Winter’s Pink

Sometimes nature’s intention to extend her beauty survives.

Lori Harris Photography

Blessings!

Pinky

Her sweet smell permeates my senses and sweetens my soul.

Lori Harris Photography and Design

Souled Hands

You raised me to observe, respect and nurture the soil upon which we exist. You taught me to give of my heart, mind and soul to creating harmony and beauty in and around my environments and space of place. You taught me to see, breathe and smell the riches that nature affords us. You taught me to love and fall in love with every moment. For this, your legacy lives on.

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Take me away Calgon!

The winter has been harsh in the Cape Fear region this year. We usually do not have more than two month of chilly weather. This winter we have had very cold for over four months.

This week we are seeing buds and blooms beginning to make their appearance into warmer days. Looking forward to more of the sun and warm breeze of Eastern NC.

Colors are bursting, shapes are forming, and creatures are stirring. Structures even begin to liven up as Spring arrives in the garden.

New Hanover Arboretum, Wilmington, NC

Zeke’s Island

Hike the Fort Fisher barrier, only on low tide, to Zeke’s Island – beware of the slippery moss:

 

All photos by: Lori Harris Photography

Odonata

Dragonflies are able to move in six directions, fly at more than 45 miles per hour, hover like a helicopter, fly backwards, straight up and down and side to side! It exudes a sense of power and poise – something that comes only with age and maturity (symbolism of the Dragonfly). The most common symbol for a dragonfly is change. Change, to make something different from what it is, to transform or convert -seems appropriate.

Lori Harris Photography

Alternative names for a dragonfly are: darning needle, snake feeder, mosquito hawk, skeeter hawk, ear sewer, and snake doctor. Bizarre names as they are, the dragonfly itself is harmless to humans. They prey on Mosquitos and other insects.

Lori Harris Photography

Mystical to me.

Nymphaeaceae

The Water Lily, according to numerous horticulture websites: (The Nymphaea waterlilies) perfectly symbolise innocence, purity, fertility, pleasure, celebration, hope, rebirth, wellness, and peace. All ancient cultures around the world have associated the white lilies with gods and spirituality.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaeaceae

Lori Harris Photography

One of life’s treasures…as the weather warms and the sun shines, the heart shaped leaves create a foundation for the gentle white bloom.

Lori Harris Photography

Inspired by Claude Monet and his paintings, I photograph and design to capture this purity!

Lori Harris Photography

There is so much beauty in life!

Magnificence of Spring and Summer

Southern Magnolia, evergreen, kingdom of Plantae and named after French botanist Pierre Magnolia. Having lived for millions of year it’s symbolic of magnificence and large, fragrant flower. Another significant fact of the Magnolia: fertilization occurs from beetles, not bees.

Lori Harris Photography

The flower and buds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, known as hou po. The leaves are often used for wrapping food and in some parts of the world as a cooking dish. In Louisiana and Mississippi, the Magnolia is the official State flower and tree.

Lori Harris Photography

Living in the South, I resonate with this beautiful bloom mostly through its stardom in the movie “Steel Magnolias” and in numerous local images of the South. The sweet fragrance permeates the spring and summer air, giving confirmation of living in the South.

Lori Harris Photography

Because of its beauty and fragrance, the symbolism of its roots, trunk, leaves, shade and flora combine to create magnificence of life and its journey.

Ornamental Bliss

In Southeastern North Carolina, the Azalea bloom, its flora, color and symbolism, is anxiously awaited. It signifies the start of spring and festival for most Southerners, as the azalea is native to this region’s heritage and cultural traditions.

Lori Harris Photography

There have been a variety of azaleas planted and nurtured, especially at the Dr. Heber W. Johnson Rotary Garden – Home of the World’s Largest Rotary Wheel in Greenfield Lake Park, Wilmington, NC. There are currently 264 plants: 134 Autumn Rouge and Autumn Royalty. In and around Wilmington and Greenfield Lake Park, you will find thousands of plants showcasing the many varieties of azaleas, exploding with vibrant colors such as: red, white, corals, pinks, purples and bi-colors.

Lori Harris Photography

As the city comes alive with color and blooms, most often in late March and April, with ongoing blooms throughout the season, people begin to get outdoors to enjoy the warm spring days and park and private gardens. The symbolism of an azalea is that off “home” or “city.” In my interpretation would be that of community and purpose. Wilmington has been blessed with being named an Azalea City, and has held a major festival each April, attended by hundreds of thousands of people, to celebrate its beauty and symbolism. (Ncazaleafestival.org) in Mobile, Alabama the Azalea Trail Run is held each March. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azalea_Trail_Run)

Lori Harris Photgraphy

Lori Harris Photography

Up close, the Azalea is rich in pollen for the bees and wasps that drink its nectar, and are velvet to touch. They are a stunning burst of color and create a sense of peace, serenity and purity.

Lori Harris Photography

Airlie Oak

Photography by: Lori Harris

Over 500 years old and if trees could talk! The Airlie Oak is profound! She is a queen in her court. She hosts Wilmington’s most prestigious parties and has graced the banks of Bradley Creeks ecosystem with a grand signature and character.

Stand amongst her branches and you yearn to near her foundation and trunk. Possibly to be amazed at her reach, shade and life she bring to her neighborhood and visitors. The grass that surrounds her is velvet-like and her gardens rich and picturesque.