Spring 2024 At Filoli
March 2024
Spring at Filoli is fill of color and texture. And, Tulips. Tulips everywhere actually. All different colors and textures and even different shapes. This March I’m experimenting with old cameras and lenses paired with the latest digital back and even some film. It’s a challenge to work slower and more deliberate, but somehow very satisfying. Click on an image below to view a slideshow of images.
April 2024
Spring continues to unfold beautifully in the garden rooms at Filoli. The Tulips were a bit early this year, but everything else is catching up. On the subject of Tulips, I recently heard that there are approximately 100,000 Tulip bulbs that are purchased for the ground, pots and for sale to the public. No wonder everywhere I look there is another Tulip to shoot. I also recently learned that the Tulips that I’m fond of with the ragged, jagged edges are Frizzle Tulips (see March gallery above). Where did I learn all of this? From the new Morning in the Garden podcast hosted by Willa Brock. Willa has an unique ability to help you to see what she is seeing through just her words. Click on an image below to view a slideshow of images.
May 2024
The roses exploding in late April and May is once again nearly overwhelming with a photo opportunity at nearly every turn. There are so many varieties–an abundance of colors, textures and shapes. It was also an opportunity to look for the small things in the garden like the buds that are just ready to pop. And, of course, there is still water flowing at a pleasant pace in the stream. With a new trail set to open in June there is lots happening up on the hill. Click on an image below to view a slideshow of images.
About this project: 45 Minutes At Filoli
This project originated because my wife and I were looking for a pandemic-friendly afternoon outdoors and we visited Filoli in Woodside, CA. Spring had just begun to coax the blossoms and blooms along and I thought it might be fun to revisit the gardens every week and create a pictorial record of the changes. I decided on two guidelines. First, get in and out in 45 minutes to an hour. Second, go ultra-light by picking a lens from my old lens collection and sticking with that throughout my visit. Mostly, sometimes, I was able to stick with these guidelines. While my visits often stretched longer, trying to keep things simple and work fast gave the project an energy I enjoyed.