kathleen, must be the overcast skies. I know I always get glares when there is sunlight and like doing later afternoon photos too.
That muffin looks scrumptious - probably spelled that wrong but they do! ;-)
Posted by: RainGardener | June 03, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Ooooo a new magazine to think about getting!! :-D Love the bud of that poppy.
Posted by: janet | June 03, 2009 at 02:34 PM
Very pretty, I think many flowers are just as pretty in the bud stage. I've noticed that taking pictures here recently has been difficult because it has been so bright.
Those muffins look delicious!
Posted by: Catherine/gardenerprogress | June 03, 2009 at 03:23 PM
As always, your photos are a delight to the eye. I so enjoy seeing flowers through your lens. Thanks for the day brightener. Or day clouder?? :)
Posted by: Beckie | June 03, 2009 at 09:09 PM
I too love flowers in the bud stage. That poppy is a such a classic beauty... and you have captured it perfectly.
Posted by: Connie | June 03, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Oh gosh, rhubarb walnut muffins? Sounds delish.
I agree, pics under cloud cover can be so much better. Our harsh sunshine is so difficult sometimes.
Posted by: Victoria | June 04, 2009 at 07:32 AM
Just beautiful Kathleen, pure art!
Posted by: Tyra | June 04, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Hi Kathleen! Did you know that when your allium is "spent," you can remove them from the garden (pull them up) and spray paint them wild colors and place them wherever you'd like as a little whimsy?? ;-) It's fun!
Also, now that you've done all the work, can you share the recipe?? :-)
Posted by: Shady Gardener | June 04, 2009 at 11:30 AM