It was a small garden, organically grown, and contained soil that was rich and amenable. The first plant I saw was some mysterious greens -- possibly some type of kale? It was definitely a cold crop as it still was growing with its colorful green and purple leaves. I pinched some leaves off to eat and found them tasty.
Its leaves were full of dew which I attempted to capture above. I realized there was still plant life in the garden even though there had been several frosts this December.
Although part of the garden had been recently dug up I managed to find some plants that offered up a variety of textures and colors. This broccoli stem with its decaying sprouts still had a few sprouts that were trying their best to survive.
Found many tomatillios beautifully decaying. All that was left was their lacy husks reflecting its former shape holding its seeds with the promise of next season's life.
Blackened stalks of small sunflowers appeared forlorn. I caught this dewdrop at the end of a dried leaf -- could it be a sunflower teardrop -- saying goodbye to its life in the garden?
Beautiful pictures! I love the lacy tomatillos and the sunflower teardrop is perfect! Who says there aren't any good pictures in the December garden!
ReplyDeleteVicki -- thanks for the nice comment. From your photos, I am sure you feel as I do that nature in all seasons has something to provide photographers -- barbara
DeleteThanks for the beautiful photo story of a winter garden. You have caught so many details, we see more, I think, in your photos that we would likely see on a casual walk through the garden.
ReplyDeleteJune -- I believe in what Dorthea Lange once said, "The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." I think the camera has opened my eyes to many things around me that I once never saw -- and still sometimes miss. thanks for the very nice comment on this post -- barbara
DeleteEach looks as cold as I am.
ReplyDeleteJoanne -- It was cold and wet in the garden -- you would have been cold -- my toes were froze as I only had tennis shoes on. thanks -- barbara
DeleteEven in the bleakest of moments, we find color.
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- Like your words -- sometimes only a small bit of color can light up your imagination in a bleak environment, thanks -- barbara
DeleteGreat job!!! Love the tomatillos pic..
ReplyDeleteturquoisemoon -- The tomatillos were like bumpy lace covering the ground in one section of the garden. On closer inspection their lacy designs were enchanting. -- thanks for the nice comment -- barbara
DeleteThese are fabulous, sharing the beauty of the structures of plants in the winter...and you have definitely captured the survival of life cycle! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBarb -- Gardens are fun to explore during all seasons. Now that I live in an apartment I have to go looking for gardens. Fields are a close kin to gardens and finding the wild ones around here is difficult -- so far that is. Black Mountain, where you live, sounds and looks ideal. thanks -- barbara
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteTabor -- thanks for the nice comment about the winter garden -- barbara
DeleteKeen eye there Barbara for fascinating shots. Did I ever mention Mrs. T. is also a Barbara....:)
ReplyDeletetroutbirder -- Ahh -- she has the best of names.:)) I understand from your posts that she is also the photographer of the family -- I think this is right. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteYou have some really nice captures here.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- Thanks for the nice comment -- best in the new year for your family -- barbara
DeleteYou have so beautifully illustrated the fact that there is much beauty to be found in the winter garden - if you know how to look for it. Thanks for a lovely and thoughtful post :)
ReplyDeleteStarr White -- I find that home gardens, in off seasons, seem to be the best place to look for residual garden beauty as they usually contain a diverse collection of plants. The best to you in 2014 -- thanks for the kind comment -- barbara
DeleteYou are always exploring & discovering, & sharing, how I love that, Barbara!! You have found some real treasures here, some miracles of December!! Thank you for the images & reflections & knowledge that you have brought into my life in 2013! Rita
ReplyDeleteRita -- Tomorrow is the first year of 2014! As we know time flies fast. You along with other bloggers have always started my 2014 mornings off in a positive way. Your artwork and words have been like a wonderful book unfolding. May the upcoming new year continue to offer you many new sights for your excellent artwork -- barbara
DeleteReally beautiful. I never thought of looking at things that way when I lived there.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your New Year's.
Hattie -- Living here in Vancouver is a challenge for me -- photography-wise that is. I just carry a camera around most of the time hoping for the right occasion to shoot. It compares to looking for a needle in a haystack. Enjoy 2014!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteKnow what you mean. Nature is taking a beating there.
DeleteMaybe a nice symbol for the New Year: The old plants are on the way back to the soil, but the new ones send signals that they are on the way.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
RuneE -- Your photos have been my highlight many a morning when I turn on my computer. Your country offers up such beautiful sights, I'm looking forward to more of your photos in 2014!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -- barbara
DeleteJust stopping by to wish you a wonderful new year, much happiness in your new home. And to thank you for showing me so many interesting photos and telling me fascinating things about them. Reading your blog has been a delight all year long.
ReplyDeleteJune -- thank you for the very nice comment. I do read your blog most mornings and am astounding at the range of subjects that you present. I also feel I know your family especially the younger ones. What will 2014 offer us? I am sure you will present some gems during the new year! -- barbara
DeleteSuch beautiful work! A joy to look at these photographs. Wishing you a happy, healthy and successful year ahead, Barbara, so pleased you enjoyed my poem. Carole.
ReplyDeleteCarole Anne -- What fun it has been to read your posts during the 2013 year. Do hope your husband is doing OK. I am looking forward to your new 2014 posts -- they bring me such pleasure following your writing life. -- barbara
DeleteBeautiful. Eerie. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteKen Mac -- thanks -- always appreciate a comment from you. -- barbara
DeleteThank you for reminding me to go look at my very small garden! There is so much happening out there right under my nose. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteclaggle -- so nice to hear from you -- I hope you had a wonderful holiday. It was a happening -- in your garden you say. Great! Fun to discover the missed points of interest that we often walk by without notice. And a Happy New Year to you also. -- barbara
Deletegreat photos, as usual! Got to get my new camera out
ReplyDeleteDiane -- Ahh -- lucky you -- a new camera -- probably from Santa. Look forward to your photos taken with it -- thanks for stopping -- barbara
ReplyDeleteCool photos. Got me stirred up to do some now.
ReplyDeleteDiana -- Love to look at the gardens online -- be sure and post some of your gardens -- I used to be a big gardener -- now I just enjoy the show -- barbara
Delete