The background is one of my photos of our yard with poster edges applied then posterized in Darken mode at 32% opacity over paint 3 over paper 3 in Divide mode over paper 7 in Divide mode over paper 1. I then used paint 2 as a clipping mask with paper solid 8 applied, added photos and elements over that, then added the word art and journaling.
The flowers in our yard each have a story to tell. I sent Mom and Daddy an azalea plant not long after they moved in here in Sanford and more in the years to come. Different-sized flowers, different colors - coral vibrant pinks, white, magenta, Mom and Daddy planted them in formal beds and naturalized beds. They are glorious in the spring, a riot of color, texture, and beauty. They are followed by the blooms of the native rhododendrons on large, naturalized plants bursting with buds and blossoms in late winter.
And then come the hydrangeas. These beautiful blooms last for weeks and are showstoppers. This particular plant was a gift from our next-door neighbor when Mom passed away on 11 Jun 2015. They bloom in this gorgeous purple then age to a glorious vibrant royal purple then to a gorgeous, equally vibrant, royal blue, and then to navy blue. I have long loved these magnificent flowers that remain 6 weeks or more on the plant or as cut flowers in an arrangement. They even dry wonderfully for winter arrangements or interest in the garden. But they were always pinks and whites or pastel purples, never the deep, dark colors of this plant. My cell phone camera can’t even capture the true colors. Daddy loves this colorful plant and tends it carefully. To me it not only symbolizes Mom, but it visually depicts my Dad’s unconditional love for her.
