In the Middle of Things

This old fashioned rose had unusual, two-toned stamens that caugth my eye.  With a single row of petals, the interesting part of this variety is the center.  As they say, "Take time to smell the roses".  And while your nose is down there, take a look at what's going on in the middle.

"In the Middle of Things"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Medusa's Head

Some flowers have very simple centers - stamens, pistil and pollen.  But this one has a unique center.  Same components but very different in shape and form.  That's one of the joys I have photographing flowers.  I see some of the neatest things.

"Medusa's Head"    © Kathy Dunham 2009

Look at My Stamens

You've heard the saying "Stop and Smell the Roses".  It means many things but one of the advantages to stopping and enjoying the beauties of nature is getting to see the more unique entities that make up our world.  If asked to describe a stamen, most of you would say it's a long filament with a bump on its tip covered with pollen.   That's a good general description but look at these stamens and how they bend and curl.  They add interest to an otherwise generic flower.


"Look at My Stamens"    © Kathy Dunham 2009

Pistils and Stamens

There's a saying, "You can't see the forest for the trees" that is trying to teach us to really look at things. This is a prime example. Sometimes the real beauty is in the small details.

"Pistils and Stamens" © Kathy Dunham 2009