Wednesday (24-May-2017) — New Jersey

Backyard Springtime Nature in New Jersey.

I spent much of the day preparing a section on the west side of the house for a patch of “Lily of the Valleys” and some other wildflowers. The section is under a tree, and grass doesn’t do very well. There were “Lily of the Valleys” here before, but they were destroyed when the roof was redone a couple years ago. So I rototilled the section, added lime and fertilizer, then drilled ninety 2 inch holes and planted the newly arrived “Lily of the Valley” pips. I hope they make it to bloom next spring. In the past, the deer left them alone. One of the pips had a shoot with flower buds. I took that one inside under the LED grow lights to see if the flower buds would open.

"Lily of the Valley" flower buds. Backyard spring nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon Df computer and 105 mm f/2.8 VR macro lens (ISO 100, 105 mm, f/16, 1/200 sec) and SB-910 flash (TTL, 0EV) (David J Mathre)
“Lily of the Valley” flower buds. Image taken with a Nikon Df computer and 105 mm f/2.8 VR macro lens (ISO 100, 105 mm, f/16, 1/200 sec) and SB-910 flash (TTL, 0EV) (David J Mathre)

Author: David Mathre

I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.

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