Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: MasterPhoto

Took this macro shot of an Alfalfa flower at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area in the city, on August 18th. "Alfalfa is widely grown throughout the world as forage for cattle, and is most often harvested as hay, but can also be made into silage, grazed, or fed as greenchop. Alfalfa has the highest feeding value of all common hay crops, being used less frequently as pasture. When grown on soils where it is well-adapted, alfalfa is the highest yielding forage plant." From Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfalfa

I LOVE Alliums - see, Rebecca, great minds think alike : ) This huge beauty was growing in a spectacular garden that we visited a few weeks ago. That evening, we had visited a gentleman's cactus garden, and this other garden was just a few houses away. I just love all the tiny, "metallic-looking" stars. A handful of us went out to hike in Bragg Creek Provincial Park, west of the city, this morning, but ended up having to end our walk because of torrential rain! We did attempt to wait it out by going for delicious hot chocolate/coffee (a welcome treat - thanks to Dorothy and Stephen), but the rain just didn't quit. I think we have to wait till Friday before the weather improves, unless the forecast changes.

We are in yet another winter deepfreeze. Temperature is -24C (-11F), windchill -35C (-31F). I know it could be worse, lol, but I really wish I didn't have to go out for a routine dental visit this afternoon. They say that the best things in life are free - like AIR, for example. I finally got my car as far as a tire place yesterday, as barely being used for two months and in such cold temperatures, my tires were looking and feeling horribly flat. In fact they were at 22 when they should be at 32-35! Some AIR - and now my vehicle feels so good to drive! Stay warm, everybody! Photographed this beautiful Lily at Reader Rock Garden on August 11th.

This was one of the reasons I decided to go on the Picklejar Lakes hike two days ago. Though I had seen this flower once before (on a different mountain top!), I really hoped to see one again. My photos of it were disappointing, but I thought I would still post a macro shot as a reminder to myself of the thrill of seeing one (actually two) again. At a very quick glance, you might think you were looking at "just" another purple and yellow Fleabane. Another plant that I was really hoping to see was the Orange False-dandelion - and it was exciting to see a number of them, usually looking most unphotogenic, ha. We even saw a new wild orchid up there - the Bog Candle - which has a wonderful scent. Parry's Townsendia is an uncommon, native wildflower and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It blooms July-August on dry hillsides and grassy slopes. The flower head is 5-7 cms across. The achene (fruit) is a pappus of long, soft bristles, just as attractive (in my opinion) than the actual flower.

I love the way tiny Forget-me-not flowers can have a pink centre and a yellow centre on the same little cluster. Not the sharpest photo (gee, I think I've said that before about some of my photos!). Not exactly sure which species of Forget-me-not this is, but I photographed it up on Plateau Mountain, way south of the city, on 31st July. "There are approximately fifty species in the genus, with much variation. Most have small (1 cm diameter or less) flat, 5-lobed blue, pink or white flowers with yellow centers" From Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forget-me-not

Wasn't expecting to find a Poppy seedpod at this stage, still surrounded by glorious petals. I was also puzzled for a moment when I first saw these flowers, as they really didn't look like Poppies : ) This photo makes me feel as if the pod is happily swirling its beautiful red skirt, LOL. Seen at the Reader Rock Garden on 28th July.

A rather attractive Tulip seen growing at the Reader Rock Garden mid-May.

Such a pretty Cosmos, kissed by the sun, in the gardens at the Calgary Zoo. Need to dash and have breakfast and get myself ready, as I want to drive out west just into the mountains, especially as I really want to check on a certain location where the Indian Paintbrush plants seem to be "different". For any of you who are interested in this species of plant, Mark Egger (here on Flickr) is a true, dedicated expert. He has seen a few photos of this particular Paintbrush that I uploaded to Flickr and is rather puzzled by it, so I want to go and take a few further photos of it - IF it is growing there again this summer! To quote from Mark's profile: "I started this Flickr page to share some of the 15,000+ images I've taken over the last 26 years of the vascular plant genus Castilleja or Indian Paintbrush. I've traveled over much of North, Central and South America in search of these plants and have photographed over 90% of the approximately 200 known species and varieties, as well as publishing five species new to science."

A few beautiful Tulips taken at the Calgary Zoo, in the new Enmax Conservatory, more than a month ago.

I LOVE Poppies and loved the hairy and spotted detail on the bud covering of this one. Such a brilliant colour, which I think looks beautiful against the greenery. Seen in a friend's garden recently - if you see this one, Dorothy and Stephen, thank you! Posting early today, as I am going out shortly to see if I can find the Great Gray Owl again as well as a family of Mountain Bluebirds. Was out all morning, walking at Edworthy Park (including the Douglas Fir Trail).

Happened to notice this small Gaillardia flower just beginning to open, when I was on a three-hour walk in a local park yesterday morning. It was on the edge of the creek bank, overlooking the water. I like these flowers at all stages of their life : ) Thanks, Rebecca, I meant to say that I was posting early today because I have a long, afternoon walk and then, if it doesn't rain, I might drive a few of the gravel roads south of the city this evening. Later: no, I just collapsed at home for the day, after all.

I am guessing that this plant is Dames Rocket. The only other times I have seen it, it was growing in the wild. Not sure if this garden species is a different species or not. Very pretty colour, anyway : )

One of my favourite wildflowers, Bird's-foot Trefoil, seen against a brightly coloured bokeh of a whole patch of this plant. Seen only in a few locations in the city, so I always get excited when we do see it , even though it is a non-native plant, introduced from Eurasia. Needed a bright splash of colour yet AGAIN today : ) Temperature is -22C (even colder with windchill), but the sun is shining.

These wildflowers always add such a beautiful splash of colour in our natural areas. It is a member of the Mint family.

Seen at the Reader Rock Garden, after a morning walk at the nearby Erlton/Roxborough Natural Area.

This is another of my favourite flowers. I always used to think they were huge flowers thanks to the various macro images I had seen. This one was in bloom in the Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo.

Saw these brilliantly coloured flowers today at the Reader Rock Garden. Luckily, the background came out very dark.

Can't remember the name of this flower, but they always make quite stunning patterns. Seen growing in the gardens at the Calgary Zoo. Thanks, Suzie (Kazooze), for reminding me of the name! Much appreciated!