Relief in the Gardens

Gardens have always provided good things whether you’re the gardener or the one who simply visits and enjoys. Gardens, with a range of plants and flowers throughout, are therapeutic and healing in nature. They have always been healing and therapeutic for me, with and without a camera.

With the recent and prolonged drought as well as heat index levels at or above 100 degrees, it’s been difficult to get excited about heading to any of my favorite gardens. It’s not been an easy time for the gardens either. Plants struggle in high heat and low water conditions. Hence, most of my July has been spent indoors. Two of my friends provided an opportunity to play with flowers and enjoy fellowship at their annual “Girls Weekend” (Thanks Janel and Kathy!) that began a number of years ago. I was prepared to do more indoor shooting with flowers and props again after being inspired by that special time with friends. Needless to say, I did not anticipate an opportunity to wander in one of my favorite gardens comfortably any time soon (I had late September in mind).

First gift of July from Girls Weekend

LIFE OFFERS SURPRISES

Through a series of life circumstances that included selling my car in Raleigh, and at least a week’s worth of rainy days, I found myself enjoying much lower temperatures (73 degrees) and overcast light with intermittent rain on the radar. “Just in case” it wasn’t raining before we headed home, I brought my camera with me. The stars and clouds aligned, and I was able to spend several hours walking around the gardens of J C Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. Suffice it to say, the gardens were very happy for the recent rains, as I’m sure the gardeners were as well. The overcast skies and oh-so-comfortable temperatures made me a very happy photographer. The rains were gone, leaving water drops and lush greens throughout with a wonderful spread of colors, textures and light. What an unexpected pleasure.

On a much smaller scale, our small collection of flowers at home is currently flourishing having also enjoyed the rains. I decided to extend my flower time once home and went to work in my own gardens as the clouds offered a light misting a comforting cool down.

This little one took a break to look straight at me.

Little ant on the backside of  a wet hibiscus.

THANKFUL FOR GARDEN RELIEF

Photographing indoors involves a different set of circumstances and approaches, such as still life, macro, close-ups, abstracts and more. However, for me, nothing really beats being surrounded by lush foliage and flowers. It offers respite, wonder, healing and wonderful surprises at every turn. That scent and freshness that a light rain brings – what a gift that in one day two opportunities arose. A few hours at the arboretum and a few more with my own flowers just lifted my spirits and soothed my soul. The bonus was that I was able to use my camera to “feel and express” my experience in the garden with all my senses and bring home images that reflected the day.

The heat will rise again soon, but this recent gift was refreshing – for me and for all the surrounding nature, especially the gardens. We all experienced a sense of marvelous relief. The images I share here reflect what I saw and felt in those four hours of one day.

Century Plant Abstraction

THE ARBORETUM

For those who are not familiar with J C Raulston Arboretum, it is a “nationally acclaimed botanic garden in Raleigh, NC, with one of the largest collections of garden plants adapted for the southeast United States.” This year the arboretum is celebrating its 50^th year. The garden is open to the public all year and free to the public. It is a 10.5-acre gem.

I cannot remember when I first visited the arboretum, but I have been a member and have returned many times over the years. I have watched this amazing oasis grow tremendously. Quite a feat as it is literally just down the road from the bustle of downtown Raleigh and close to Meredith College and NC State University campuses. If you decide to visit, you must make Neomonde Mediterranean Café your lunch or dinner stop. It will become a tradition.

Gardenia Holding Onto the Water

Palm Frond Multiple Exposure Abstract

MY ARBORETUM RELIEF TIME MEANDER

After lunch at Neomonde’s, I went to the arboretum. I brought my camera and one lens (28-300mm) that really gives me great range and flexibility for image making. The temperature at the time was 73 degrees, and the moisture from the earlier rains gave the gardens a freshness that was most inviting. The normally crowded place was not. The flora and flowers all held onto the water drops. The first people I encountered were two photographers with very large lenses were set up on tripods and seated in chairs pointing toward the plant border because hummingbirds were feeding in the deep purple salvia. They were the first people we encountered.

The grounds had received a great washing of water, and in some areas, it was like playing hopscotch around the puddles. Other areas had my shoes squishing and squeaking in the soft, wet but not drowned grass. Bees and butterflies were active throughout. Not one creature was sleeping anywhere. It was much cooler than the recent usual, but the light was bright overcast – perfect for photography. I imagine the flying beauties were as happy as I was to have a most pleasant time in the garden.

As I came to the end of my two-hour meandering exploration, I noticed a random outcropping of flowers popping up in the grass near the desert garden. Turns out they were “rain lilies.” What a fitting way to end my time in one of my favorite places, especially under such wonderfully unexpected circumstances!

Last Frame in the Arboretum

HOME GARDEN EXTENSION

After such a fine time at the arboretum, I was reminded that my own small garden was just as happy after the rains. I took advantage of the time and opportunity. I change my lens to the Lensbaby Velvet 56 and began exploring the blooms. The black-eyed Susans are the easiest to manage and the happiest, with allium, petunias and grasses close behind. The coneflowers are not sure what they want to do. There was also a second dahlia that I was not expecting (even with ten dahlia plants). My success with dahlias has been limited and intermittent, so my expectations have been low. I’m thinking this year, hopefully, there may even be a few more happy dahlias.

As I worked the front garden, I added a close-up filter that gave me more options for soft focus and abstracts. I leaned into them and loved how the image frames made me feel. The time spent at the arboretum and at home gave me a chance to breathe, to immerse and to exhale fully – a much-needed release. As Monet said, “the richness I achieve comes from nature, the source of my inspiration.” Always a gift.

The Happy Ones

LESSONS AND FINAL THOUGHTS

It’s not the first time I have said that photography is my soul feeder. Put me in a garden, flower fields or forest, and my soul is even fuller. The intense heat and prolonged drought have been hard on everyone and on every garden and farm. We all needed some rain and relief from the extended high temperatures and humidity. When the opportunity arises, it’s good to be prepared with whatever will add to your happy.

Bringing my camera with me to Raleigh was good preparation, essential for the unexpected garden relief that presented itself to me. Nature opened a door and many windows to experiencing, seeing and photographing beautiful things. I needed to walk through wet, squishy grass, to touch the leaves, inhale the scents and to exhale, slowly and to let my shoulders drop.

I entered and exited the arboretum with awe and gratitude. My gentle reminder to myself (and perhaps to you), always be prepared for and open to the good things in life that come along and surprise you with smiles. Be open to the gifts and receive them fully. My eyes were open. I came prepared and was given four hours of wonder and unexpected beautiful relief at the arboretum and at home all in one day. Eyes open and grateful.

There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature.

— Rachel Carson

Abstract of the “Second” Dahlia

Little Blue

White Lily Abstract

Lovely Little on Coneflower