Tuesday, April 23, 2013

PRETTY, UHHH, WHATEVERS


Whenever I step outside with Moon-the-Dog, I generally heed that old dictum leaned in Scouting to "be prepared," by grabbing a camera outfit I keep handy to the door. You never know when some photographic moment might present itself—but you can always be sure of missing out on some marvelous images should you fail to plan for the unexpected.

Even if that special photogenic opportunity fails to materialize, I can at usually amuse myself looking high and low, at everything from clouds to dirt clods, searching for some juxtaposition of form and texture, an arrangement of light and shadow, flower, bird, or sparkle of sunlight upon the river's moving surface—and thus keep pleasantly occupied long enough for Moon to have her necessary time rambling around the yard.

I know it sounds paradoxical, but sometimes I get so busy looking, I don't really see what I'm photographing. The framing and focusing transpires almost mechanically while my mind wanders to the next shot. Often, therefore, when I upload my images to the computer, my first thought is surprise: Who took that?  

The image above prompted such a reaction. Of course I knew I'd made the shot—even vaguely remembered doing so. But I didn't remember it looking nearly so dramatically colorful and interesting through the viewfinder as it now did on my Mac's screen. Moreover, I had no idea what the plant was, though I knew it was growing in the bed beside the front door. I promptly went out and had a better look.

Yup, same plant, or plants, as there are two set close together. Which spawned another mystery. I didn't remember planting them. Strange. Plus, even with a longer, closer look, I still couldn't decide what sort of plants they were.

At first I considered one of the various yuccas we have scattered about. Then I wondered if they might be lilies, since there are lots of them around, too. I've now settled on iris as the most likely candidate, which may or may not be correct.

The truth is…I just don't know. Maybe when Myladylove returns from New Orleans tomorrow she can supply the answers to both what they are and how they got there. Otherwise, I hope they bloom—providing they haven't been flummoxed by this year's on-again, off-again version of spring.  

And if they don't? As Shakespeare observed: "A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet." And these sword-like vernal green leaves with their dramatic purple undertones—identity yet unknown—remain just as pretty.              

6 comments:

Gail said...

Beautiful picture - and purple and green are my two most favorite colors. SO I am in my glory just staring at your amazing image. Wow!! And if they are "yuccas" is that the same plant from which they make yucca potatoe fries!! Or am I way off base on that one? :-)

Happy days - it is only in the 40's here today brrrr.. warmer weather promised by Friday.
Love Gail
peace....

Grizz………… said...

Gail…

Hey, we share favorite colors! But please know this image was as much of a surprise to me as anyone. Really just luck. I made a couple of shots, and this one was framed best (with a little judicious cropping.) And the light was perfect. Nevertheless, I saw none of this when actually making the picture…what drew me to it in the first place was just the jumbled and over-arching leaves. Go figure!

Yes, indeed, yucca fries come from yucca plants—probably a cultivated variety (there are 40-50 species of yuccas.) And roots, fruits, seeds, and flowers (non-woody parts, in other words) are all edible. Plants similar to plants in your yard produce those potato-like things you see in the grocery, from which come the fries. Not an off base assumption at all!

The Weaver of Grass said...

The interweaving of colours in this photograph makes it so dramatic Grizz. I love it.

Grizz………… said...

Weaver…

Thank you…yes, for me, too. I think initially, pattern and color juxtaposition, the interplay of light and shadow, were what caught my eye—though I rather blew it when it came to composing. If I'd paid better attention, I could have improved the image considerably. Alas! It was one of those fleeting moments, the bright afternoon sunlight at the ideal angle, the growth stage of the leaves, their transparency, vivid hues, the way the wind had arranged the leaves, everything—not to be repeated.

KGMom said...

The array of shades, progressively, is wonderful.
As for the plant--a relative a some lily? a canna?
Dig one up, and see what anchors it...roots? bulb?

Grizz………… said...

KGMom…

This was sure one of the times when I surprised myself, because I didn't "see" what I was, at the time, photographing. But you're absolutely right, it's the progression of colors, textures, light, shadow, and leaves that makes the shot.

Not a canna lily, I'm pretty sure. I'm still thinking iris or some sort of lily. Haven't had time to ask Myladylove, who got in from New Orleans yesterday. I'm hoping she knows. Surely she planted the things…or else I need to make an appointment with a nurologist.