Garden

Leave a comment Posted on Garden, Ocean beaches and Florida nature, Photography, Tropical environments Gallery

Tread softly…

Tread softly is not just a warning about this plant that when touched will cause a burning rash. This plant too was on the restored dune area of the Lauderdale by the Sea beach. The pretty white flowers betray it’s named warning; Tread softly (Cnidoscolus stimulosus). I would suggest tread away from any patches of this plant; another reason to stay on established pathways.

Macro photo of the pretty little white Tread Softly flower. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

The prickly bristles are evident here; strongly suggesting I avoid touching. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Not an area to walk in. Note the dangerous Tread Softly with clusters of even sharper Beach Star plants. Not all the danger is found in the ocean’s waters. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

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R-rated naming…

Who would think that the lovely Orchid (Orchidaceae) name is derived from the Anciet Greek name for testicle; noting the shape of the twin tubers of some speicies. (see https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchidaceae).

The beauty of this species brings forth other discriptors from viewers; at least from this viewer. This Orchid had been successfully attached to a tree in the quaint Lauderdale by the Sea Village retail area.

Leave a comment Posted on Animals, Garden, Miscellaneous, Photography Gallery

Lifestyle contrasts…

The cats on this quaint street in Miami easily roamed from backyard to sites around the neighborhood. The dog was too large to fit between the fence rails ensuring it’s limited experiences. The differences in their demeanor were striking to me.

Cat trying to hide it’s presence as it birdwatches. It was happy to expose itself when people came near so they could get him/her. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Cat enjoying socializing with passer-bys. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

This dear dog looked totally bored and yearning for more in life. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Leave a comment Posted on Design and Patterns, Garden, Nature, Tropical environments Gallery

Random pattern combinations…

Nature and human took part in both the sidewalk and the stand of Bamboo. Both settings have been designed by human hands. Both settings have been altered over time by nature.

Human chosen natural elements in the concrete mixture; use of Florida’s Coral and shells. Nature’s chosen addition with plant and algae. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Walkway through the Bonnet House Courtyard is concrete with much Coral and shell in it’s composition. Algae and “volunteer” plants add color. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Human planting design enhanced by nature’s sunlight and random growth of the Bamboo. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Leave a comment Posted on Birds, Design and Patterns, Garden, Nature, Tropical environments Gallery

Background designs…

Backgrounds should compliment and not distract the viewer from the main subject. When they are out of focus they add an element of dimension to the image. These two images of Ibis, at Flaminco Gardens in their Rookery area, cleary demonstrate impressionistic, out-of-focus backgrounds. Not sure if they’re too distracting; but for me they add an element of design not usually found in images of birds. Enjoy or not; let me know please.

Ibis in the Duckweed rich Rookery at Flamingo Gardens. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

A little while later the Ibis was in a clearer patch of the Rookery pond. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

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Airy resurrection…

This resurrection is an air Fern known for going dormant or dead-like during times of drought and then vibrantly returning with a little rain. The Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodiodes) is an air fern, attaching to live Oak trees and obtaining it’s nutrients and moisture from the air.

Remergence of the Resurrection Fern. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Mini ecosystem on this tropical tree including the Resurrection Fern. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Leave a comment Posted on Garden, Insects and Arachnids, Travel highlights, Tropical environments Gallery

Dingy beauty…

An oxymoron it seems; but someone chose its name, Dingy-flowered Star Orchid (Epidendrum amphistomum). Orchids are never “dingy”. But this is this dear Orchid’s name.

The Dingy-flowered Star Orchid is considered an endangered native of Florida.

Tiny Orchid blooms have visitors. This flower has no nectar but it’s aroma attracts moths (not shown here) for pollination. Copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg

Overall view of the Dingy-flowered Star Orchid. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

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Dedicated to learning…

I thought my Japanese Anemone painting was done. But, thanks to a wonderful teacher I spent 3 more hours on it and I have to admit it IS better than before. Learning is exhausting and yet always fun too. Now for a nap.

Japanese Anemone acrylic painting. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Last week’s 6 hour work of Japanese Anemone. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Leave a comment Posted on Garden, Photography, Travel highlights, Tropical environments

Flaming into Spring…

Another eye-catching spring blooming tree is the African Tulip Tree (Spathadea campanulata). The bright red/orange tulip shape blooms appear in clusters up to 80ft. high above the place one usually admire Tulips.

“Flame of the Forest” is another name for the African Tulip Tree. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Natural bouquets of Tulips; a little difficult to collect. Best observed uncut. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

The rims of the petals are fringed appearing more orange than the rest of the bloom. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Eventually, like all blooms the petals rest of the Earth. Here petals are accompanied by a Blue Dasher Dragonfly. It was a fun surprise evident only upon reviewing my saved images. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg