Purple Coneflower

"Earth laughs in a flower. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson"

Echinacea purpurea - Echinacea comes from the Greek word Echinos meaning hedgehog.  The hedgehog mushroom has teeth that are somewhat similar to the cone portion of the coneflower. 

This has long been one of my favorite flowers.  It is a great flower for attracting butterflies and honeybees.  This flower readily self seeds if you allow the seedheads to remain. 

Macro Photography, Flowers

“We say we love flowers, yet we pluck them. We say we love trees, yet we cut them down. And people still wonder why some are afraid when told they are loved.” - Unknown

I am going to miss taking photos of flowers this winter. I have started practicing indoor photography with a little DIY light box so I am guessing I will have to visit the florist this winter a few times at least.

I am not exactly sure what these flowers are. I do know that they only bloom during the day.

New Beginnings

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

I couldn't help but notice the early blooms and spent a little time today photographing in the backyard. I just received my Raynox Micro Adapter for my Panasonic FZ 28 and wanted to give it a try. I still have some learning to do, but overall I was pleased with the results.

I am about just over a week away from starting my hike on the Appalachian Trail and can't wait to photograph the wildflowers along the way. I am still planning on taking micro lens for my Canon 30D as well.