Serenity in the Garden

What makes a great garden photo? Anything that delights you! But if I had to put my finger on it - salient aspects would be the quality of the light and the richness of color .     Also, composition would figure prominently. That said, here are some memorable photographs that have been featured in this year's 'Serenity in the Garden' blog posts....my criteria? whatever grabbed my eye as I perused the photos...I hope you agree.  Doug Thayer Bench photo: Jan Johnsen zen garden kyushu  garden by Jan Johnsen Jim's Poppies 2011 : Jan Johnsen Allerton Gardens Kauai  photo:Jan Johnsen photo: Jan Johnsen from Apartment Therapy Pablo Reinoso bench

Johnsen Landscapes & Pools - Angelface Blue Angelonia and white Begonias l  “If you pass by the color purple in a field and don’t notice it, God gets real pissed off.” ~ Alice Walker Purple tickles the brain. It speaks to us of mystery and enlightenment.  Purple gardens evoke delight and sumptuousness. Leonardo da Vinci said that light streaming through purple stained glass windows could increase the power of meditation ten fold. And scientists have found that purple stimulates the brain activity used in problem solving, integrating both hemispheres of the brain – the thinking left side with the feeling right side.  Stare at purple and your mind will stop chattering...Try it!  In 2008, the ‘Color of the Year’ selected by Pantone was ‘Blue Iris’ (Pantone 18-3943), which combined, "the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple..."   So true - calming and mystical. Indeed Blue/ Purple Iris are intoxi