Bugs & Botany

The scattered thunderstorms we've been having all week are halting the progress in the garden, but the plot is still slowly-but-surely coming along. A new fence and raised beds are next on the list, and then I can start planting!

In celebration of all the lovely blooms to come and the helpful insects that pollinate them, I've posted some of my favorite selections from Sad Ferret's "Bugs & Botany" set on Flickr!

They look like modern versions of old botanic prints to me, and I love the combination of bright, colorful flower photos and antique insect images and textures.

How are your gardens and flowers coming along?

Night Photography

Beautiful night shots from Future Ancient, Massimo Care, and J. Counts on Flickr.

Inspiration from the Clouds

This beautiful image of mist-shrouded mountains and waters, framed by puffy white clouds overhead, was taken by Scott Garner.

Great vintage feel, and soft colors!

Sail Away

These delightful tiny hot air balloons were bought in France by YYellowbird. They look just like the real thing!

I've always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon - I might just have to settle for a pair of these instead!

Shadowy Dreams

The long shadows in this black and white photo from Amorph draw your eye across the entire photograph. The shadows also have a softness to them, which gives this image an almost-vintage quality. It looks like it could be from the 1940's or 50's.

A Swan in Spring

Just wanted to share this picture from Charlyn's photostream! I love the dream-like light and slight blur and beautiful yellows and greens.

Just My Type

One of my favorite illustrations by Esther Arts. I love the curves and the colors.
This has a vintage look and feel, and it reminds me of Eastern European folktales as well. I love the crosshatching on the saddle and the lines on the hooves.

Bella Venezia

MisreadMe has beautiful photos from Venice on her Flickr. These are a few of my favorites. I love the cool blues and warm earth tones, and the way the light plays off the buildings.

When One Door Closes...

I love this picture of a door in Greece taken by Mukikamu. The colors have an antique warmth to them, and I love the blue-green tones. My favorite detail, however, is the cracked and weathered look of the wood.

For more of Mukikamu's portfolio, click here.

Starry Nights

Emma McNally's prints remind me of being a little kid. I used to spend hours staring up at the velvety, dark sky on summer nights, searching for constellations among the glowing stars.

This one is my favorite, but her entire portfolio is amazing. Check out more of her work here!