This year's Pantone "
color of the year" has been on my mind lately. It's "Cloud Dancer," or ... white. As many folks have noted, white is actually the
absence of color and it seems like a funny choice. With that said, white makes all colors near it "pop." Of course, that's obvious, and I've
posted about it in the past. But it's been a couple of years since we've had a consistently "white" landscape here in winter.
Fresh snow makes every color around it appear more vibrant!
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| Japanese Yew (Taxus Cuspidata) |
The greens and reds of conifers stand out in the winter landscape, although that happens even without snow and blue sky.
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| Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) |
Red-Twig Dogwoods are much more dramatic after a fresh snow.
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| White Oak (Quercus alba) |
But even the warm, rusty colors of Oak leaves are brighter and more eye-catching framed with white.
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| Spent Aster seedheads |
Empty Aster seedheads sparkle like bright and cheerful stars.
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| Dried grasses |
Dried grasses and sedges, barely noticeable without snow, are so colorful blanketed in white!
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| Mixed shrub stems |
Even multihued shades of brown stems are much more warm and rich with color when surrounded by "Cloud Dancer."
Maybe this was a goal for this "color of the year" selection—to highlight all the true colors? Regardless, I appreciate the role of white in nature's palette!
With that, I wish you a very Happy New Year! Vist
Garden Ruminations for more "Six on Saturday" entries.
(Most observations were recorded at local parks and natural areas.)
Wow, what a stunning effect from the yew fruits! Magnificent... With the white color of the snow, it must be dazzling.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful view, Fred, and the fact that we've had repeated LIGHT snows has made it more manageable. I would truly enjoy our winters if they weren't so cold. Tee hee. ;-)
DeleteLovely photos, the snow really does enhance everything!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gill. Yes, this has been a beautiful (if terribly cold) winter so far. I really don't enjoy winter photography, but walking through the landscapes wearing warm coats, gloves, and boots is fun.
DeleteWhite really does make colors stand out. I love seeing landscapes in the snow, even if I might not appreciate living with it. Now, and most of yesterday, we've been socked in by dense fog, which presents much of the same effect.
ReplyDeleteHey Kris: I don't appreciate living with the snow either. ;-) Winter is my least favorite season here, but it is pretty. I'd miss it if we left for the entire winter, but I'm certainly ready to leave late in the season! And, oh yes ... dense fog is beautiful, too! Happy New Year!
DeleteGreat photos. The snow really does bring out the colours of the foliage and plant skeletons - and those yew berries... wow!
ReplyDeleteThank you. :) Sometimes the colors just sing, and the light was very good that day--not too bright, but the sun was filtered through a very thin cloud layer.
DeleteNice, I didn’t cut back my red twig dogwood this past spring so mine are not nearly as bright as yours. Must remember this year!
ReplyDeleteI can't take credit for the trimming because these shrubs are cared for at a local park. They are wonderful, though, aren't they? :)
DeleteNice observation! I was recently just pleased by one of my own "color standouts". Can I recommend Yucca "Color Guard" to you, providing it can stand your winters and moisture?
ReplyDeleteI noticed on your blog that you have some wonderful Yuccas! I would love to have some here, but I don't have enough sun. Maybe at my next garden. :)
DeleteYour photos are a great demonstration that there's always something beautiful and interesting in nature. There's never a dull moment, even if that moment is cold! Interesting that you're having such a cold winter. We're wearing shorts here in Austin, with very few chilly days. Tina
ReplyDeleteHi Tina: Yes, the moment was cold! LOL. I love to be out in "normal" winter weather (20s/30s here). But I don't enjoy winter photography because my fingers get too cold. Ugh. Anyway, thanks for your kind comments. I'm glad you're having some good weather! This week will be mild for us (40s). Yay!
DeleteDeep winter there, yet winter brings its own joys.
ReplyDeleteThe simple oak leaf caught my eye. A shot worth taking & sharing. Happy New Year to you, a chara
Happy New Year to you and yours! So true about winter! I would miss it if I didn't experience it at all. But I am so happy when it's done in springtime! :)
DeleteBeautiful photos. I love dried grasses and seed heads in the snow!
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa: I so agree with you on the seedheads and grasses! They're particularly beautiful coated with new snow. They kind of blend in on gray, muddy days--so I guess that's one good thing about cold and snow. ;-)
DeleteWho knew even weeds could look lovely? You can see beauty in everything. I looked out my window and only saw a dirty window. Sigh. Thank you showing me what I miss.
ReplyDeleteJeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
Thanks for the chuckle, Jeannie. Tee hee. I must admit when I look out my window, I see a dirty window, too. LOL. But if I can snap a few photos before frostbite sets in, the winter scenes are OK. Happy New Year!
DeleteGorgeous photos, wow that red Dogwood! I'm a lover of white, even tho the choice might be silly. The snow is making everything lovelier.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :) The Red-Twig Dogwoods really pop with beautiful hues when the white snow hits. But they're attractive even on the grey, cloudy days. I agree with you on the "color" thing.
DeleteI like your interpretation of the color of the year!
ReplyDeleteThe aster seedheads look so fun, like little stars.
Hi Kathrin: Thanks! The "color" choice is funny, but it kind of makes sense, too! :)
DeleteI haven't seen snow in a long time. I sort of miss it. I am particularly drawn to the white oak leaf - such an interesting shape when we really pay attention to them.
ReplyDeleteThe Oaks are amazing for so many reasons, aren't they? I took them for granted when I was young, but they are so important to their native habitats and ecosystems. They almost seem magical to me now.
DeleteYour photos are beautiful Beth. Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carla. They day was bright, but not too bright. So the subjects were singing for attention. :) Happy New Year to you and yours!
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