Essex in bloom

It was time to take a break from London and see my mother who lives in Essex, a two-hour jaunt east from my part of the city.

This turned into two glorious days spent in her garden, newly landscaped with gravel, paving stones and raised beds of flowers fashioned from reclaimed railway sleepers. It’s bursting with roses, dahlias, marigolds, lavender and a host of garden favourites.

My trusty camera came with me, and working in the garden was restful and a pleasure, punctuated with numerous breaks from the strong summer sunshine. I found abstract, floral and architectural shots in this well-structured space – rich, rewarding and relaxing in equal measure.

Click first image to launch the gallery

And to finish off, a candid photograph of this garden’s proud owner, my Mum, resting in her swing seat, probably enjoying a crossword puzzle or reading her Kindle. The fruits you deserve to savour at a mature stage in life…

Tags: dahlias, daisies, Essex, florals, gardening, lavender, macro, macro photography, Maldon, nature, photography, reclaimed railway sleepers, roses, secateurs

15 thoughts on “Essex in bloom”

Andy Townend on July 10, 2014 at 22:04 said:

…bloomin’ lovely :-)

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 12, 2014 at 18:45 said:
  
  Very good, Andy :) Thank you!
  
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moorezart on July 10, 2014 at 20:44 said:

Reblogged this on rebloggobbler.

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John on July 9, 2014 at 19:52 said:

The flower photos are fantastic! But, I have to say the pic of your mum is my favorite … it’s simple, candid and poignant.

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 12, 2014 at 18:47 said:
  
  Thank you John, very much. I like it too, very much taken for posterity. She will be pleased to learn of your appreciation!
  
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ckponderings on July 6, 2014 at 14:32 said:

Beautiful images, and a nice relaxing space! :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 6, 2014 at 15:26 said:
  
  Thank you Richard. And yes, I can attest to that (as can my mum!)
  
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Mark Simms on July 6, 2014 at 12:02 said:

Great shots and a lovely post Mike :0)

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 6, 2014 at 12:02 said:
  
  Thank you Mark. I think Essex needs a little bigging up sometimes :)
  
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Laura Bloomsbury on July 6, 2014 at 10:44 said:

Was surprised to see flowers at the end of your lens Mike but even in the candid you manage that angle that makes the shot just that bit better – especially the daisies though the orange geum(?) is a portrait almost as heartfelt as that of the gardener.

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 6, 2014 at 10:52 said:
  
  Thank you Laura for such lovely comments. Oh, I’m a real sucker for flowers and floral macros – they’re impossible to resist. Hopefully my mother likes how her garden has been captured, particularly the candid!
  
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Cos on July 6, 2014 at 09:58 said:

Great, peaceful photos, Mike!

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 6, 2014 at 10:02 said:
  
  Thanks Koos. It was a great couple of days just immersed in this space.
  
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LannaWhiteHouse on July 6, 2014 at 09:51 said:

Truly blooming Essex especially your gorgeous mom.

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 6, 2014 at 10:01 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Lanna. My mum will be very pleased to see your comment :)
  
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