A few weeks back, I did a post about Queen Anne's Lace. It was earlier in the summer and the lovely blossoms were just emerging. Now, most have closed up shop for the season. Their dried out flower heads will remain through winter, catching frost and snow and I'm sure I'll snap a few of those images in the months to come. But for now, I'd just like to show a few photos of this lovely, simple flower during its last weeks of summer.
Early in July, the bloom is fresh and bright white. A tiny red bug can be seen exploring the ribs of the flower, seen from behind.
It's like a perfect little parasol, offering shelter from the sun.
Each evening, I got into the habit of snapping photos of the lacy blooms.
They're often seen sharing space with wild chicory - another favourite of mine.
This is how they appear when they're first unfolding.
But as the season progresses, some of them begin to close up shop. Their seeds deepen in colour to a lovely shade of pink.
You can see the tiny spikes which surround each of them. I suppose they eventually fall off and scatter, and they need to cling to something to take hold again for next year's growth.
Sunset, during one of the earlier summer nights. I used my flash to illuminate this one and was surprised to see an insect clinging to the top of one of the stems.
Side by side, Queen Anne's Lace and the closed buds of the Wild Chicory, make proud silhouettes against the colourful evening sky.
Thanks for revisiting the queen with me. Bows and curtsies are not required.
52 comments:
Lovely laced pictures. (Lovely pictures laced with interesting observations.)
Thanks.
Oh good! The queen Anne's lace pics that you promised, and they are gorgeous. Isn't it cool to discover insects in pictures of flowers?
That one picture of the flower rising above the chain link fence is breathtaking, as are most of your wonderful photos.
I'm in love with the first one... I think I saw my first Queen Anne's Lace in person a few weeks ago. It was a "drive by click" that didn't turn out too well. However, next year I know where to go to try and capture it!! Lovely images!
You never cease to amaze.
These are well worthy of publication. They would make a superb calender or postcards for those of limited means.
They're beautiful, softness, delicacy and superb. I love 'em.
oo i like the late season ones...the color is really cool...nice to see the progression in your pics as well...
So elegant and beautiful!
enchantingly beautiful
the deeper color is stunning
nature called and says she wants you to be her official photographer :)
I especially like the silhouette one!
The white and the blue make beautiful companions.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
so pretty ...
just love these!! the sunset w/ flash is my favorite, i think.
the first shot reminded me of that fair ride - the one that has the swirling circle seats all attached in a circle that spins. :)
Yay! You taught me something today (which is not an easy task to accomplish.) I learned that those blue/purple flowers that grew all over my neighborhood during my youth were wild chicory. Thanks!
I have never seen her majesty in the seed process before. What a lovely color the seeds are and all those spikey things are very interesting as well. Thanks for an insight into the whole of the royal activity. OmaLinda
Lovely captures, it always catches my eye year round.I think of your fondness when I shoot them often.
So lovely. You found a great way to show us the beautiful ending of summer.
Bows and curtsies.
Though not required, Hilary, you definitely have my curtesy. ;)
Curtsy!
I've yet to run into these beauties in person.. your fabulous images show what I'm missing, great work!
Hilary, wonderful pics of deep pink seeds, they look like some little bugs!
That's some fancy photography. :)
I enjoyed my visit with the Queen and her sidekick, Chicory.
Very inspiring, how it starts out a tangle and blooms into a tiny, perfect pattern. Life feels tangled up that way sometimes, but looking back, i do see the pattern in some of it.
Gorgeous shots!
Ohhhh these are gorgeous!
How you photograph these beauties shows the intimacy and pleasure you feel. Love this.
They are so beautiful and your photos truly show them off. If we had any wild chicory this year, it didn't last long. It's one of my favorites now, too, although I didn't know what it was until you told me!
The pictures are beautiful. This is one of those plants that is just begging to have it's picture taken.
Love this flower in all stages; especially towards the end, when she adorns herself in pink. You really have a way of capturing this beautiful flower. Gorgeous!
You do get surprises with this lens! What would happen if you started looking for insects to photograph?
I appreciate the info.
I've never noticed the pink spikey seed things before. Maybe no curtsey is necessary for the "queen," but I think that image deserves one. :)
These shots are amazing. I love the one with the red background..stunning! I do feel like I've just visited royalty!
Hilary, these are gorgeous!
I'll never know why so many consider this a "weed."
Every stage is just wonderful.
Your last pic is just beautiful! It was fun to watch the Queen unfold.
I'll curtsey anyway. LOL!
you teach, please & edify!
Aloha, Friend
from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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Those Queen Anne's Lace flowers look nice Hilary. You have enhanced them well with your macro-photos too - Dave
Beautiful photo essay on one of my favorite flowers- I especially liked the one taken with the flash at sunset
Johnina
The kind of "Royalty" that lets you get UP CLOSE! LOVE these shots Hilary!!
That last one made me SWOON!
Another well-themed photo essay. Well done.
Don't they look perfect growing together! I love your photos, lady!! Even the spiky seeds are just mesmerizing! :)
I bow and curtsy to you Hilary.
These are stunning, breathtaking and some of my very favorites.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Beautiful as ALWAYS, Hilary. ♥
I like how the old lace begins to look like spiky-haired red bugs. :)
Those final two shots are absolutely gorgeous.
beautiful tribute to a simple but lovely wildflower. the closeup seed shot is jut stunning. love the silhouette too.
That played out like a life-cycle, very romantic and a little bittersweet. I saw this flower in a movie the other day (The Hunger Games) and thought of you and your last post!
More like an ode to the seasons. I love this tale of birth and rebirth through your photos. Thank you.
I'm having to catch up here after my busy busy week. these are just beautiful.
I am in awe! Your photos are stunning. You must have a great lens but of course your eyes make a difference too. It would be hard to chose a favorite but I especially like the photo with the wild chicory blooms – so natural.
Gorgeous shots- really love that last one!
Wow, so glad you revisited. All are fabulous.
unique beauty, colours, and tones.
just gorgeous!
big hugs!
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