A sorry — but captivating sight at the White Flower Farm in Connecticut where all is made to look neat, groomed and perfect. Upon this visit the other day I admired the nursery for not cutting back these nodding, drenched and lifeless tulips that have all but given up. After all, it’s been a week of incessant rains and they deserve a break — as does the staff.
The outing was intended for a garden photography workshop led by a friend, Rich Pomerantz (who happened to have photographed my garden, among others, for the book,”Great Gardens of the Berkshires“
What a perfect opportunity for shooting more “interesting and real ” images than pretty plants. For me, these stately, and still ever so revered tulips, managed to maintain their dignity in spite of the elements — or perhaps, because of… (That said, I’m not so sure I would be thrilled by the prospect of being photographed on my death bed — unless I were Timothy Leary who invited his friends on his last days… ). For now, here are a few more of my own photos before a few others submit their.s. Feel free to send me some. Let’s not forget it’s spring. Like autumn it’s just another reminder of the ephemeral
The country habit has me by the heart,
For he’s bewitched for ever who has seen,
Not with his eyes but with his vision,
Spring
Flow down the woods and stipple leaves
with sun.
“The Land”
Vita Sackville-West (1892-1962)
I love these floppy tulips– so much more interesting than i
the rigid rows in Keukenhof!