The Barn Series, Day 5 - Jim Beam

We have Jim Beam Distillery as our barn showcase today. Remember yesterday we were in Loretto, Kentucky, at Maker's Mark Distillery. Today we are about 40 miles north in Clermont, Kentucky, outside Bardstown, at Jim Beam Distillery, another best selling bourbon globally.

Jim Beam hails back to 1795 (excluding the prohibition) and still reigns supreme as a top selling bourbon whiskey brand globally. Johannes Beam distilled the first bottle of Jim Beam. The original name was Bohm, but after immigrating to Kentucky from Germany, the family changed it to Beam. Johannes distilled the first bottle before prohibition and after probibition Jacob Beam started the company in 1935. The name was changed later to Jim Beam honoring James Beam, the Master Distiller for 40 years. A beautiful gray barn was built to accommodate a stillhouse where visitors can taste and purchase the Jim Beam brand.

The actual tasting done by master distillers is actually done in this barn, if my information serves me correctly. The ricking barn you see in the background is where the whiskey ages in rack after rack of barrels. A rickhouse is also called a rackhouse.

I love what the brand did to one of the silos at the distillery painting it stark white and giving it all the trappings of the brand. I love the images of the ancestors of the brand on the side.

The old barn that you can see as you drive down the highway got a new coat of white paint and many a Jim Beam logo. I love the face lift they did at Jim Beam recently. Did you know the Jim Beam Distillery is right across the street from Bernheim Arboreteum, one of my old favorite stomping grounds when I lived in Louisville.

I know what you're thinking. We are on Day 5 of The Barn Series and we haven't even gotten out of Kentucky. Amazing! That's my great home state for you. Now as I write this post I am not positive where I am taking you tomorrow or even if we will get out of the state of Kentucky, but if you come along with me, I promise another good time. See you then. ENJOY!

Linking to Metamorphosis Monday

Orange, Peach & Ruffled Apricot

A few more images from my visit to the Flower Gardens at Bernheim Arboretum from a few weeks ago. I could not believe the varieties of Day Lilies, until I saw this garden in bloom near the Visitor Center. This gorgeous peach colored Day Lily with it's dainty ruffled edges is called Ruffled Apricot. I absolutely adore the name.

As I walked around the flower gardens I happened upon this beautiful Day Lily with a two toned hue. I had never seen this species before, nor had I seen the Ruffled Day Lily either. I love this one almost as must as the Ruffled Apricot. It is called Peach Candy. Oh, my gosh, is that not appropriate.

Finally, here's the last of the orange themed Day Lilies I captured while visiting Bernheim. This beauty is called Orange Vols. I haven't a clue where the Vols part came from, but I totally get the orange. This particular Day Lily looks more like the Day Lilies I see blooming in gardens in and around houses in neighborhoods. If I ever decide to plant Day Lilies, now I know to look for some of these unusual varieties. I hope your week is off to a good start. Back soon. Stay cool. ENJOY!

Linking to Sundays at Home

A Bonanza Day Lily

The abundance of varieties of Day Lily species I discovered at Bernheim Arboretum a few weeks ago was astounding. I wasn't sure what I would find on my brief stop over as I made my way home to Tennessee, but I was filled with anticipation nonetheless. When I discovered this Day Lily garden just off the Visitor Center, I felt like I had hit the jackpot of color. Yellows, maroons, oranges, purples. These were just a few of the colors featured in this flower garden. There were long skinny petals and short pudgy petals. There were variations of hues, and least we forget, there were ruffled Day Lilies too. I had fun photographing them. I had even more fun perusing my archive at all the varieties. Totally cool. Here's a Hemerocallis Bonanza Day Lily. Like many of the names given to these gorgeous, brightly colored flowers, I haven't a clue where they got the name. Hope all is well with you. Stay cool. ENJOY!

In the Gardens, Bernheim Arboretum

On the back side of a business trip to Louisville this week, as I made my way home to Tennessee yesterday, I stopped at Bernheim Arboretum, my favorite green space on the planet. It's right off I-65 as you leave Louisville. As I passed the Day Lily Gardens, I knew I would be driving the parameter road a second time to capture some pics of the gorgeous blooms.

You know when I caught sight of this deep maroon Day Lily with its bright yellow center, I couldn't resist taking a couple of different perspectives. I love this particular hue. So rich looking. You will never guess it's name. It's Morning Eye Candy. Well, now isn't that just so totally appropriate. It definitely is that and even looks good enough to eat if one could eat a Day Lily.

Oh, how I miss photographing more often at Bernheim, but it's a tad far for a photo session from Hendersonville. This heat wave we are in the throws of in the middle states of the United States is very serious. So everyone be very, very careful when you venture out. I'll write another post featuring more Day Lily images I captured at Bernheim soon. Have a fabulous weekend. The 4th is coming! ENJOY!

Among the Magnolias II: Kentucky Woman Series

Come along as we continue my Kentucky Woman Series. I want to share more of my time at Bernheim with you. I consider Bernheim sacred. I have spent many seasons visiting here. I have captured thousands of images of bees and birds and trees and flowers. I have photographed the colorful pink and yellow Japanese Magnolia blooms in Spring. I have hiked leaf strewn forest paths in Autumn. I have even driven the heavily laden snow covered road next to the arboretum in the dead of Winter. Every season at Bernheim has a story to tell and I have visited in every season to see that story told.

In Spring, the Canadian Geese and tiny Goslings swim around Lake Nevin. In Summer, the Yellow and Black Swallowtail Butterflies flit in and out of the Butterfly bushes. The Autumns, oh, the Autumns are especially gorgeous. The entire forest drive is a sea of yellow and orange with dots of red thrown in here and there. There are more gifts here given us by Mother Nature than any one person can count.

Today, I share images of the beautiful yellow Japanese Magnolias in bloom from past visits. It takes a tremendous amount of patience to wait as Winter's grip lets go and Spring begins to open up with its Daffodils and Crocus and Magnolia blooms. The reward is worth the wait. I captured these beautiful blooms on especially warm Spring days in the arboretum. The aroma from the Magnolia blossoms filled the air as I walked around the trees. It enveloped my senses and left me virtually intoxicated.

I especially love to peruse my archives after a visit in search of the best image to crop closely revealing the intricate details hidden in the center of the blossom. The Magnolia species has approximately 210 genus. These ancient flowers are said to have existed long before bees even evolved. Beetles are the main forager of these trees. Perhaps that is why their stamens and pistols are so tough. They need to be hardy to withstand the damage beetles can do. What's that old saying, beauty isn't everything.

When you walk among the Magnolias at Bernheim, you can't help but notice their craggy branches. They appear as ancient as the species itself. There are various species of yellow and pink Magnolias throughout the arboretum, in various sizes and shapes of blooms as well. I've witnessed each and every one. Thing is, I believe the largest and hardiest blooms open later than their far daintier counterparts.

I have a love affair with Mother Nature. I admit it. Bernheim only makes my love affair even more worth the while. This place is near and dear to my heart, and for long as I'm walking the face of this Earth, I will return here as often as time and distance allows.

I hope you will allow me to share a true story. I remember visiting Bernheim for the very first time on a field trip in elementary school. I sat at the picnic table and ate my lunch with all the other kids. Then afterwards we were allowed to wonder around the woods. Low and behold, I climbed high up on the hill above the picnic area, and became so enthralled with the woods that I nearly got left behind. Until a head count revealed someone was missing from the bus. I remember being up in the woods when I heard a voice from down below calling my name. I climbed back down the hill, and sure enough, I was the last passenger to get on the bus. This really happened. I kid you not. Could it be that even at an early age I knew this place was special.

I will forever be a Kentucky Woman in every sense of the word. And every time I write another post in this series, I am reminded of that. I thought this might be the last of my series, but I feel another installment could be in order. Stay tuned. ENJOY!

Linking to Stonegable The Scoop

Among the Japanese Magnolias: Kentucky Woman Series

For a brief few weeks in very early Spring, even before the first official day arrives, Bernheim Arboretum's Japanese Magnolia trees burst forth with a stunning display of color. Witnessing this event over the course of those weeks requires perseverance. As the old adage says, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The first Japanese Magnolias customarily spring forth even before the other trees in the arboretum. These trees set among the other ornamental trees just outside the gates of the arboretum. As the earliest days of Spring approach, these particular trees ready themselves with vivid dark pink buds, ready to burst open, while the temperatures continue to fluctuate between Winter and Spring. The vivid pink Magnolia buds find their moment, at just the right temperature, and open to reveal glorious pink blooms.

As I walked among the arboretum trees in year's past, deep green fuzz appears as buds. Soon slick buds of varying pinks will adorn the craggy branches mixed in with the blossoms themselves. The sun and shade illuminates the petals revealing various hues of pink. Large clusters of Japanese Magnolia buds and blooms are present on every branch on every tree in a display of brilliant color.

One particular Spring the temperatures were especially mild leaving the beautiful Magnolia blossoms to linger on the branches. On that visit I walked among the trees, stopping at one point, as I realized something amazing. I took a breath and smiled. The pungent fragrance of Magnolia blossoms filled my senses. I gave thanks to the warmer temperatures for allowing the blossoms to give up such a magnificent aroma. Everything around me was enveloped in beauty to see and smell.

As a photographer, you want to take the most breath taking photos when you are capturing images of flowers. As blooms clung to branches wide open, the stamen inside revealed a landscape all its own. I attempted to capture its beauty as I came in close to the blossom snapping images. Some blossoms opened only slightly while others seemed to open as though to welcome you in.

Anxiously awaiting early Spring, with its varying degrees of temperatures, requires patience. Knowing the end result will be glorious buds, in various hues of lavender and pink, helps to ease the pain. Seeing the visual display of magnificent buds and blossoms and taking in the fragrant scent of Japanese Magnolias leaves you feeling as though you have experienced something truly magical. God surely planned it this way and I am so utterly happy he did. I hope you will plan a trip to Bernheim during this season. And I hope you will experience what I have in years past. I will be back with a second post on this subject. Only it will feature the hues of yellow that are displayed alongside the pink Japanese Magnolias. I hope you will come back. ENJOY!

Can Spring Be Far Away?

This week the temperatures are going to be in the 70's here in Tennessee as well as the Eastern United States. I wonder if Winter is really done or the warm temperatures are just a tease. Something tells me that we have not seen the last of Winter. I found this beautiful Japanese Magnolia bloom in my archives recently. Every time I pass over it I linger. It is so beautiful. I would love to be able to capture the Japanese Magnolia trees and the Crab Apple trees in bloom at Bernheim this Spring. Perhaps I can. Have a wonderful week. ENJOY!

Merry Christmas to All

I wish everyone a wonderful and joyous Christmas with loved ones and friends alike. ENJOY!

Oh! Butterfly

Here's the next series of Butterflies as promised. Hang on, we're going Buttering again!

THE FRITILLARY

This brightly colored orange Butterfly is a Gulf Fritillary. Are you wondering why it's called the Gulf? It's because they are common only in the southern United States. That dark yet bright orange color is unmistakable in the gardens and meadows which makes them easy to spot. I captured this beautiful Gulf Fritillary in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville.

I wanted to share this view of the Gulf Fritillary so that you can see just how beautiful his wings are when they are fully open. What a beautiful bright orange.

Another specifies of the Fritillary is the Great Spangled Fritillary. They are more common and are generally a dull orange with row after row of black spots covering their wings. This beautiful Great Spangled was checking out a purple Thistle at Bernheim in the wildflower meadow.

THE PAINTED LADY

Alright, I admit it. I have too many favorites in the Butterfly family. The Painted Lady is just one more I love. I think it's because when their wings are closed it as thought an artist painted a beautiful pattern on their wings. This beautiful Butterfly was busy pollenating the bushes at Bernheim Arboretum.

Here is the Painted Lady with its wings closed. Can you see what I was talking about? What a pattern. This Painted Lady I captured posting for me atop a Black Eyed Susan at Bernheim a while back.

THE BUCKEYE

Here's a Butterfly that I especially like to photograph when their wings are wide open. Look at those spots. No wonder it's called a Buckeye. These Butterflies are common throughout wildflower fields as was this beautiful Buckeye was the day I captured this image at Bernheim Arboretum some years ago.

THE HUMMINGBIRD MOTH

I couldn't resist showing you the only image I have ever captured of a Hummingbird Moth. Seriously, can you see where they got their name. Mother Nature can really create some oddities. But he is a beauty too. I captured this guy buzzing around the Butterfly Bushes at Bernheim a bit ago.

I hope you enjoyed my second series of Butterflies as I loved sharing them with you. What a variety when you look back across the last two posts. I guess I'm a 'Butter Lover'. Have a wonderful 4th. ENJOY!

The Butterfly Effect

I have never met a Butterfly I didn't like! Over the decades of photographing nature, I have captured quite a variety of species of Butterflies in their natural habitat. I never tire of watching them flittering around the flower gardens and wildflower fields in Summer. I personally consider them one of God's blessed creatures. They bring no harm to anyone and provide only joy and beauty to everyone. Hang on, we're going Buttering!

THE MONARCHS

Monarch Butterfly, Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont, Kentucky

Monarch Butterfly, Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont, Kentucky

These images of the Monarch I captured five years ago at Bernheim Arboretum in the flower gardens near the Pavilion. The Monarch Butterfly numbers have drastically declined over the course of the last decade. Now there is a new project called The Monarch Butterfly Research Project. Milkweed fields and gardens are being planted around the country to aid in bringing the numbers back up for the beautiful Monarch Butterfly. Let's hope we can save them from extinction by restoring their main food group.

THE SWALLOWTAILS

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly, Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont, Kentucky

Our next Butterfly is the Swallowtail and I'm betting everyone viewing this post has seen one in their lifetime. And if not, I'm so sorry. This Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is partaking of the nectar at the Butterfly bushes in Bernheim Arboretum some five years ago. You can count on Swallowtails to frequent their favorite bushes, the Butterfly bush.

Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly, Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont, Kentucky

Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly, Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont, Kentucky

These Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterflies are cousins to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.. I captured these images first at the flower gardens at Bernheim Arboretum in Clermont, Kentucky and the second at Yew Dell Gardens in Crestwood, Kentucky several years ago. The first image shows an Eastern Black Swallowtail stopping at a Button bush at Bernheim while the second shows the bright Dallas Red Lantana at Yew Dell Gardens. Butterflies are attracted to bright orange, yellow, purple and red flowers? It's true.

THE CLOUDEDS

Yellow Clouded Butterfly, Yew Dell Gardens, Crestwood, Kentucky

Cabbage White Clouded Butterfly, Yew Dell Gardens, Crestwood, Kentucky

The Clouded Butterfly family are a much smaller species of Butterfly. Notice the single spot on their wings. Also, did you notice the clouded edge of the Yellow Clouded. Clouded Butterflies love the Butterfly Bush, Milkweed, Coneflowers, Alfalfa, Dandelions, Clover and Tall Verbena. I suppose you could call them the 'not so particular Butterfly'. It's very difficult to get really good images of these little Butterflies. They don't stay still long.

Before I leave you today, I wanted you to know I will have a second post on Butterflies to share soon. Have a fantastic weekend all. We are getting the remnants of Tropical Depression Cindy this weekend here in the mid state of Tennessee. Back soon. ENJOY!

Dogwoods at Bernheim

On my visit to Bernheim Saturday, I noticed quite a few Dogwood trees. I hadn't really noticed how many there were in year's past.

As I was driving up to the arboretum I saw this small Dogwood off in the distance. I love these trees in bloom with the bright green grasses having just sprouted for Spring. The sky was a beautiful blue with white fluffy clouds which made it all the better.

Soon all the Dogwood blooms will be gone for another year. Oh how I love them. Sadly, I missed the Japanese Magnolias and the Crab Apples this year. Perhaps next year.

Before reaching the arboretum on the perimeter drive, sits this small lake with a bridge across it. I noticed the Dogwoods up on the hill. The reflection of the bridge was almost perfect as the wind had died down and the water was very still. I hope you enjoyed the Dogwoods. The Crocus are gone. The Daffodils are gone. Soon the Tulips will be gone. And of course, the Dogwoods. Leaving us with Summer's flowers. Foxgloves and Roses and Daisies and Black Eyed Susan's. ENJOY!

Beautiful Pink Dogwood

My favorite Dogwood tree at Bernheim is this gorgeous deep pink one that sits at the very end of the arboretum. I snapped an image Saturday as I was driving into Louisville for the Easter holiday weekend. I hope you had a wonderful Easter. ENJOY!

Beauty of Spring

While the Northeast is in the throws of a major snowstorm, with a second one promptly on its heels, I wanted to post an image representative of Spring. Winter's last hooray will soon be gone, but not before the misery of it. Yet, as I think of it, I almost wished it would snow here in Tennessee as it harbors such a beautiful landscape. I would require at least 6 inches to sufficiently blanket the ground for days to come and leave vignettes of soft fluffiness here and there throughout the lawns and woodlands. There has been virtually no snow here this Winter. We did get a sprinkling this weekend, but it was further South from me. I have visions of Fir trees blanketed with snow, branches hanging heavy toward the ground, and park benches aptly covered in a thick glistening layer of white, as though the snow needed a respite before it fell to the ground. These last snows of Winter will soon be gone leaving behind a landscape of pinks and yellows and lavenders with flowers budding and blooms bursting forth. Good bye my Winter, hello dearest Spring. ENJOY!

Oh Winter, Oh Spring!

With virtually no Winter here in Tennessee this year and not sure if Winter's grip has given up its hold, I witnessed two beautiful Japanese Magnolia trees in full bloom in Nashville this week. Has Spring arrived? I wanted to feature this pale pink Japanese Magnolia hybrid photo I captured several years ago at Bernheim. The faintest pink hue I had ever seen. The lavender buds were as beautiful as its pale pink bloom. God works in wondrous ways. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead. ENJOY!

Let's Sit And Ponder This Weather

As I ponder this weather in Tennessee, with 69 one day and 30 the next, and back to 60 following that day, I ask myself, where is Spring. I know some of you are getting a major snow storm and many of you have had snow for some time. But this weather here in Tennessee has been so mild with nary a really cold day or even week to speak of. It almost seems like Spring has been here since Fall dropped its leaves. I even saw Daffodils in bloom on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facebook page this week. I kid you not. I hope you enjoy this image taken very very early one Spring in Bernheim's Arboretum as this beautiful tree was in full bloom. Wherever you are, be safe, be warm, and if you want better weather, I guess come to Nashville. ENJOY!

There Will Be Spring

Early Spring, Crab Apple Orchard, Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont, Kentucky

As we watch the last of Autumn's leaves float wistfully to the ground, covering our lawns and fields and forests,

 we anxiously await the first snows of Winter, with its light fluffy flakes that fall gently onto the landscape, leaving a blanket of white.

Winter comes with it blustery winds and drifting snow and a cold that chills to the bone. 

Least we forget, on the horizon is a season of salvation. There will be Spring. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend as I leave you with this beautiful image I captured in years' past of the gorgeous Crab Apple orchard at Bernheim. I miss the beautiful serenity of Bernheim's landscape. Have a great weekend all. ENJOY!

Southern Magnolia

Southern Magnolia trees are found throughout all of the Southeastern United States, although they are more common along the Gulf coast and the southern Atlantic shore. While Palm trees dot the landscape in the southeastern states, Bald Cypress trees grow in the Louisiana swamps, and rows of Georgia Peach and Florida Orange trees thrive in groves throughout Georgia and Florida, one would think one of those trees would be synonymous of the South. Not so. The Southern Magnolia holds that crown.

As images of the old Southern Plantations are conjured up, the Southern Magnolia tree undoubtedly comes to mind. I can see the Southern Belles sitting under the Magnolia trees in their long flowing dresses sipping glasses of sweet tea and chatting about their Southern gentlemen. Those are bygone days obviously. You can, however, still tour many of the old plantations around the South to this day, and no doubt, you will find a Southern Magnolia tree or two growing on the grounds.

Every Spring I would spend time at Bernheim photographing the Japanese Magnolias with their blush pink and pale yellow blooms. While there are few Japanese Magnolias here in Nashville, Southern Magnolias are plentiful. I hope to capture a few more photos before the heat browns the pedals and the gorgeous blooms wither. Have a great week all. ENJOY!

Japanese Magnolia, Bernheim Arboretum

As I made my way back to Nashville from Louisville, after a brief visit with family for the Easter holiday, I stopped for a visit at Bernheim Arboretum. I love to capture images of the Japanese Magnolias in bloom in early Spring. It was sad as frost had pretty much obliterated a great deal of the blooms. I walked around the trees snapping an image here, an image there. This particular bloom, as you can see, had a bit of frost bite too. I love to photograph flowers with a beautiful blue sky in the background. Sometimes I even position myself so that the perspective includes that gorgeous blue sky. It seems to give your image a boost. Have you been enjoying the beautiful Bradford Pears that have been in bloom for the last few weeks? Here in Hendersonville they were gorgeous. The Dogwoods should be in bloom soon it not already. I hope you are having a wonderful week. We have strong storms coming through late today. ENJOY!

Favorites Series

What better way to highlight my favorite images taken over the last decade than to feature them in a Favorites Series. Over time I will feature a single image as one of my all time favorites. With twenty thousand images safely tucked away in my archive, I tend to linger on certain images a tad bit longer than others. Why? They are my favorites, no doubt. I hope you enjoy each and every one as I feature them in my new series. Fairly new to my blog? If so, you may have missed some of my favorite images posted many years past. My new series will allow you to view them first hand!

I begin my Favorites Series with a beautiful deep yellow Japanese Magnolia blossom as its gorgeous bloom begins to wane, captured at Bernheim Arboretum, just south of Louisville, in early Spring several years ago. A large number of hybrid Japanese Magnolias grow close to the parameter road in the middle of the Arboretum. Gorgeous blossoms in pale and deep yellow, the softest white, blush pink and a beautiful deep magenta herald in Spring each year. This is one of my favorite images captured over the years while photographing these gorgeous blossoms. The beautiful blooms are accompanied by a fragrance like none other.

As the Magnolia blossoms bloom in unison, their fragrance fills the air and wafts throughout the grove of Japanese Magnolia trees.
Each tiny morsel of fragrance floats across the Arboretum on gentle Spring breezes, leaving one in total awe of their scent. 

What beauty does for your senses in this tiny slice of heaven is astonishing. Look for the post header, Favorites Series, and enjoy this wonderful new series as I reminisce. ENJOY!

Using Adobe Lightroom

When you are in love with the many petals that make up a Water Lily as I am, you envision each one in intricate detail. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to capture such detail on a bright sunny day. Here is where my Adobe Lightroom enters the picture. No pun intended. I purchased Lightroom just before Adobe converted to their fee program. I wanted access to Lightroom without paying a monthly fee for the rest of my life. I am so glad I bought it then. I seldom use it, however, it was perfect for achieving the detail I wanted in this image. I use Picasa to lighten or darken images, and occasionally I tweak the highlights. I always use it to crop and sharpen all of my images. But when I use Lightroom, it is strictly to do a tad more work. I can't say I achieved exactly what I was hoping for with this image, but I did come close.

Before I leave you today, I think it bears mentioning that I have grown thoroughly sick of the weather here in Nashville. It has rained most of the past three weeks. They say, they being the meteorologists here in Nashville, that it will be sunny tomorrow. Tomorrow, just one day, seriously. There must be some rule that states in Winter months you are not allowed more than a day of sunshine at a time. Hence, Winter's dreary days have come and I believe to stay. Dare I say it here. There are only 25 days left until Christmas. Where does the time go. ENJOY!