I think so!

We’ve had some nice t-storms over the past week here in Florida, and I have to admit, I’ve been loving it. Unfortunately my storm pictures turned out cruddy looking, but all was not lost!

I had been taking an online course with Rob Sheppard (PC Photo, Outdoor Photographer, as well as numerous books) and decided to undertake a garden remodel to go with my course. As many know gardening in Florida can be a daunting task because of the heat. So I was thrilled when the storms started rumbling!

I am still working on the front garden, have about half of it is done, but decided to share a peek at just one of the many plants going in.

Gaura lindheimei

Sunflower Helianthus annuus

Sometimes mistakes can turn out better than what is originally planned.

I was taking images of some of my sunflowers that I grow for the birds to eat, I had cut them and brought them inside so that I could use my light tent (outside, the light was not that great). I set up the tent with a black velour background, thinking that it would be pretty with the brightness of the flower, nice contrast.

I took a few shots to see where I wanted the sunflower placed, then took 3 actual shots. On the fourth shot, I’m not sure what happened, but somehow my image came out with almost a haze/fog effect. I liked it, a lot. So I decided to keep it. And then when I had it in PhotoshopCS I was playing around, and by playing with just a level layer I brought out colors that to me are great. So, here is both versions, the yellow one is the original and the moodier browns is the leveled one.

Sunflower Helianthus annuus

Jelly Palm Butia capitata

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Red Fountain Grass Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’

Things are rolling right along in the garden and it has been wonderful working outside. It has not been too hot and not too cold, but instead, it’s been just right, as Goldilocks would say.

Got the Dahlberg Daisies, Bidens, Fire Crackers and Tibouchina planted finally! Wasn’t sure if I would ever get them into the ground with the way things have been going. I replanted the Red Fountain Grass into larger containers, so those should start improving soon as well. The Sunflowers, well let’s just say that I have bursts of sunshine all over my yard!