It is easy to see where this delicate flower got its name, as the clusters of tiny florets really do resemble lace. These wildflowers blanket roadsides and fields in mid to late summer in Maine. The flowerhead contains hundreds of tiny flowers that range from pure white to ivory or cream, with one tiny, dark  colored flower in the middle. This Queen Anne's Lace had a pink flower in the center, but they are typically dark purple to nearly black.

Scientists do not know why Queen Anne's Lace had one colored flower in the center, but many believe its purpose is to mimic an insect on the flower. This may entice other insects to stop to check out the flower, or may draw in predators like wasps. It is thought that it is nature's way of ensuring the flowers are pollinated. Ancient folklore says that eating the tiny colored flower cures epileptic seizures.

According to legend, Queen Anne, wife of King James I, was challenged by her friends to create lace as beautiful as a flower. While making the lace, she reportedly pricked her finger on the needle and a drop of blood fell upon the flower. The purple flower in the center of the Queen Anne's Lace represents the blood of the queen.

This grasshopper looks like he is posing for the camera. Word has it that he may be vying for a spot in one of my books, but we will need to wait and see where he ends up. He missed his chance to appear in Who Lives in My Backyard? Rumor has it that his older brother captured that spot.

Today's photo is of raindrops on a orange ditch lily bud. This was taken in the early morning in my backyard. Raindrops typically form perfect spheres on flowers and vegetation. If you look closely you can often see an inverted image of the background inside the raindrop.

Today's photo is garden phlox kissed by the light of the setting sun. It was taken on the day of the solar eclipse. Although we did not have a total eclipse in Maine, I like to think that Mother Nature rewarded us by giving us a spectacular sunset that evening.

If you enjoyed this photo, please take a moment to share it with friends so they can enjoy it too. Don't forget to check out my other blog posts to view some of my favorite photos.

Thanks for stopping by! 

I've been working on something a little different recently. This technique is called "twirl art" and is made in photoshop using a photograph as its base. This image was made from one of my photos of the gardens at Sarah's House of Maine, a cancer hospitality house in Holden, Maine. 

This is the original photo used as the base. I especially like the results as I think it expresses the heart of Sarah's House. It reminds me of gentle, healing energy.

If you enjoy my work, please share it with friends who might enjoy it too.