Monday, April 28, 2014

Magnolia Discovery



I love magnolias! They are so stately and beautiful. The first time I photographed them was when I was in Virginia for my son's graduation from the University of Virginia Law School. We were driving through campus and I yelled, "Stop!" There was tree after tree covered in huge magnolia blossoms! And I do mean HUGE!  They were the size of dinner plates!  I spent a good hour capturing them in all their glory.

The next time I was able capture some with my camera was in Dallas last May. I had been looking forward to going to Dallas again this year and definitely planned to visit the magnolias again. However, my husband's schedule isn't going to allow us to go and I was disappointed about missing the magnolias.

Today I stopped at a new nursery, mainly looking for cactus in bloom, and right outside the front door was a magnolia in bloom!  The flowers were only about the size of saucers (only!) so not as huge as the southern ones, but I was so glad I had my camera with me so I could snap a few shots.  And then this happened:


While I was focusing, in the corner of the lens I saw a bee approaching. I just kept shooting and was able to catch this shot of him wallowing in the pollen:


I think he may have been even  happier than I was to discover this magnolia in bloom! I thought about bringing it home but it was almost $100.  But at least now I know where I can go to find some magnolia blooms to photograph!






12 comments:

  1. Your shots are just gorgeous! Could not be improved on by anyone!!!!

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  2. those busy bees are so hard for me to capture sometimes. and then here is this little guy just begging to get into your gorgeous shot. :)

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  3. Excellent timing Terri! Your images are beautiful. The nursery is indeed a good place to take pictures. My local nursery has finally gotten used to me hanging out with my camera! Great post.

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  4. Oh happy bee! You did bring it home, the less expensive way :) Plus so much less work.

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  5. Oh these are just beautiful and so crisp and sharp. And that bee! Great discovery Terri!

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  6. I love the exquisite whiteness of this! But then I've never met a magnolia I didn't like.

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  7. Stunning images! I love that the bee just slipped into your shot!

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  8. I dont think I have ever seen a bloom like this. I dont think we have them way up here . Its too cold. Gorgeous. They are just gorgeous.

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  9. How cool is that, never knew they would grow here in the desert and do well, just so wonderful that you happened upon them at the nursery and captured them with the bee. Such lovely captures. Awesome.

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  10. Stupendous they are so big, thank goodness for garden centres.

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  11. These are so great - love that you captured the little bee!

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  12. Oh, my! How gorgeous! I love how the petals have caught and seem to be cradling those fallen (stamens? seeds?). And that bee - bravo for catching him!

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