If there's anything that can buoy the flagging spirit through the endless months of rain in Northern California (here it comes again on Memorial Day) it's the flowers at the farmers' markets. Yesterday a friend wrote to say that he took in an annual tulip bloom in Kukenhof, Netherlands last month -- 7 million in bloom at once! Well, that would certainly have the power to lift fog, but meanwhile, back at home.... We photographers are grateful for the exposure given by rain clouds - fruits and vegetables look wonderful in diffuse light, but flowers shine with an intensity that can neutralize depression. These photos don't need any saturation -- they glow deeply on their own.Take just one thing home and your rainy day will more likely be prone to a bit of infectious enthusiasm. And maybe some strawberries would be good, too, since they're practically giving them away right now.
A mini gallery of some of the star flower stalls in the Santa Rosa, California Farmers' Market.
(images copyright Kristin Halgedahl Photography 2011)
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| Tulips galore |
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| Poppies |
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| Orchids - this, the Stairway To Heaven. |
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| Busted! I don't know what these are, but they sure pop. Tell me, please. |
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| The 'Elvis' Amaryllis! The vendor had them displayed with peanut butter and banana sandwiches! |
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| Japanese Tea Tree Peony These were the size of salad plates. |
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| Callas Ahhhhhhhhhh! |
