Field of purple...

...oregano!

This is wild oregano, growing in the grass in Vale Cemetery.  It's quietly beautiful and unexpected.

Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
F Number	7.1
Focal Length	19.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 38.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/320
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	160
Advanced Scene Mode	Off
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Day lily

Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
F Number	5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/800
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	160
Advanced Scene Mode	Off
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

It's creeping myrtle

I thought this evergreen was partridge berry but now that I see the flowers, I can tell that it's creeping myrtle.  This is considered invasive here in New York, but it doesn't seem to be expanding outside the hollow where  I found it.

Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
F Number	5.6
Focal Length	42.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 84.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/80
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	400
Advanced Scene Mode	Off
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Violets

The violets popped right up in the front yard.  I haven't even had a chance to clear out last year's old leaves yet.

Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
F Number	7.1
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/200
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	800
Advanced Scene Mode	Off
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Coltsfoot

This little plant is the first yellow flower I see in thespringtime.  At first blush, it looks like a dandelion, but looking at it from the side, it's clear that it's something else.  Coltsfoot is endangered in New York - I had no idea.  When I went looking, the USDA's plant database does not show it here in Schenectady County - I guess it's rarer than I knew.

Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
F Number	8.0
Focal Length	31.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 62.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/250
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	160
Advanced Scene Mode	Off
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

April snow

This snow was all gone by the afternoon, but the crocus were completely covered by it in the morning.  You can see them there in the shelter made by last year's leaves.  These flowers are natives, so they are very well adapted to the occasional snow blanket and will be fine tomorrow.

Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
F Number	8.0
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/250
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	160
Advanced Scene Mode	Off
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Snow drop

This year the snow drops came up after the crocus did.

Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
F Number	7.1
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/200
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	160
Advanced Scene Mode	Off
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Crocus

This is the time of year when things change so very quickly.  A week ago the front yard was completely buried in snow.  Today, the crocus have emerged.  In fact, the crocus came out before the snow drops have!

Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
F Number	5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/80
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	160
Advanced Scene Mode	Off
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Autumn rose

Our roses typically have a flourish of blooms in late spring, then settle down to greenery for the rest of the year.  Occasionally, something will spur the blooming of a flower or two later on.  It might be the cooler nighttime temperatures or the length of the day.  Or maybe the roses can hear the geese calling overhead, who knows?  Somehow though, these precious few autumnal roses seem so special.

F Number	5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm
Exposure Time	1/40
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	100
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Theme day - Pink

Each month, the City Daily Photo Blog community choose a theme and many of us post our interpretation of that theme.  This month, the theme is Pink. 

Click the CDPB Theme Day link for many photos from round the world!

This hibiscus is growing in a neighbour's yard.  This particular blossom is at my eye level, about six feet off the ground, and that's not the top!  A beautiful plant with beautiful flowers.

F Number	5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm
Exposure Time	1/25
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	100
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Flowers are back

There was a two week period of scorching heat, and the flowers were not happy about that.  THen we got some rain and just like that, they've recovered.

F Number	5.6
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/100
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	400
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

I want THAT one

Walking through the greenhouse, looking at all the flowers.  I have to admit to being pretty much overwhelmed, when my eye alights upon this scene.  An expanse of white flowers in flats... and this one open space.

I giggled at the thought that someone looked these over and deliberately chose that one over all the others.  Mostly because I couldn't tell the difference between the individuals. I don't know whether to envy the discerning ability on the purchaser or pity them for being that particular.  I'm still giggling...

F Number	5.6
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	14.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 28.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/200
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	100
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Tulip from above

The tulpis came and went quickly.  The weather was very warm, then we had a week of chill and they didn't care much for that.  I did manage a snap of this one from our side yard.  How it came to be there is a funny story.  My last workplace had a company that cared for the grounds of the building.  With each new season, the groundskeepers ripped out the earlier flowers and planted new ones.  I couldn't bear to see all these tulips just tossed in the trash, so I asked and was given a bag full of plants.  I planted them all in my yard and the squirrels had a buffet!  Of the several dozen or so I planted, only a few yellow ones survived the ravenous squirrels.  Or so I thought, until I found a lone red one in the far corner of the spot behind the garage.  Apparently one squirrel thought he should bury his find!

F Number	5.6
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/25
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	100
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Bumblebee

Inside one of the greenhouses, a bumblebee does her job.  They are so cool!

F Number	5.6
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/200
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	200
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Flower shopping

It's become something of a tradition in our family to take Mom and her Mom out to a local greenhouse and buy flowers on Mother's Day.  It's about the right time of year to put plants outdoors, so buying flowers and acclimating them on the porch for a week makes it almost risk-free.  Rick?  Why, frost!  We got down to 35F two nights ago and last night was below freezing, so we had a light frost.  Delicate flowers fresh from the warm greenhouse would not care for that, but they're doing fine on the porch.

F Number	5.6
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/125
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	200
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Everyday flowers

I was at a loss for what to title this one.  These flowers weren't deliberately planted, but they aren't exactly wild either.  They're next to the playground in Vale park.  Simple dandelions and violets, planted here by the wind, or birds or even the feet of children running to go play.

F Number	5.6
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/320
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	100
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Cherry blossoms

Washington DC is famous for the cherry blossoms.  Some day I'll get to see them.  But for now, I can enjoy these beautiful trees on the grounds of Temple Gates of Heaven.  I hope the people know the joy these trees bring to those of us who get to drive by, walk by or bicycle by them every spring.

Thank you!

F Number	7.1
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/320
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	100
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

First violets

We have violets in the yard.  No idea where they came from; we dug out the yard completely at one point, but they're here.  I'm guessing it was birds, but honestly, who knows?  They sure are beautiful to see though!

F Number	5.6
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	34.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 68.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/80
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	200
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Daffodil

The jonquil's larger cousin, the daffodil is also up and blooming!  These are in the front and see more sun than the jonquils get on the side.  They have been blooming for a week or so.

F Number	5.6
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/250
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	400
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Jonquils

These have been up in the side yard for a few days.  Queen Anne is said to have had a special place in her heart for these dainty flowers and I can see why..  They also have a marvelous scent.  A very cheering little flower for the gloomy early days of spring.

F Number	5.6
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/400
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	400
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire