Queen of Show in Photography, American Rose Society 2014 Fall Convention.
In roses, ‘Queen’ is the equivalent of ‘Best in Show’

‘Dream Weaver’ is a rose classified as a Climbing Floribunda. It can produce beautiful and large sprays.

This photograph of ‘Dream Weaver’ won Queen of Show in the Photography portion of the American Rose Society 2014 Fall Convention and Show. In roses, ‘Queen’ is the equivalent of ‘Best in Show.’

Many thanks to the judges for awarding this image.

Tiny bee gathering pollen on rose ‘Citrus Tease’

Finding pollinators of any size is good!

This tiny bee is on the fully open floribunda rose, ‘Citrus Tease.’

Rose hips on miniature rose, ‘Yoyo’

Although Fall is not yet officially here, some signs of fall and the coming winter can be seen. These hips on the rose ‘Yoyo’ indicate the bloom cycle is nearly at an end for this miniature rose.

Sunday Morning Gift – Fledgling White Winged Dove that Allowed Me to Photograph It at Close Range

This little dove was sitting on the wall when I went out today to see what was in the yard to be photographed. It did not fly away the whole time I was out, although it did once I had gone back in the house.

The fledglings have not yet developed their full color, such as the bright blue ring around the eye that is seen in adults.

There are times I wish I did not have quite so many white winged doves in my yard, but who can resist such a sweet baby?

Tiny Bee on Shrub Rose, ‘Route 66’

I am always happy to find pollinators of any kind on my flowers. This tiny bee is on the shrub rose, ‘Route 66.’

‘Route 66’ has five deep burgundy petals, a brilliant white eye, and golden stamens. It also has a strong, delightful fragrance. One bloom can scent a large part of a house for a day.

Refreshing overnight rain on datura blossom

Albuquerque has been enjoying the monsoonal rains, which were desperately needed.

Datura opens at dusk, and begins to droop the next morning when the sun strikes it. Last night saw a slow, gentle rain, and cool, cloudy morning. This bloom was breathtakingly gorgeous as it held its form just a bit longer, still covered with raindrops.

Crab spider on cosmos

Crab spider on cosmos

These tiny spiders are quite abundant in my yard, but I’m always happy when I can find one to photograph!

And, I am always surprised by how many colors they are, and how they seem to go with the particular flower or leaf on which they are found. I especially liked the way this one matched the stamens of the cosmos.

From the “Postcard Series”

‘Leonidas’ began as a florist rose, and when grown under cool conditions, is coffee-colored on the upper petals and cream-colored on the underside. When grown out-of-doors in warm regions, its petals have an orange upper and yellow under side.

The form of this rose, once seen, is unmistakable.