Some optical matters created a delay for this Wildflowers by the State Capitol post. But hey, better late than never!
A while back a neighbor mentioned that by the NM State Capitol there were beautiful flowers come summertime. Mind you this intel was around last fall. So I waited until the following April to do some recon. It was clearly far too early in the season as I did not see squat. Then again I really did not know what to expect as I had no point of reference – nor did I know exactly where the flowers may be?
My initial hopes were that there would be some early spring risers such as Dwarf Iris or perhaps some Crocus. But again nada. So I wondered if these so-called flowers really did exist?
Fast-forward to another wandering recon mission come early July and oh-boy did I hit the motherlode! An enormous garden of Wildflowers across from the New Mexico State Capitol was in full bloom. It was an OMG glorious discovery. My camera and I could not have been happier!! FYI the NM State Capitol is also known as known as the Roundhouse and is the only round capitol building in the country
A Bounty of Wildflowers in Full Bloom
Looking around at this incredible sight, my first thought was I wish I had gotten there sooner in the season. I could tell the Blue Flax were already past their prime. Then again the blooming cactus flowers keep me busy in May and June. Thankfully the Corn Poppies with their delicate, paper-like petals (in countless colors), Black-Eyed Susans, Cosmos and Bachelors Buttons were going strong.
Circling around this wondrous Wildflower garden, I wasn’t even sure where to begin. Good thing I had brought my little cushion so I could sit end enjoy this flower photo session – and it would not be the last! It’s a busy place yet the flowers work together in their harmony appearing to take turns and center stage.
The one downside is that I had arrived a bit later in the morning so the wind had picked up a bit. It made for a few photo challenges especially for the Corn Poppies with their long, narrow stems and Cosmos. But persistence is a good thing and I do LOVE taking photos of Cosmos. The side views as in the photos above and below are definitely a favorite.
Walking around multiple times and even switching directions for different photo-op perspectives was pure joy. And taking pause to observe the flowers gracefully dancing in the breeze with their different pops of color was divine.
Lots of Bees But Where Were the Butterflies?
To say that bees were everywhere enjoying this flower bounty is an understatement. And bees on flowers photos are a fav to capture. But the real head-scratcher was with this huge garden, there were NO butterflies! I know pesticides are taking its toll on our pollinators, but you would think there would have been butterflies everywhere. It looks like a pollinator’s paradise. So that bummed me out a bit. But thankfully the bees looked mighty happy and I was grateful for that.
This Wildflowers Garden is a Gift
If you find yourself in Santa Fe in the summer months, be sure to venture over by the State Capitol to take in this incredible Wildflower Garden. Be sure to bring your camera or break out your phone camera and take in all the varieties and colors of flowers. You won’t be disappointed of that I am sure! Being present and losing track of time to capture flower images is a gift 🙂