Yachts blue and white

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Over the years I've photographed quite a few harbours with their working and pleasure boats, and wherever I've been - certainly in the UK and probably elsewhere - the dominant colours of the vessels has been white and blue. So it is in these photographs of Weymouth and Lyme Regis. It can't always have been so: the natural colours of wood must have prevailed at one time. So why and when did white and blue come to dominate?

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photos © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon Z 5

Greater Periwinkle

The gardens of the houses we have lived in have often featured the Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major). It is an attractive flower that appears early in the year and hangs on at the end of the season. Another of its strengths is its ability to grow, flower and make an impact in the shade of shrubs and trees. But, it has one drawback - it spreads relatively easily and finds its way to places where its undoubted charms are not welcome.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10

Love in a mist

Love in a mist is the English name for this widespread cottage garden flower. The flower itself, usually blue, white or pink/purple is the "love" and the bracts that surround it are the "mist" that is more obvious when the flower forms a large clump that is seen from a distance. A single bloom more aptly shows off its alternate name, Devil in the bush. The plant's Latin name, Nigella damascena, describes one of its countries of origin, Syria. I find this plant a fascinating subject for photography (see here, here and here) and fortunately it grows quite readily in our garden.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10