I do not remember when we got this Amaryllis, but I know that every winter it blooms briefly and beautifully. An online search led to the symbolism of this flower. Amaryllis is associated with strength, beauty, and determination. It stands … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #381: Minimalism inBlack-and-White Photography Ritva is the host for this week’s challenge. She wrote, “The stark contrasts and the interplay of light and shadows in black and white can evoke a range of emotions, allowing the essence of … Read More

Among all the beautiful wildflowers we see growing around in Texas, one stands out for me. The Texas Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri). The photos I share here were all captured at the Pecan Springs Karst Preserve, a … Read More

You cannot miss these scarlet hibiscus flowers as you enter the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. There is a large bush right by the well in the center of the entrance, next to the restrooms and gift shop. The Halberd-leaf … Read More

Whenever I go biking at Northeast Metro Park, the scenery is always varied and pleasant. The number of spring wildflowers is pleasing and sometimes surprising. Fields are initially covered with Bluebonnets, the Texas official state flower. Then the landscape starts … Read More

Blue Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is one of those flowers that keeps blooming even in extreme temperatures and dry conditions. This native South African plant has become well-adapted to Texas heat and drought conditions. Birds, bees, and butterflies love this plant. … Read More

In addition to some of the most iconic formations in Palo Duro Canyon SP — The Lighthouse, for example — there was one striking feature in the park when I visited it a few years ago: Woolly Paperflowers (Psilostrophe targeting). … Read More

A spring hike at the beautiful Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge’s Doeskin Ranch trail often leads to unexpected photo opportunities. This wildlife refuge is just outside the Austin city limits and offers a nice view of the Hill Country and … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #375: Where to Find the Mysterious “Darkness falls across the landThe midnight hour is close at handCreatures crawl in search of bloodTo terrorize y’all’s neighbourhood.” Vincent Price’s words at the end of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” After an unanticipated … Read More

One of the nicest things about Texas wildflowers is that one can often find some varieties blooming at all times of the year, and not just in the spring months. Typically, from February through early June, most of everyone’s favorite … Read More