IN THE FIELD: Exotics Close to Home
A few weeks ago, on a hot sultry morning, we were walking the pups at a very leisurely pace through our neighborhood. We headed down a street we don’t normally frequent, but our canine companions insisted. Sometimes it’s best not to argue with a terrier.
The short street is lined with tidy homes surrounding a cul-de-sac. As we waited for the doggies to finish smelling whatever it was that had their total focus, I noticed these tropical beauties growing in a front garden of one of the homes. I didn’t have my camera with me on this muggy morning,
After we returned home with the dogs and they were settled, I grabbed my gear and headed back to the house where I had seen these hibiscus plants. I asked the homeowner it I could photograph the exotic flowers growing in the garden. She was happy to oblige my wishes, and in return I presented her a print of the photo.
f 3.5
1/640th
ISO 200
cloudy WB
David Heilman 
How nice of you dear David, This is amazing flower, I loved it. Thank you, love, nia
These flowers are huge…bigger than my hand! And apparently they come in a variety of colors.
What a great idea David and a beautiful shot of the Hibiscus too 🙂
I have found that small gifts like that really opens doors…or in this case, gardens. Sometimes I’ll give blank photo note cards rather than a print.
Beautiful! I am sure the homeowner is thrilled with her print!
She sure was! I don’t think she thought I was serious when I made the offer.
Way cool on both counts!
Sometimes a little gesture like that goes a long way. She said to stop back anytime.
Beautiful splash of color!!
These really stood out against the green foliage…and there were so many blossoms!
That is certainly exotic! You couldn’t miss that wonderful colour. I think you should promote the dogs to artistic advisors immediately!
Apparently there are varieties that are cold hardy. We’ll be plant one or two this spring for sure! great idea…We do seem to come across interesting things when the dogs are with us.
I.E. the haystacks and many other posts.
We got Hibiscus in the garden, too, but not such a spectacular variety. Ours are pink and purple shaded and surely ain’t as huge as this one. It really looks amazing!
I noticed some others in the neighborhood but those were a deep crimson or burgundy. They are pretty but not nearly as spectacular as this variety. Would love to see purple ones!
so pretty, they look so fragile, probably couldn’t stand cloud and rainy London weather 🙂
They are indeed fragile…even the morning dew tended to collapse the flower. Some would spring back as the sun dried them…others didn’t fare as well. Sure are pretty though!
What beautiful flowers. Sounds like a good trade-off: a wonderful photo-op and a print of pretty flowers 🙂
They sure are…although they only seem to last a day or so. Luckily there were plenty of buds to extend the show! The homeowner was so thankful.
The flower is beautiful, and I like that you can see the shadows on it, too.
I took this photo mid morning before the light became too harsh…I like the shadows also!
Very nice, David. I’ll bet the homeowner was surprised and happy when you presented her with that print.
Thanks Kerry, indeed she was surprised and probably a little overwhelmed. It was the least I could do and the right thing to do.
I used to have a hibiscus by my front door, but the flowers were much smaller. This must be one of the “dinner plate” type. Beautiful photo!
Hi Lee! These indeed were the size of dinner plates…I think they were bionic!
Interesting and beautiful indeed! 🙂
They sure were…the blossoms were the size of dinner plates!