March 24, 2011

Yummy, Delicious Maple Goodness

The Japanese Maple in the back needed shaping so I couldn't let the gorgeous branches go to waste.  I brought them inside and when the light spilled into the room, thoughts of work went out the window!


This pitcher is so timeless and seems to go with whatever flowers/leaves I have on hand.  The last images with this vase included some purchased hydrangeas.



Is there anything more beautiful than a perfectly formed leaf that has just emerged from a long winter's nap?



The details are exquisite and there is none of the leaf burn that will come when summer's heat is just too much for these delicate beauties.



I'm shamelessly smitten...



I can't imagine a better way to spend 15 minutes...recharging your batteries by observing the delicious beauty of spring!  What spring happenings are distracting you these days?

25 comments:

  1. What artistic photos! And do you know that I was outside today, between the rains, taking photos of my Japanese maple in early leaf for my next blog post!

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  2. I agree Cat - you got some 'extra life' out of them and great photos to boot ! Thinking about returning to the land of 'almost spring' in a couple of weeks is distracting me right now.

    I think I've meant to mention your new header for quite some time, but always seemed to focus (pardon the pun) on your post instead - ok, I remembered tonight - I like it. a lot !

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  3. Lovely! I wonder how long those leaves can remain this beautiful. 1 week?

    I see a face in the first photo. :)

    Spring happenings? None. Snowdrops - None. Raindrops - Lots!

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  4. Japanese Maples are so beautiful when they're doing their thing, and using the prunings as an arrangement is so clever. A neighbor down the street has one planted against his pale house with yellow columbine at the base...I keep strolling by to gaze.

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  5. Simply beautiful! I have a thing for branches – just love this arrangement. I would have to stop and admire this, too. Work always gets in the way. Too cold here for these maples so I very much enjoyed. I'm always distracted by the garden, especially in spring.

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  6. Lovely. That tall white pitcher (I saw it with the softest blue hydrangea blooms too) is just the foil for your garden treasures. Almost any bloom or branch you put in it is instantly transformed!

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  7. Hi Dorothy, I look forward to seeing your photos! Happy spring!

    Thank you Rick. The light the day I took the header photo was magnificent. I was thinking about what your neck of the woods would be like right now and wondering how much spring there was to be seen.

    One, I'm not sure but I'm hopeful that they will last a week. I'm going to change the water frequently. Yes, that is a face you see! She is made from a coffee root. Lucky you to have raindrops, send some our way!

    Amy, My Japanese Maple is surrounded by yellow columbine too! It is my favorite spring combination in my garden ;)

    @TVF, I always admire the form of branches too. They have such interesting detail. Looking forward to your spring happenings.

    Thanks Laurrie, I agree - instantly transformed! Have a great weekend.

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  8. Spring has failed to show her pretty face here. We had a snow storm the day before yesterday. Your Japanese Maple images are so very lovely.

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  9. Beautiful images Cat!

    "Is there anything more beautiful than a perfectly formed leaf that has just emerged from a long winter's nap?"

    Yes, an inches-tall bamboo shoot, when the colors start to appear. =)

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  10. Everything about the Japanese maple is beautiful but I have never thought of bringing in a branch to enjoy inside - what a wonderful idea.

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  11. Cat, I thought this to be a post about maple syrup when I saw your title! Lovely images and yes when pruning why toss out the branches that can be observed later indoors.

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  12. Just gorgeous! The pitcher is perfect too. Nothing better than a newly emerged leaf except maybe a newly emerged butterfly. All so beautiful.

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  13. Amazing! I love Japanese maple leaves! They are so delicate yet strong. Your photos are exquisite! There is something new everyday in my garden right now. I have been out with my camera almost every morning or evening this week! I am enamored with the dogwoods right now.

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  14. So so so beautiful!! I love those leaves. I keep mentally pruning my trumpet vine into absolute submission and deciding which plants will get Aqua Cones this summer.

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  15. i've been out snapping photos, too. (none as gorgeous as yours, though!) you just want to somehow capture all that freshness and perfection and beauty!

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  16. Japanese Maples are some of my most favorite trees! Everything about them is delicate! Glad you captured the leaves in their tender colorful state. I can't think of a better way to spend 15 minutes...but then again I'm a little ADD!

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  17. This is just what I have been thinking recently - such perfect soft and lush maple leaves, looking so much better than the burned and tired leaves of summer's end.

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  18. Love the Japanese maple. We have a few in our garden but they are about to loose their leaves as it is Autumn here in Australia. Charmaine

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  19. Catherine, what gorgeous images. I remember how beautiful (and whimsical!) you garden was; I look forward to following your blog and browsing through the beauty here. It's a perfect name for your blog. xoxo-Vickie

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  20. Stunning images and awesome thoughts, dear Cat, all blending beautifully into your heartfelt post.

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  21. Love them and the glorious colours they turn. I was in japan in their autumn and the forests were soooo gorgeous!

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  22. A good plant to get smitten by! I have buds but no leaves yet on mine. Love the jug.

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  23. I'm amazed at the maples in my garden,too. Every day the new leaves look more beautiful!! I took a couple of twigs of Orange Dream that I had cut and stuck them in the ground. Hoping they will root and I'll have some new trees :-)

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  24. Those are great looking leaves and you really showcased them with the different angles and lighting.

    The summer months are now upon us and so I've started watering my plants twice a day. You called it correctly -- spending much more time working in the garden actually relaxes me and allows me to appreciate nature's beauty.

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  25. I came across your site when looking for information on Japanese Maples. I'm having a bit of trouble with a tree I planted two years ago up here in southeast Wisconsin. Many of the branches didn't come back this year. But I love all your photos. Beautiful and very artistic!

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