Focus on Poppies

That's not just a title....it's an instruction....for myself.

Many weeks have gone by since I last posted, and you know how much happens in the garden in spring. Life is busy! Between plants, birds, other garden visitors and daily life in general, there is so much to post about that I'm having a hard time focusing on just one topic. So, I've finally zeroed in on poppies for today!

The ethereal Oriental Poppies are such a beautiful sight to look out upon as they nod in the early morning breeze...

...but they are shaded by a small Maple tree until late morning, making it difficult to photograph them in the soft morning light that captures colors so well.

Consequently, most of these photos were taken around 11:30 AM when the sun had moved enough to shine on that garden bed.

I adore this shade of salmon pink...

...and those tissue paper petals with the drops of dew still clinging to them.

Their dark, spidery centers are a stark contrast to the delicate petals.

The vibrant orangy-red shade is harder to capture with the camera so that you end up with the true color.

Late afternoon light produces more yellows.

My focus is wandering......
You didn't really think I could do a post without including a couple of kitty pics, did you?
Columbines and Lupines are just 2 of the other beautiful bloomers filling the garden with color at the moment.

And then there's Hannah....always my faithful companion when I wander with the camera. I think she's a ham.

Regal Mr. Cardinal has been visiting regularly. I'm not sure if the missus is home with the children but we rarely see her.

Hubby is spending time working outside, moving slowly, but breathing the fresh air and soaking up the sun's rays, both of which are so good for his recuperation.

Near the end of May, during a week of soaring temperatures, a sweet friend of our daughter came up from the city and helped her get a good start on planting a large market garden. Those girls worked very hard out in the hot sun, but they had a good time doing it!

Can you believe we're 8 days into June already?

Refocusing on the poppies now....
 one last shot of them basking in the late afternoon sunshine....
something we all like to do.