The fresh growth of the new spring leaves is always a joy to see, especially in contrast to the dark bark of the manzanita (little apple). Some Native Americans still gather the berries for food. The shrub’s leaves and berries are also used in teas/ or as tinctures to treat poison oak rash.
This is a sage blossom that just opened up after another spring shower. I love to rub the plant’s leaves between my fingers and smell the sage when I walk by on a daily walk. My cat Calvin occasionally sniffs the plant leaves at cat level too, but his interest lies more towards the direction of scurrying local wildlife.
A California winter and early spring spring sight, the striking dark black limbs of the valley oaks always make for interesting photographic subject matter. Their twisted framework of branches provide a stark contrast to the sky behind them. Then with the first warm sunny days they miraculously transform into opulent trees with lush bright green foliage completely hiding the framework of the branches. Shade for summer picnics under their huge canopies follows.
California dream: narcissus blooming during a very dry January this year bringing hope of renewal and spring.
I have alway been fond of photographing these flowers. Their subtle gradations of color are simply lovely. One is reminded of pastels or impressionist painting.
Below are two links to some of my botanical watercolors.
This is one of my favorite blooms of spring (even though it is summer now – I know, I know). The purple wisterias are so delicate and beautiful in color, sometimes they look like fat caterpillars to me. Such a sign of renewal as they emerge from the the stark bare branches hugging a trellis.
Now a full green canopy of leaves provides for summer shade.
Matthias Leue Photography 