Flowers Make You Feel Better....

by Deanna

Yesterday we glimpsed beautiful views of Leigh's spring garden so today I thought I would you bring you along on another view of a different kind of garden, the spring wildflowers garden here in my world.  Unlike our designed gardens that grace our front and backyards, wildflowers tend to grow in scattered unplanned areas, usually found at the base of wooded regions.

We have had an up and down kinda spring here, not unusual, and when the sun did shine the wind would be howling which is certainly not conducive to photographing flowers of any sort. But last Thursday was darn near perfect. I headed to the Arboretum but on the way, I decided to stop at a spot that has always intrigued me.  Just off the road, there is a forest preserve that was calling my name. The parking lot was minimum and there seemed to be only one way to walk.  I could hear the sound of a rushing stream, but it wasn't visible from the parking lot. Walking toward the sounds I found mini trails that wandered into the woods beside the streams. Birds chirping, water spilling over rocks, slight breeze, and wildflowers at my feet, a God-like moment. I don't know about you, but spending time in a natural environment, seeing the works of Nature in it's purest form nurtures my soul to it's core.

"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul."  ~  Luther Burbank

Walking through nature's treasure land lowers my blood pressure, calms my brain from worry, and brings that peacefulness that we all need in our noisy, list driven, full calendar lives.

 I was thankful there was a path to follow, worn down from others seeking solace. If you stepped off the path the many wildflowers growing at my feet would be in danger of trampling, so watching where I stepped was uppermost in my thoughts.

I admit that dandelions are not my favorite, especially if seen growing in my yard, but when I catch one at the edge of the flowing water which creates beautiful bokeh, I must stop and capture that sight. FYI - having a sparkling stream behind your subject creates wonderful bokeh.

 After wandering the path for awhile, I came to a crossroads and not knowing which path to take, I turned around and wandered back to the main road.  But, I'll be back, it should be spectacular in the fall.  I continued on to the Arboretum, knowing that some of the spring blooming trees would be on the wan, along with the early spring flowers.  I certainly wanted to capture their final moments before they faded away until next year.

The redbuds are so stunning with their bright pink buds and blossoms.  As they begin to fade the sweet heart shaped leaves emerge.

Some trees, as they come forth  have the most beautiful leaves, becoming something entirely different when fully grown.

And finally I came across this group, sunbathing on a log, not a care in the world.  Being a turtle some days might be a nice idea.