The Botanical Collection

Lilium - A Study in Perseverence

Lilium - A Study in Perseverence

After a two year wait, I finally captured this image. Apparently this Lily is a tasty treat, much loved by various bugs in Evelyn’s garden. This year it was surrounded by other plants that appear to have discouraged the Lily munching hordes. For the past month and a half, we’ve been checking it daily hoping that it would survive, uneaten. Watching, waiting, for it to finally blossom. Five days ago the first bud opened, one magnificent blossom; took a trial shot. The second day, another burst into view; a second photo shoot. Then a third, fourth, and finally five. Yesterday, I carefully placed some black carton around the Lily highlighting the star of the garden. Here’s the shot.

This striking photograph showcases a cluster of vibrant pink and magenta lilies against a dramatic black background. The flowers display the characteristic six-petaled form with elegant recurved petals adorned with dark spotted patterns. Prominent orange-red stamens extend gracefully from each bloom's center, creating beautiful lines and adding warm contrast to the cool-toned petals. The deep black backdrop isolates the subject completely, transforming what was once a garden setting into a fine art portrait that emphasizes every detail—from the subtle gradations in petal color to the delicate speckled markings. The composition captures multiple blooms at various stages, with some flowers fully opened and others still emerging, creating dynamic visual interest and showcasing the lily's natural progression from bud to full flower.