Loose_Grip/Pete's photos with the keyword: flowers

The sun has shone (a bit) recently so we went for a walk around the Botanic Gardens - part of Leicester University. The crocus display is out but with the lousy weather of the last month it has been a bit subdued... A beautiful location though. HBM to everyone. Enjoy the start of the new week.

Flame-red Fuchsia grows everywhere in the west of Ireland. Looking north from Valentia Island the Blasket Islands and the Dingle Peninsula are on the horizon. A beautiful part of the world. HFF to everyone. Enjoy the weekend.

Why a picture of Hydrangeas in our garden in Leicester on World Photography Day? a) This was taken in the UK but hortensia, as they are also known, are flowering plants actually native to Asia and both North & South America so their spread is truly world-wide. b) Hortensia, is a Latinised version of the French given name Hortense, honoring French astronomer and mathematician Nicole-Reine Hortense Lepaute. I like the drama of these large flower heads and eye-catching green leaves but I also see them as a representation of life. How so? In this one bush is the whole life cycle if you like; birth is seen at the bottom right as a new flower begins to bloom, maturity is all around in the bright pink flowers and death beckons bottom left as the petals are already brown in anticipation of the autumn to come. I also like how the colour of the flower is a direct indication of the pH of the soil. This pink plant is growing in alkaline conditions with a pH of 6.5 or higher while interestingly the next bush (off shot to the right) is blue indicating acidic soil with a pH or 5.5 or lower. Best seen large IMO.

Another shot from our visit to Upton House & Gardens, a beautiful National Trust location. Plenty of walls to choose from! HWW to everyone. Enjoy the day.

A visit to Upton House & Gardens, a beautiful National Trust location. The garden was designed in the 1930s by Kitty Lloyd-Jones. This display is at the base of the Ha-Ha or sunk fence

Senetti Violet Bicolour.

Is this Brown-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia triloba or is it Common Sneezeweed? - the leaves and petals from which were used to make snuff.

Perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel! Spring shows itself in Leicester.

The Bishop's Palace Gardens and Chichester Cathedral.