Moss spore capsules
Last month I celebrated a brief sunny interlude by exploring the abundant crop of moss growing where my lawn used to be. Well, we have had some more sun this week so here are some more mossy explorations.
A bug’s eye view
I was particularly taken with these colourful spore capsules. I was used to seeing the spiky sort before but this was the first time I had noticed these alien-looking alternatives.
All about colour
I used my macro lens with Raynox DCR-250 attached to get very close indeed to these tiny plants. Here, the colourful background is my out of focus recycled garden trug.
Can you spot the explorer?
The above shot isn’t very special but I included it because there is a tiny explorer getting in on the act. Apparently, recent studies have shown that springtails play an important part in moss fertilisation by carrying scent from plant to plant. Who knew?
Misty moss
The difficulty with using such extreme magnifications is that depth of field is wafer thin. I decided to make the most of the difficulty in this last image, for a more minimal, suggestive take.
If you missed my earlier moss extravaganza, see here.
Nice shots, I do like the colour of the moss
Thanks, Bruce. Yes, these are all about colour really.
Thank you, Bruce.
That first shot is excellent. Never seen moss quite like that before. Always seen the “spikey” variety.
Thanks, Jaina. Yes, I was quite surprised to find these- they showed up in some frames of the usual spikes and I had to go out scouring the garden to find them again. Luckily I managed to. There was also a bright orange one but in too awkward a spot.
they are like beautiful paintings and evoke that feeling of lying in lush grass on a balmy summers day….
Thanks, Chelsea. I was thinking that some of the more abstract ones might be suitable for The Shed. What do you think?
I love everything about moss, and how they can make the most beautiful carpets in your garden. Unfortunately, where I come from, many people see moss as a weed in the lawn!
Love your photos! 🙂
Thank you very much. I am having to learn to love moss as it is pretty well all that is left of my lawn 😉
Fairy lanterns! Photographs with a feel of magic! Great photographs.
Brilliant images, Rachael!
Thanks, Gracie 🙂
That last shot is like an abstract painting… lovely.
These are wonderful and make me want to rush out and look at my very damp and mossy lawn!
These are absolutely amazing ! How ever did you get a pink background?
Thanks! It is one of my recycled garden trugs. I have two! They are both pink because the proceeds of their sale go to breast cancer charities.