Arboretum close-ups

I'm still trying to figure out close-ups with the new camera, but I snapped a few at the arboretum.

Ladies in red

This year I decided to try something new to get rid of those pesky aphids. Ladybugs! I bought them from Home Depot - they were anxious to get out and eat! They did their job, but in a few days were no where to be found. I only had aphids come back on one rose plant though. So, I had to resort to the pesticide spray...next year I will buy more than one pack of ladybugs so the aphids don't come back.


Dan's Purple Orchid tree is also blooming this year! In 2006 the tree froze down to the roots and we thought it was a goner. But Dan nursed it back to health, and it is just gorgeous. It smells wonderful too! The flowers are in big bunches.

Survey of a rose

Fun with Photo Editing

Focal B&W added in Picasa. Tried out several camera settings. I like the result!