Picture This! My garden Is My Special Place.

I have not participated in a Gardening Gone Wild photo contest for quite a while, but this time the topic was so intriguing, I just could not resist. The challenge, for those who choose to accept it, is to show off one photo that captures the spirit of a garden, ours or another special place in our heart.

I must admit I spent quite a bit of time outside, with both my old camera and my new camera, trying to get the perfect shot. And it's actually quite green and pretty, but with the remodel going on I found it very hard to frame a shot that did not have ladders or caution tape in it. So I went to the archives and tried to find that special shot there. Above my third choice, showing off Eriogonum arborescens, Triteleia in front of the sign, and a small manzanita and grasses further in the background. But no, this isn't it.

I like the more open feeling of this shot, with Eriogonum arborescens in the front, the grasses more prominent, and the bright green patch of coyote brush center stage. But the composition doesn't really work, with the chair right smack in the middle of the picture, so I had to search a little more.

Then I found this mid-summer picture, which finally fit the bill. I love the different shades of green, the wild grasses with the first of the morning light, and on the right the blue Wolly Blue Curl. The plants together say Californa Native Garden, and the chair says "Welcome, won't you rest for a bit?"

And now, I'm curious what other photos have been submitted, I'm sure they'll be outstanding!