Simply gorgeous, Steve!

Susan

Lovely, Steve! I'm trying not to look out the window while I'm feasting on the computer screen.

Claire

As of today, it is 45 days till SPRING! Good job, Steve! Forced lilacs? Wow. I hope somebody can name that vine. I've seen it, may even own it, but at the moment can't name it. Rats. Is it a clematis?
Glad you got the new camera, Steve.
Jane

Small world! Steve, my pictures aren't nearly as good as yours, but we were at Tower Hill on Saturday as well. That orchid arrangement was great.

We decided if we ever win the lottery, we're getting an orangerie:
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Wonderful to see roses blooming this time of year, and I like the imitation Victorian ironwork in the orangerie:
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Not sure what this is -- I had trouble finding tags on some of the plants -- but it's from the limonaia:
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The oranges were great, but I really liked some of the acacias and other desert bushes they had. Nice taste of summer on a sunny winter day. After that we walked around outside for a bit. As soon as we came around to the orchard the wind picked up and it got pretty painful. Eek. Can't wait to go back in the Spring.

Thanks to both of you for sharing some warmth and blooming plants. I truly wish that Tower Hill was closer!

A whole new group of arrangements were set up yesterday, so I have a few more pictures. Please let me know which of the pictures you like (if any). Feedback is very helpful.

Pretty cool container on this one.
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Hydrangeas and Roses
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Pan in the Orangerie
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Camelia japonica 'Thelma Dale'
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Another Camelia in bloom
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Bromeliad Tree
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Scummy Guy
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Steve

Great photos. I missed Pan -- will have to find him next time I'm there. Is the yellow one beneath him a rose? I like that one.

First pic in 'new group of arrangements'--metal watering can/container is my favorite. Terrific color combo. Thanks for sharing!

I keep going back to the picture of Pan with the oranges, although part of that is because I'm fascinated with the details of the statue (the cap and facial expression). I like the contrast of the back story of Pan with the living fruits.

The hydrangeas and roses pic is my next favorite, with the soft contrast of blue and cream.

The Scummy Guy makes me want to wash my face.

Claire

This post was edited by claire on Sun, Feb 8, 15 at 10:58

Thanks all. I think what makes the Pan picture work is that he's obviously the main subject, but he's off to the side and the oranges provide a counter balance to the photo. BTW, he's kind of hard to find as he's hidden behind a set of table and chairs.

Steve

Steve, I would love to tell you which ones I like, but as I scrolled through them several times... they are all great. If pressed, perhaps the wooden watering can/vase. The various roses and oranges are lovely, and so is everything else! The offbeat side of me loves the scummy guy.

Susan

The curly branches look like curly willow, Salix matsudana 'toruosa'.

Taking a break from staring at the various weather maps (I shop around trying to find a forecast that's better), I've avoided saying that the picture of the Bromeliad tree annoys me.

While the tree itself is impressive, the lighting diminishes it. The splash of light down the middle front washes out the colors of the individual plants.

Claire

You're right Claire. I should have shot that tree from the other side. The light was behind me creating a shadow.

Steve: After I'd posted that comment I realized that there were many positive things I should have said as well. I decided to comment this morning but the site had disappeared. Anyway, I'm back and you and pixie_lou and Jane are back too, and probably others. Your photos are generally excellent and I particularly like the way you're experimenting with composition - e.g. the subjects are not all head on, centered in the picture. You're playing with leaving some space (example the very first photo of roses, and the picture of oranges, also in the first batch). I'm by no means an expert photographer (not even close) but I enjoy the art element.

Claire