Palm Shadow

Manila, 2011

A potted palm casting its shadow in our lanai (veranda). The organic shape of the leaves in contrast to the geometric lines of the house appeals to me.

Linking with the blogging communities at Weekend in Black and White and Shadow Shot Sunday.

Winter Macros

While some of my fellow bloggers in cold climes are posting bright spring photos to banish the dreariness of gray winter, I was moved to find in my archives these macros I took on my walks on the Sunshine Coast of BC last winter. The shapes, textures and colors of this eclectic group of winter foliage appeal to me. As usual, details can better be seen when enlarged.

Sunshine Coast, BC, 2010

I'm joining the good folks posting for Macro Monday and Mosaic Monday.

Cactus Shadows

 Ilocos, 2010

Taken at the lovely resort Sitio Remedios I featured here and here... for Shadow Shot Sunday and Weekend in Black & White.

Tropical Foliage

The deep mottled hues and varied shapes of the tropical croton plant appeal to me. Its colorful glossy leaves brighten up any garden.

Quezon, 2010

Linking with Today's Flower, where I hope my pretty leaves are accepted as decoratives, as well as the blogging communities at Mellow Yellow Monday and Mosaic Monday.

Lotus or Water Lily?

Until today I thought that lotus and water lily were interchangeable words. Silly me. Of course it's not that simple.

Both are aquatic plants that grow in shallow calm fresh (ie. unsalted) water and love lots of sunshine. Yet there is a botanical distinction; and the water lily is a Western plant, while the lotus is Eastern. To confuse things, now, of course, you can find either wherever the climate is suitable.

I saw this white beauty today at a garden center. Which is it, a lotus or water lily?

Philippines, 2010

Let me give you clue: The most telling difference is that the petals of the water lily sit on the water, while the lotus rises above it.

Easy, right?

Since I saw this fabulous specimen today, I though I'd also show you a lotus seed head. The seeds are used in Chinese cooking; I love both the soup and dessert made with lotus seeds.

If you are interested to learn more about this fabulous flower, this web page looked interesting, explaining not only the botany, but its appearance in history, literature and sacred lore.

This post is linked to Today's Flower and Mellow Yellow Monday.