Cayuga Nature Photographers and the Cornell Plantations

Today, the Cayuga Nature Photographers held a photo shooting workshop in the Cornell Plantations as part of a join class in photography.  Last Wednesday was an introductory session and next Wednesday will be for follow-up on post processing and sharing images with the group.  While helping out, I took some pictures with a Nikon Cool Pix camera. We avoided serious rain and finished the session just before the breezes started interfering with flower stability.

We started at 7 AM, with heavy moisture still on the flowers.  Here are photos of a Rhododendron, Hosta (2), the Giant Magnolia (2), Allium, Lilies (2), Poppy, Catalpa flowers, Foxglove, and an iris.

Cornell Plantations Grand Opening

Today was the grand opening for the new visitor's center at the Cornell Plantations. The "green" building has been cited for architectural awards and is very attractive.  The Brian Nevin center fits nicely against the Rhododendron Knoll, with wheelchair access to the bottom of the knoll from the second floor of the building.

As a docent for the Plantations, I volunteered to help out today and enjoyed seeing so many people come out to enjoy the new facility.

The Rhododendrons are in excellent bloom and were hybridized to handle this ecological region.  Attached are a few images I took with a point and shoot camera, since I did not bring the Canon Rebel with me.

There is always something to enjoy at the Cornell Plantations, with drop in tours on weekends and scheduled events for other times during the season.  The Botanical Gardens include the Rhododendron Knoll, the Herb Garden, the Ground Cover Garden, the Young Garden, the Winter Garden, and the Container Garden.  Extending outside of the Botanical Gardens are the Arboretum and the Wildflower Gardens, in addition to several other gardens on the main campus.

Check out the website for visitor information and other programs.  http://www.cornellplantations.org/

Sunny morning after the rain in Ithaca

The soft sun lured me out into the garden this morning with macro lens and tripod.  I had purchased some tulip bulbs from Aalsmeer market in Amsterdam last year and was anxious to see how they bloomed. The parrot tulips are blooming later than other varieties, but are exquisite.  Here are some shots of tulips, a Rhododendron and a White Bleeding Heart.

Rhododendrons and f stop

The Rhododendron is in bloom under the large oak tree, with soft light filtering onto the flowers. I borrowed a tripod and took several shots of the same flower. Those shown here are f13 on top and f2.8 on the bottom. Were I to hand hold the camera, this would have been an exercise in blurr.

If anyone is in the Ithaca area, the Rhododendrons are in bloom on the knoll behind the new visitor center at the Cornell Plantations. Quite a spectacular sight and photo opportunity!