35mm Photo in Point Reyes circa 2013 by Tavi Lorelle Carpenter
by Tavi Lorelle Carpenter
Spring is finally here! I thought it would be worthwhile to use my weekly post to share some of the photos I’ve been taking from my walks in Los Angeles and the Bay Area! And a few were taken during the Summer during a visit to New York!
They will all be of flowers and they will hopefully bring you some joy and delight!
I’ve been working on a difficult article that I was hoping to share today, but I recognize that it needs a little more work and a little more time. I need the opportunity to take a breath!
If you remember, in late October, I posted a similar article encouraging readers to take a moment of rest.
With winter always being a challenging time, I’m not surprised that the need to take a breath hit me right on the cusp of winter and now leave winter and enter into Spring.
The importance of how I can practice better self care particularly when I am overwhelmed or stressed.
Taking a good walk always works for me, it allows me to be in the world and take a pause to appreciate the beauty I am surrounded by.
My Grandma recently told me that she wants me to jump for joy when I see a flower. I certainly do on the inside, from the outside, friends and strangers are likely to witness it through the proclamation: “I must take a picture! I MUST take a picture!”
I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. I don’t know the names for all of them and some are guesses on my part. But if you do know the names, comment below! I love to learn and would love to know what you’d like to share about these beautiful flowers !
Have a wonderful Saturday and the final days of March!
For those of you who celebrate Easter, I hope you have a Happy Easter holiday.
This picture is very special because it is from the Historic Graton Rancheria, it is a Lily that has a Latin name of Clintonia andrewsiana and an english name of Andrew’s Clintonia, it is Native to California! It has very beautiful blue berries but do not eat them. Or any part of the plant. Word on the street is that you’ll regret it! I love the color and that it looks a little like a collection of redish pink stars! I discovered this plant with my Grandma while we were taking a walk in the town of Graton. It is not Native to California and can be considered invasive because it makes it difficult for other plants to thrive and is inedible. The California Invasive Plant Species Council rates its threat as limited. It is toxic to humans, so do not eat if you come across it. It is called an Eggleaf Spurge or Euphoria Oblongata. It is Native to Eurasia.This is called a Lindheimer’s beeblossom according to my plant app. It is an evening primrose. Apparently, it is Native to Texas and Louisiana and cultivated in other parts. I found it near the Eggspurge while walking in Graton. This is called a Common Salsify, it is a wildflower that is Native to Southeast Europe and North Africa but has been introduced pretty well around the world. I like it’s little green leaves on the outside of the purple petals, making it look like a star! I also found this in Graton while taking a walk with my Grandma. This is a Myrtle-leaf milkwort that is Native to South Africa and on the “to watch” list as an invasive species in California. I found this while walking around in Los Angeles growing in someone’s garden. I liked that they looked like little fish-birds. This is called Lantana and comes in a variety of colors. It is not Native to California, but it is a good pollinator, according to my sources. I really like the way it starts in tiny little squares before opening up into little bouquets. I discovered it in Los Angeles, it is quite popular and I mostly saw this pinky/yellow/white, or Purple ones. Apparently, this is Wild Celery, also called Marsh parsley, according to the plant app I have. It is not Native to California.I found this growing in someone’s garden, it is called Tall Kangaroo Paw! According to my plant app, it is native to Australia and cultivated everywhere else. I had never seen this plant before spending time in Los Angeles. This is Blue Leadwood, this was taken while I was walking around UCLA’s campus, near their botanical gardens. I always have been fond of them because of the beautiful blue color. My sources tell me they are native to Western China. These are actually from New York City! In Brooklyn during my last visit back east during the summer. Petunias are a familiar sight in the City if you can believe that!These are hydrangeas, of course, another photo taken in New York! I’m not sure what these little buggies are! My friend and I saw them allover New York, they have little spots on them and loved hanging out on this plant that was in a beautiful park in Prospect Park. Alright, back to California! I honestly can’t remember where I saw these! I’m guessing Los Angeles, though. They are called a Spider flower, though some people also call them Grandfather’s whiskers which I think is kind of hilarious! My sources tell me they are Native To South America.This is a red Poppy anemone. Apparently, it is Native to Texas! This I saw on my journey home, growing outside someone’s home. I thought it looked really beautiful with the blue fence!
