Love, Joy and Peas: April 2013

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Beautiful Azalea Close Up Photos

Yesterday I promised you azalea macro photos so here they are. I love azalea time almost as much as cherry blossom time. There are such a variety of beautiful azalea flowers to enjoy that I try to make multiple trips to catch the early, mid and late season bloomers.

There are so many azalea bushes they overlap a bit in places but that just adds to their beauty.

I thought these peachy red and white azalea blossoms were particularly lovely.

These yellow azaleas look more orange in person and they have a delightful honey like scent.

These red and orange azaleas are unusual and brighten up the shady forest. I love how the variety of flowers demonstrates God's amazing creativity and always lifts my spirits. May the God of all comfort bless you today and always!

Related posts:
Azaleas, Lilacs, Tulips and more: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/04/azaleas-lilacs-ghost-ferns-tulips-and.html
More Azalea Walk Photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/04/amazing-azaleas-wooded-walk-photos.html
Raindrops on Azaleas and Roses: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/10/raindrops-on-roses-azalea-camellia.html

Recommended related website:
National Arboretum http://usna.usda.gov/

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Amazing Azaleas - Wooded Walk Photos

Today my friend Pam and I enjoyed a walk in the National Arboretum's amazing azalea gardens. They span a huge hill (called a mountain by some locals) and encompass every color azalea I've personally seen. It's a feast for the eyes and delight for the soul. If you live in the Baltimore - Washington DC Metropolitan area and like flowers, it's a great (and free!) day trip to make.

The Arboretum staff seem to have seriously cut back a good portion of the larger bushes but there are still plenty of colorful azaleas to view in their wooded azalea walk.

Pam gets credit for leading me to this shooting location. Thanks Pam!

I liked the contrast of the red azaleas and the blue flowers (from the hyacinth family).

Here's a view from the top of the stairs. The bottom of the stairs is one of the main entry points to the azalea walk. I hope you enjoyed these overview photos. I plan to follow up tomorrow with some azalea close up photos. Thank you for celebrating God's amazing creation with me, Pam! May God bless Pam and may He bless you, too!

Related and recommended posts / websites:
http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/04/azaleas-lilacs-ghost-ferns-tulips-and.html
http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/10/raindrops-on-roses-azalea-camellia.html
http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/04/azalea-walk-photos.html
http://usna.usda.gov/

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Cherry Blossoms and National Monuments at Washington DC Tidal Basin

Today my fabulous friend Pam took me to see the beautiful cherry blossoms at the Washington D.C. Tidal Basin. It looked like the blooms were at peak or near peak (the peak bloom period was originally projected for March but the date has been moved back at least twice since then due to our unusually cool weather). The Washington Monument (above) has scaffolding all round the bottom of it but it's hidden by the blooming cherry trees.

Cherry blossom season is my absolute favorite time of the year in the Washington DC and Baltimore metropolitan area. Being able to view the Tidal Basin blooms near peak on a beautiful blue sky day with a dear friend is a special treat.

Here's the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial surrounded by pink cherry blossoms.

Here's a close up of a pinker than average cherry blossom.

Here's a statue that may symbolize the friendship between Japan and America, surrounded by cherry blossoms.

Here's the Jefferson Memorial surrounded by cherry blossoms.

Here are some of my previous cherry blossom related posts.

I hope you enjoyed my cherry blossom photos! May God bless you and be with you!

What is your favorite time of the year? What is your favorite flower? What is special or do you particularly enjoy about where you live?

Related posts full link: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/search?q=cherry