Royal Inspiration

While out photographing the Japanese Magnolia trees in Vicksburg last week, I drove by this beautiful Royal Velvet Camellia bush whose branches were weighted down with hundreds of exquisite blossoms and buds. It was so large that it looked more like a tree than a bush, and I couldn't resist stopping to get a closer look (you can click on the images if you'd like to get a closer look, too). This last picture was taken using the macro setting on my new lens, and I've discovered that there is a very fine line between focused and unfocused when it comes to mastering the art of macro photography. I prefer to hold the camera rather than use a tripod, and even though my lens has image stabilization, I can tell that I'm going to need a lot more practice to capture a perfect macro picture. The good news is that Spring is just around the corner, and there is no better time to capture the glory of Nature at its peak than springtime. I can't wait, can you?

The Elegant Lady Banks

If you are a regular visitor to Southern Lagniappe, you're probably tired of seeing posts featuring Spring flowers and trees. I apologize for being redundant, but I can't resist capturing our long-awaited Spring in all its glory. Today, I'm sharing pictures I took over the weekend of my elegant Lady Banks Roses (Rosa banksiae). They line the fence in our long, narrow backyard and their fragrance is absolutely heavenly. We have one yellow plant ... One white plant ... And one that is a mix of yellow and white blooms ... Although they are stunning from a distance, when you look at the clusters of flowers up close, they are truly exquisite. They remind me of miniature bridal bouquets — but no florist in the world could ever create such perfection. The next few days are supposed to be rainy ones here in Vicksburg, but I hope to get out and take some pictures of some of the beautiful old antebellum homes while their Azaleas and Dogwoods are blooming. Our "Spring Pilgrimage" begins this Friday, and I'll share more about it later.

Spring Green

There's a color crayon called Spring Green, and we're seeing a lot of that color here in Mississippi these days. Spring is literally "bursting out all over," and yesterday I captured a little of it in our own back yard. This tiny little Mexican Petunia sprout was peeking through the pine straw ... In a few weeks, it will be covered with bright purple blooms ... My little "Mint Garden" is alive and well, already threatening to take over the path leading to the back yard. It will become a real problem this summer, but, for now, it's a welcome sign of Spring GREEN. I was pleased to see my Amaryllis coming back. I hope it blooms again this year. My favorite plants in our back yard are the Lady Banks Roses growing along the fence. This picture was taken last April, when they were in full bloom. They are literally loaded with buds and tiny clusters of blooms right now, on the verge of bursting into a blaze of color. I love to photograph my Lady Banks when they are in full bloom, so I'm sure you will see more pictures of them soon. Our Hollies and Ligustrums are sporting new leaves and flowers, too ... And the Climbing Rose on my arbor has bright shiny leaves and sharp little red thorns ... I have several Asparagus Ferns scattered around the yard, and I noticed that they have new green fronds reaching for the Spring sunshine. Our courtyard is awakening too, with Spring Green leaves popping out everywhere, some of them seemingly almost overnight. Japanese Maple Tree In a couple of weeks, it will look like this ... Remember the Lilac Chaste Tree I featured in a post a while ago? Well, it has baby leaves popping out on it now, too ... Our pond and waterfall plants were cut back in February, to make room for new growth, and they have looked rather depressing. I was so glad to see a few new green leaves peeking out in and amongst the brown ... Umbrella Plant I can't wait for them to look like this again! I can't remember what this water plant is called, but it has delicate little pink flowers that bloom during the Summer into early Fall. Isn't it amazing that those little leaves turn into this! This is a Corkscrew Plant. I love the rich green color of its twisted "spikes." Even the weeds coming up between the stones on our path are a pretty spring green color! I hope you are seeing lots of Spring Green where you live. If not, then perhaps you just need to take a closer look.

May Roses

Today I'd like to share a few of my favorite roses I've captured with my camera. You can click on the photos to enlarge them, if you'd like.

Lady Banks Rose

4th of July Rose"Pass-Along" Rose from my Great Aunt Win

Lady Banks Rose