Uploads from La Branĉaro, tagged tropicalgreenhouse

BRUSH

nobody@flickr.com (La Branĉaro) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:41:41 -0700

Dow Gardens / Midland / Michigan

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Olympus OM-1 / Zuiko 50mm f3.5 Macro / Kodak Ektar @ 400

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Another study of one of my favorite plants, the Umbrella Papyrus.

The first time I went to Dow Gardens, I missed going to the tropical conservatory, which shocked me when I finally saw it. Tropical greenhouses are almost always my favorite places. This one is small compared to most, but there are some nice specimens in there. This plant in particular was extravagant, flowing in a hundred different directions from the watery pot it lived in. The cool blue-grey walls of the conservatory looked really serene behind it, too.

TROPIC SPRING

nobody@flickr.com (La Branĉaro) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:56:15 -0700

La Branĉaro posted a photo:

Dow Gardens / Midland / Michigan

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Olympus OM-1 / Zuiko 50mm f3.5 Macro / Kodak Ektar @ 400

Just when I think I like cool shades of green, I find a hot, acid-green that makes me feel more energized! I love tropical plants because they just abound in greens. They are so lush and full and have exuberant leaves.

WATERCOLOR

nobody@flickr.com (La Branĉaro) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:56:15 -0700

La Branĉaro posted a photo:

Dow Gardens / Midland / Michigan

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Olympus OM-1 / Zuiko 50mm f3.5 Macro / Kodak Ektar @ 400

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Sometimes even I can enjoy simpleness and minimalism! In fact, I usually crave minimalism, but am trapped in the sensual world of decadent shapes and colors! But occasionally my desire for spareness breaks through!

SPADIX

nobody@flickr.com (La Branĉaro) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:40:44 -0700

La Branĉaro posted a photo:

Dow Gardens / Midland / Michigan

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Olympus OM-1 / Zuiko 50mm f3.5 Macro / Kodak Ektar @ 400

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In case you were curious, the red bract on this plant is called a Spathe, and the phallic cone (which really bears the flowers) is called the Spadix. And despite their shape, the flowers are actually hermaphrodites.

Just some curious biology for you!

CELL BLOCK

nobody@flickr.com (La Branĉaro) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:39:54 -0700

La Branĉaro posted a photo:

Dow Gardens / Midland / Michigan

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Olympus OM-1 / Zuiko 50mm f3.5 Macro / Kodak Ektar @ 400

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One of my favorite subjects are the cell and vein structures of leaves. Honestly, I think I like leaves more that flowers sometimes. Flowers come and go so quickly, but leaves are much more long-lasting and robust. I also think that many people overlook the intricacy of the leaves. They are almost always worth a closer look!

And, I also hope I start to see more people pushing Ektar to 400! I cannot resist the grain texture. It gets the best texture when used indoors. And blues and purples literally start coming out of nowhere.