Happy Fourth of July!

Fireworks are essential for celebrating Independence Day. But the bangs rattle some people’s heads. And the stinging smoke makes some noses get runny. And all the dogs in town yearn for a cave to hide in. Luckily, there are fireworks in nature. Quiet and good-smelling.

Agapanthus. A purple pow!

A blaze of asters.

A dazzling dahlia.

Whistling thistles.

Memorable Michelmas Daisies.

Spectacular spider lilies.

And aerial allium.

Stay safe and sane, and have a fabulous floral Fourth, everyone!

Floral magic

Arcadia, CA artist Craig P. Burroughs uses ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence photography to capture what the human eye fails to see: the longer wavelengths of light certain plants reflect.

The result?

Supernatural beauty!

Behold the Bee Balm blossom, in all its fluorescent glory.

The Blanket Flower, baring its true colors.

Hawthorne flowers, plainly prismatic.

Ice Plant realness.

And the Kangaroo’s Paw, bold and beautiful.

Take a look at more of Craig P. Burrows’ incredible photography. You’ll never see the world the same!

All photos © Craig P. Burrows

Happy Floral Fourth of July!

BANG!

What is that? The sound of fireworks! I love the flash and color of a pyrotechnic display. But last year I witnessed the unhappy effect of all the noise and fuss on the sensitive ears of my brother’s poor dog. Dugan was practically catatonic with fear and dread. Most dogs (and some humans) agree: noise-wise, fireworks are a drag.

Luckily, there’s another kind of fireworks. Quiet, quiet varieties. And they can be found right in your own garden. This marigold, for instance, gives any Fourth firework a run for its splendor.

And this Pink Ice cluster certainly pops without a bang.

A Gerbera daisy finale is a spectacular sight to behold.

So, if you want to give your ears a break (and your doggy’s, too) this year, grab some scissors, head out into the garden, and bring the fireworks indoors this year. Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

Happy Easter!

Easter colors, and one of my favorite flowers. Happy Easter, everyone!