I'm Dating Spring Flowers

I was thinking of starting a photo series on backs of necks. I've seen some cool ones recently.

But somehow I feel less self-conscious taking pictures of plant-life, that simply sits there, ready for the perfect photo op. Spring is kind of amazing for that. In comparison to the magnolia and dogwood trees on the eastern seaboard of the United States a month ago in April, I'm finding very photogenic flowers and bushes here in Central and Western Europe in May:



Rhododendron flowers are in various states of bloom. Above, a fully flowering bush in Vienna; below a barely popping one near Cologne...





Personally, I find buttercups some of the most compelling flowers, so simple in their individual attire, and so bright when covering a juicy green meadow. I've seen several German girls with buttercup crowns in their hair while strolling through the park with their families on an easy May Day afternoon.

And lilac, of course, dominates the olfactory palette of springtime in Europe, happily fresh on large bushes in people's front yards; and instantly limp if placed in a vase.



I suppose the erotic nature of blossoming spring keeps my interest piqued for now, although backs of necks, tatooed or beautifully shaven, may be what will sustain me through the year...