This is a lush oasis grown on the rich volcanic soil of São Miguel island in Portugal’s Mid-Atlantic Azores archipelago.
Terra Nostra has curious caramel-coloured hot springs to bathe in, but I chose to tour the flower-filled botanical gardens with my camera.
There was every colour of hydrangea – abundant all over the islands – and stunning flowers only enhanced by a sub-tropical shower.
It’s a late Spring treat to find these seasonal flowers in the shops.
With their clusters of multi-coloured blooms and soft, thistle-like buds, Sweet Williams are a personal favourite.
What a pleasure to have them in the house and to capture them for the first time.
Recently green spaces have been studded with plump, incandescent yellow dandelion flowers.
Now we have the aftermath of those blooms – delicate, fluffy seedheads ready for dispersal.
I noticed a clump just outside my Manchester apartment block and turned my macro lens on them, in all their states…
The cities of Manchester and Salford are so close, but retain distinct identities.
I live on the Manchester side of the great divide and work in Salford. But crossing between the two is an easy feat.
I’ve explored both with my camera recently, and here’s just a taster of what I saw…
Canada geese rule Manchester’s waterways. There is a healthy population patrolling the canal next to my Castlefield home close to the city centre.
Some residents complain about their noise and mess. Others think they’re bold, beautiful birds and part of the landscape.
Varying shades of light and the water make them arresting subjects to photograph…
