Author Archives: kgrafphoto

Winter Textures

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“Winter Yarrow and Grasses”
Heatherwood Meadow

There is always something to see and photograph in the garden. Something as simple as the varying textures of spent yarrow and grasses make me stop and click the shutter. It happened in our garden over 16 thousand times last year!

Now I am paying the price of sorting through and picking the “keepers.” Each year I have been making a “Heatherwood Highlights” photo book. I am in that process right now and have to reduce my 16-plus thousand images down to about 300. I have been working on the project for about a month and am down to around 600. It hurts me each time I through one out. I have a lot more blood to give to reach my target. Wish me luck!

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Brighten My Day !

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“Autumn Abstract”
Bellevue Botanical Garden

The day may be gray outside, but my mind doesn’t have to think that way. As I write this post, fog has moved in and engulfed our garden and the surrounding hills. All I have to do to brighten my day is to look back on some of my images created at a brighter time. This image just jumped out of my collection and beckoned to be chosen to be in my post.

Even on a dark dreary winter day there is always something to brighten the day. It may be beautiful music, an interesting read, an engaging conversation, a quick glance of something intriguing, or just a simple warm thought. Every day is precious. It is our opportunity to make the best of it!

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Beauty Is In The Details

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“Winter Perennials”
Heatherwood Meadow

As I walk around, my eyes wander all around. I look in the distance and see the snow covered hills. I look side to side and see the surrounding trees, shrubs, and meadows. I see a path leading to who knows where. I turn around and see where I have been. I look up and see beautiful clouds in the sky. I stumble and look at my feet. I see abstract detailed patterns staring back at me.

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More Snow Expected

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“Snow-Covered Birches”
Heatherwood Winter

In my New Year’s Day post I talked about dreaming for the garden to emerge in the spring. But, the weather is not cooperating as the temperature hovers around freezing. The forecast is for even more snow tonight and tomorrow. Oh well, I will have the opportunity to photograph fresh new snow.

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Happy New Year !

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“A Field of Daffys”
Heatherwood Crabapple Grove

I thought I would start the new year with a thought of what Heatherwood will look like in the spring. The winter snow has been beautiful, but I am getting a little tired of plowing the driveway and shoveling snow. During these winter days, I enjoy the time to sit back and plan for the next projects we will undertake in the garden. I close my eyes, dream, smile, and think of the coming new year.

I wish all a Happy New Year filled with happy times, new experiences, and wonderful adventures.

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New Snow

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“Old Flume”
Heatherwood Winter

Just as the temperatures started to rise and the snow had melted from the roads and trees, we received a gift of another 4-5 inches of new snow. It brightened up the neighborhood and our Heatherwood garden. We now have had snow on the ground for the full month of December. The temperatures are forecasted to hover around freezing for the next week. We are not expecting another snowfall during that period.

Heatherwood has continued to have an unusual beauty this year. Typically the leaves on all the trees and shrubs have fallen. This year, many of them still have their leaves. They provide a beautiful contrast with all the snow.

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The Beautiful White Wonderland Continues

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“Birches and Oak”
Heatherwood Winter

After a wonderful White Christmas, the beautiful white wonderland continues. For the last several weeks, the temperatures have remained below freezing and our white winter wonderland continues to display its beauty. Many are not appreciative of the cold weather. Personally, I am thankful to have the beautiful serene snow-covered landscape surround us. I can alway layer up to go outside and enjoy our little Eden.

Alas, today the temperature is predicted to rise above freezing. It is forecasted to continue to warm up. A week from now the white wonderland may be gone, at least temporarily.

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White Christmas

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“Japanese Garden Entrance”
Heatherwood Winter

Our wish for a White Christmas will be fulfilled. With our continued cold temperatures, the snow from previous snowfalls has not melted and the frost remains on our trees. In addition we have had several little dustings to keep the snow looking fresh. Our setting for Christmas is a winter wonderland. We will no longer need to dream for a white Christmas. It is here in full glory!

Merry Christmas!

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Leaves on Trees ?

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“Winter Trees With Leaves”
Heatherwood

Winter scenes this year in Heatherwood look quite different than in years past. This past year we had a very warm summer that lasted well into October. Then we had a cold snap that delayed the display of fall color. The cold spell continued through November which left leaves on many deciduous trees. Then the snows and frost hit in early December. Now we have snow and frost covered leaves still hanging on the trees. The additional weight has caused several branches to break. Hopefully the leaves will fall soon leaving bare branches to provide their normal beauty to the winter scene.

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