“A beautiful thing is never perfect.” ~ Proverb

“A beautiful thing is never perfect.” ~ Proverb, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I went to the flower fields in Carlsbad , CA with another photographer. If you're visiting Southern California in April or May, this is a wonderful place to explore. They plant the fields in rainbow rows of ranunculus. The last section, nearest the entrance blooms last, just in time for Mother's Day.They are

A Good Day

Need to be uplifted today? Then click the title above... you'll be taken to an inspiring video that I just love. "Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more." Brother David Steindl-Rast.

The Flower Fields ~ Carlsbad, California

If you're anywhere near Southern California this time of year, and you're wild about flowers, the Flower Fields, in Carlsbad, are a must see! I must mention, if you like to shop, they're located right behind the Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall, so you might want to stay a day or two. As for the flower fields, I'll let the flower photos speak for themselves. Here's the website, address, and phone

"April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks Go."

~Christopher Morley, John MistletoeI'm dedicating this entry to my blogging friend Sylvia. When she talks about flowers that she loves, it seems that hydrangeas rank the highest. Please check out her blog,"Sylvia Cook Photography" for some of the most gorgeous floral images you will ever see. If you click the title, you will taken directly to her blog, or you can cut and paste this blog

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler"

The quote by ~ Albert Einstein"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler" ~ Albert Einstein, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.These flowers are the are the "Summer Snowflake" or Loddon Lily (Leucojum aestivum)Here's the wikipedia link if you want more information. Apparently they don't care that it's winter in California. I found them under a tree at Descanso Gardens, in La Canada

The Ginkgo Tree

The Yellow Tree, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I visited the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. Everything about that garden is peaceful and magical, but with the changing leaves and blooming camellia's the Japanese Garden was particularly perfect. A must see, if you're in Southern California.

Orchids

Orchids , originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I do believe Roger's Garden has the best orchid displays I have ever seen. It's a gardener / photographers paradise there. Click the title, and the link will take you to their website. When I saw the distant orange wall behind these orchids, I couldn't believe my eyes. I knew that wall would be the perfect backdrop for these amazing flowers.

Purple Orchids

Purple Orchid, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I finally made my way to Roger's Garden, in Corona Del Mar, California. The flowers, plants and displays were even more breath-taking than my gardening friends had described. Imagine one entire room filled with purple orchids!!!I'll be making numerous posts here with my finds. Here's the website, if your want directions, hours, and more

Descanso Gardens

I've been Schmap'd. Is that a word? Yes, Schmap is an online a mapping service for your computer or iPhone. Click the "Descanso Gardens" title above, and you can learn more about their service! Lots of Easter bunnies, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.This photo was taken at Easter time in Descanso Gardens. Descanso Gardens, located in La Canada / Flintridge, California, is my absolute

The South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation

If you're an avid gardener, or just a person who wants a relaxing day in the garden, take a trip to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. There, you'll find the South Coast Botanic Garden, with 87 acres of beauty to experience and enjoy. This botanic garden holds beautiful garden gems.. like the lovely Children's Garden, complete with a child's size house......a Dahlia Garden......a Japanese Garden......