Monday, October 27, 2008

A Flash Of Orange Amid The Concrete

Hi Lilium, Hi Lilium, Hi-Lo

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Sometimes you spot a gem of a sight when you're busy looking for something else entirely. A couple of weeks ago, I took my camera out at lunchtime and I walked under the Princes Bridge to take some shots by the river. Then I took the spiral walkway from under the Victorian Arts Centre leading up to street level on St Kilda Road.

I was looking up towards the brightness of the street above when something caught my attention over my left shoulder. In a narrow alcove bordered by a triangle of concrete, in typical Melbourne style, was a steep garden slope. Even a little wedge is fair game for garden cultivation here in Victoria, which prides itself on its parkland, its greenery and its gardens.

These liliums were in full bloom and I have to say the flaming orange hues were a perfect foil for the mortar and bluestone that is such a hallmark of the city's early architecture.

Finally, I have to ask the question - you did notice the sharply-defined shadow on the bottom leaf, didn't you?

Visit Luiz Santilli Jr for the home of Today's Flowers.

28 comments:

ChrissyM said...

WHat a stunning photo! This is a gorgeous flower. The colors are so stunning!! Fabulous photo!

Tess Kincaid said...

Oh I love that song from my childhood! Hi lily, hi lily, hi lo!
Thanks for your visit today...looong time, no see! ;)

Millennium Housewife said...

I have to thank you David, I have bought a camera (digital, point and press, very lay person) and am going to attempt to use it. You never know, you will be commenting on my photos soon, although please don't hold your breath...MH ps Husband would like to thank you for the decrease in disposable income this month.

Kahshe Cottager said...

What vibrant colour! I hope to plant some liliums next year. Now I am off to visit others humming Hi Lily!!! lol

Pat - Arkansas said...

Lovely contrast in colors. Those lilies are definitely popped! Kudos to the "every square inch" gardners in Victoria.

Sandi McBride said...

Now that we're going well into Fall (which I love) I can't wait to start my plans for Spring...women are contrary that way. The lilliums are so lovely, this is what makes a picture a photograph...thanks for sharing, I hope you'll continue to as Fall moves on and Old Man Winter will make me long for Spring.
Sandi
odd, my word verifications is the word press
had cookie yesterday on someone's blog...

Lori of I'm no super Mom said...

BEAUTIFUL!!! Such a great shot!

Anonymous said...

Ahh, they look so vibrant! What a fun discovery...

Saz said...

gosh and I'm up to my arms in pruning and water logged borders..heyho winter will soon be here, bring on more flowers David..please!

Rune Eide said...

Anything is usually better that concrete - these were very much so. Most flowers around are now wilted... ;-)

Carletta said...

My Grandbaby's name is Lily so I'm humming along with everyone else.
The first comment has already been 'stunning' - which this is.
I do believe you yourself were correct when you said 'flaming hue' - it is indeed!
Well done, as always!

Gill - That British Woman said...

excellent photo, great detail....

Gill

Lilli & Nevada said...

Now those are some stunning flowers, and of course i also love that song
can't imagine why

marLou said...

Such vibrant colors!

Norm said...

gorgeous flower! I love the color too, thanks for the visit..

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful flower and photo!

Mine is up HERE. Hope to see you there! Happy TF!~

Anonymous said...

It almost seems that they shine!

Craver Vii said...

Thanks for pointing out that shadow. I might have missed it. These kinds of details are priceless!

Charles Gramlich said...

What gorgeous colors. That shadow is so distinct.

Napaboaniya.Elaine Ling said...

The fun of having a camera around at all times, you never know when you'll capture a great one! :)
Have a good week ahead Dav!!

Rambling Woods said...

You do find things when you aren't looking for them specifically. Love your humor.
Rambling Woods

Lori of I'm no super Mom said...

I told my son he could go to an Aussie game with your son and that got him all excited!! Oh to be a kid again!!

Lee said...

Oh my gosh, David, those are exquisite! I can't think when I've seen prettier. They just glow! And yes, I saw the shadow. Great shot!

Cheers!

arleena said...

Great photo and beautiful flower.

spacedlaw said...

"Hi Glo!" even...

Unknown said...

Nature is amazing! The Liliums are truly painted perfectly for Autumn!
Thanks for sharing!

~AirmanMom returning to her blog...

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: What a neat shot of wonderful color on those flowers.

Luiz Santilli Jr said...

David,

A perfect capture!
Thanks for posting in TODAY'S FLOWERS with great quality!

If you want to post a flower in TODAY'S FLOWERS you can send me, by e-mail your photo or photos (luizsantillijr@gmail.com)!

Luiz