It’s dark, it’s late and the November evening light is seeping away. We had no summer and now out of season, a patch of hedgerow is coming back into bloom. While hoping to snap berries and rosehips, here I am taking dark photos of blackberry blossoms and buds. Sprinkles of life in the shadowy withering tangle….Late blooming is not about perfection. How could it be? It’s far too last minute for that, not enough sun, not enough heat. Time is running out. It’s more about getting away with it. Basking in the opportunity. Snatching the limelight when all the early bloomers have faded out.
These thorny bushes will never bear the fruit they missed out on. They bloom for no one, programmed to complete the cycle of life.
The shutter closes like the blink of an eye.
Every last November second counts double for a late bloomer. Half light, dark light, any light, snatched, snapped and wallowed in……
Mina fotostunder says
Beautiful photos!
Rosemary says
The same thing is happening here and I say "you fool, what are you doing?" to the budding plant. But nature has its own reasons and like you, I'm left to wonder – and photograph 🙂
Kerry O'Gorman says
Ahh! But they did bloom for a reason… just for you!
Down by the sea says
Beautiful thanks for giving those plants their moment of glory.
Sarah x
Cait O'Connor says
I have been catching up here. Your photos are a window into the divine.
Martin says
You reveal the magic in decay. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary work.
Giga says
Przyroda rządzi się własnymi prawami. Zdjęcia są bardzo ładne. Pozdrawiam.
Nature has its own laws. The pictures are very nice. Yours.
george says
A nice set of pics – suffused with sadness – as the time between each November seems to get shorter and shorter…I'm looking forward to spring like a kid looking forward to Christmas.
BTW "They bloom for no one" I think you've hit on a good song title there Catherine.
Mairéad says
They're blossoming here too. Maybe like the rest of us they are trying to squeeze as much out of the season before the cold grasp of winter.
A beautiful collection of images – I like the faithful dog waiting on the road.
helen tilston says
Hello Catherine
Thank God for late bloomers. They never say never and their optimism is to be complimented.
Your photos are superb and evoke nostalgia and may I say a big thank you to those brave ones.
Helen xx
magnumlady.com says
Wonderful photos
Diane J. Reed says
As always, a beautiful post. Your words & images always bring me back to the center of my soul. And like Helen said above, I love the late bloomers and can't help cheering them on : )
Donna@Gardens Eye View says
Time has run out here with the recent snow…I wonder how the carrots are under cover…late bloomers are such brave plants continuing against all odds.
Mary Pellerito says
Autumn is turning into winter where I live, but even now, ever so often, I see a lone bloom or some bright red leaves still on tree branches. At the height of autumn, I would not notice this simple pleasures.
Grace says
Beautiful photos as always. I especially like the one with the dog and the one with the moss-covered rocks.
Marcie says
There's something magical and deep that blossoms in the darkness. Stunning imagery..and such beautiful thoughts!
flutterhappy says
I've always loved your photos! ♥
mrs mediocrity says
Sigh.. just gorgeous! Thanks so much for being part of my celebration!! xo
d smith kaich jones says
little surprise gifts . . . absolute enchantment.
Ginnie says
Delightful, Catherine!
Kim Stevens says
Oh my goodness, I love your words, so poetic…and that green moss, just sigh!!
Barbara Shallue says
Love it, especially since I feel I'm a late-bloomer myself!
Zena says
Love this post, I am so thankful for late-bloomings (including my own one)