Why Cultivating Patience In The Garden Is Transformative

Cultivating patience in the garden is the ultimate lesson.

We learn that we have no choice but to wait for plants to grow in their own sweet time – no matter what we do.

Patience In The Garden Isn’t Easy

In today’s world, it’s not easy to be patient. We don’t like to wait.

We’ve created a world of quick mastery in which we can learn languages in a few days and grasp intricate practices like hypnosis  in a weekend workshop.

The internet has fed into the belief that we can become experts in a chosen field overnight.

cultivating patience in garden

Tropical Bird in Ecuador’s Rainforest

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Lens Flare

At one point or another all garden photographers will have to deal with lens flare.   Too much strong directional light will cause the glass in the lens to disperse the light – flare, and affect the quality of the image.

lens flare in garden photo

The flare will wash out color and reduce contrast.  It is not always so obvious as in this example, where I was very consciously playing with the sunlight to see how far I could push my lens.  I was previsualizing a glorious sunrise moment and trying every trick I could think of.  More at the end of the post. Continue Reading →

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Site of the Succulent Celebration

Will you be at the Succulent Celebration and book launch June 7-8 near San Diego? I’d love to see you there! To entice you, here are a few glimpses of the nursery that’s hosting it, Waterwise Botanicals.

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Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’, in pots and on the hillside, is one of the succulents that the nursery sells a lot of. Continue Reading →

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Hardscape in garden photos

To get a good garden photo, look for hardscape to help define your composition and tell the story, a story about the structure of the garden, how it is put together, what elements, besides the plants, make it work.

In this lesson of the PhotoBotanic Garden Photography Workshop, we continue the assignment theme “Think Like a Gardener” where I ask you to use your own knowledge of gardens and trust your insight to make photos in your own style, communicating in your own voice.  Hardscape is your theme. Continue Reading →

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Succulent Books and Bouquet Giveaway

Did you miss the chance to win? It’s not too late! There’s another drawing going on over at my publisher’s website, now through Friday, June 7. All you have to do to enter to win a copy of Succulents Simplified is say “hello” in the comments!

 

Announcing the winners! It was really difficult to select among so many excellent entries. Consequently, I’m giving away an additional book for a total of SIXTEEN prizes. Many thanks to all who participated!

The winners of the links to the online photo library of container compositions are Alyssa Tang, Lisa Lonsdale, Rita Frakes, Rita Shaw, Pam O’neall, Sara Chantell, Sonia Deetz, Nicole, Laura Crowley and Rita Ericson. 

The winner of the mug + book is Chip Milligan

The winner of the notecards + book is Cheryl Baker

The winner of the bouquet + book is Jeanine Campos

The winner of the two-hour workshop + book is Bonnie Barabas

The winner of the watercolor + book is Diana Clark

And an additional book is going to Eden Yaege for her aunt! 

 

To celebrate the release of  Succulents Simplified: Growing, Designing and Crafting with 100 Easy-Care Plants, I’m giving away FIFTEEN succulent-themed items!

My “Succulent Books and Bouquet Giveaway” continues through Sunday, June 2. Winners will be announced June 3. If you’ll be at the Succulent Celebration June 7-8 north of San Diego, you can pick up your prize then. Entry details follow, but basically all you have to do is leave a comment stating which prize/s you’d like to receive.

Drum roll…the prizes are…

Agave watercolor DLB-1

(1) An original watercolor by me of an agave, 9-by-12, unframed. You’ll also receive a signed and personalized copy of Succulents Simplified. Continue Reading →

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