Spring marks many beginnings and renewals. Emergent shoots of shade loving Ferns have acquired the apt nickname of “Fiddle Heads” as seen in this image taken earlier this year. Nature continues to amaze and spark our imaginations. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
This is a common plant for window boxes and planters at outdoor dining venues in Chicago. Always beloved Petunia; sometimes over-planted but always selected to brighten the scene.
Planted here, contrasting with red Begonias this Petunia’s trumpet shape is captivates many an insect. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The more traditional view of Petunias show their colors that seem to radiate from their inner core.. A common, traditional favorite. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
This Hydrangae bloom, seemingly escaping it’s fenced confines caught my attention each time I’d walk past. Couldn’t resist creating a couple images. Hydrangae are traditional garden perennials in the Midwest. In this ever changing time it’s always comforting to see it’s pervasive presence. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Beginning to bloom; so I’ll be able to enjoy it at least 3 weeks. Usually the drying blooms are equally enjoyable. This small Bee seems happy too; but that’s totally my assumption. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Prolific flowering per bunch with a prolific number of clusters per shrub. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
This is for you, Bee! I know how you (DON’T) love Violets. You know I don’t consider them weeds. We agree to disagree!
Macro image of the hardy Violet. I love them because as a child they were the only flowers in our yard my mother let us freely pick. Most consider it a weed. After all a weed is anything that is growing that one does not want in their garden. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
One of my favorite garden flowers is the Peony. Traditional perennial choice because of it’s striking early summer beauty and aroma. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Mom, an avid gardener, discouraged me from adding Peony to my new garden (years ago) because their delicate blooms can easily be blown by storms and winds. I found they are excellent cut flowers when cut as soon as the bud shows it’s colors. Sometimes the delicate, short lived, is worth it’s brief visit. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Feel the warmth of the late springtime air. The grasses are green and the Shooting Star is in bloom by North Pond in Lincoln Park, Chicago. This delicate beauty is a native perennial for Chicago. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Close up of the small, too often unnoticed, Shooting Star. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Springtime is almost finished as is this Tulip’s bloom time. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
‘Tis the season of the ever loved/hated Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Loved by children. Hated by most adults; myself excluded now that I no longer have my own garden. A child’s eye level view of the Dandelion is the best! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Close up view of the fun loving seedhead; enticing children of all ages to help spread the seads with a mighty puff of air. Though considered a weed, the Dandelion is edible in it’s entirety. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Considered a weed because the Dandelion is a prolific producer, flourishing almost anywhere. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Springtime at Caldwell’s Lily Pond in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Non-crabby looking Crab Apple blooms Mark the new beginnings of springtime. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Awesome beauty; every spring my mind believes this is most beautiful season of the year in Chicago. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
A clear sign that I’ve observed over my many years, is that when the Chipmunk sits still for a portrait it means it has just awoken from it’s winter sleep. They may sit in a patch of sunshine for quite awhile and gradually stretch to loosen it’s unused muscles. Next week it will be very unusual to catch such a long pause; portrait capture will be a challenge. This one was at Lincoln Park’s Caldwell Lily Pond. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg