Daisies?

So Hubby knows Latin.  That is Latin names for all the plants.  When I ask him "what plant is this"?  Naturally, he gives me the Latin name first.  It's usually long and takes me three tries before I can repeat it.  Then I have to ask him for the common name because I know how to spell those names.  I present to you...Osteospermum.  Commonly known as African Daisies:

Sometimes I have to use the Internet to double-check the spelling.  I'm getting smart at this and "Google" is my friend.

These are Different...Petunias!

Here's another unusual find from the weekend.  Petunias!  I know...they are ordinary.  Check out the neat colors:

Black and yellow petunias (200mm)

As I walked by, I had to do a double-take on these.  I wasn't sure if I was seeing green leaves or pink flowers:

Fushia and green petunias (200mm)

I love the combination of colors.  Not sure Hubby will be bringing any of these annuals home.  He's a perennial type of guy.

A Plant Lecture and Some Unusual Florals

I've caught up reviewing all the pictures from the weekend.  Here's a few more:

Hubby giving a plant lecture at the garden center

Here's an unusual flower I came across on the perennial table:

English Daisy

Here's another unusual flower.  I have no clue what this one is.  Once I find out, I'll be back to post the name:

More English Daisies

A Photog Day...448 Pictures

I spent a couple of hours outdoors enjoying the the beautiful Easter weather.  My hubby was giving a lecture at the garden center.  I stopped by to take some pictures which I'll post in a day or so.  In the mean time, I walked around the nursery and captured these Columbine flowers:

I took over 400 pictures today.  I'll be posting some unusual new flower pictures over the next few evenings.  Stay tuned!

Bleeding Hearts

After having so much fun with my micro lens, I decided to switch and use my 18-200mm lens.  I wanted to see if I could capture some close ups while using my monopod.  Here's the results:

Bleeding Heart flowers (200mm, f/5.6, 1/2000, ISO 100 )

My monopod is my tool of choice for now.  Especially when I'm finding I can't hand hold my camera like I used to for close ups.  While using the 18-200mm lens, it sure makes picture taking a lot easier.

More Flowers From Our Garden

It's Easter weekend and we're enjoying a rare peaceful R&R Saturday.  Hubby had a few well deserved naps throughout the day.  Working six days a week at the nursery is taking its toll on him and it's only April.  He feels fully recovered from his hernia surgery, but still has to be careful.  He now has to deal with being tired all the time.

Our gardens are becoming a bit wild and unkept...which I like.  The last thing hubby wants to do when he gets home is to tend to our gardens.  I don't blame him.  So, until he goes back to working five days, we'll enjoy the wild look for the next two months.

We've enjoyed walking around our yard and taking in the beautiful visuals:

Pink and white azalea

Fothergillas

More Fothergillas (it's been a real challenge to get these blooms in focus)

Hosta

Pink Rhododendrons

There's a few perennials that have big buds waiting to burst open.  Looking forward to a busy week of more floral shots!

Snowball in April?

Yes!  As in the Snowball Viburnums are blooming!  I call them "pom-pom" flowers, but Hubby keeps correcting me...it's Snowball.   Right now most of the blooms are green.  I did find a bunch that were in full bloom and looking quite beautiful:

Snowball Viburnums