Variegated Tulip

Beauty Across the Color Spectrum

Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet — the colors of the rainbow. These colors actually appear throughout nature, often before our eyes. During the summer months, most of us see a rainbow more often than we realize. To borrow a phrase, “We can’t see the forest for the trees.” Let me explain…

Right Before Our Eyes

I’ve been doing a lot of nature photography lately, which got me to thinking. What colors of the rainbow do the flowers in my garden represent? Can I find one for each major color in the spectrum?

Indeed I can!

Red

Nothing captures the color red as perfectly as a flawless red rose — especially when using a macro lens! I love the color red and I love my macro lens, so spotting this beauty was a match made in heaven.

Red

Orange

Depending on how the light hits them, orange flowers are quite interesting. Their color can range from one extreme to the other. I loved how these petals were being backlit by the late-day sun, creating shadows that varied the depth of color.

Orange

Yellow

A Black-eyed Susan has a way of making me smile. Such a hardy flower — even after this week’s incredible heat. They are always a bright spot in my garden and a welcome splash of color. Every year I wonder what new piece of garden real estate they will claim as their own. They do like to spread out.

Yellow

Green

This color was a tough one. There are not many plants that actually have a green flower. Certainly not in my garden anyway. So, I’m taking some liberty here with a poppy bud. It is green for a long period of time — so that has to count for something. Besides, look how devoted it is to protecting it contents. I call that love!

Green

Blue

I have a particular fondness for balloon flowers. They look so different when sealed up like a balloon than they do when they pop open. I have both white and blue balloon flowers nearby. Depending on whether they are open or closed, the blue can take on a more purple appearance. My favorite time to photograph blue balloon flowers is right after a rain shower.

Blue

Indigo

In the color spectrum, indigo is such an interesting color. Its deep, dark blue hue can really provide some great color in the garden. Although I don’t know the name of this small flower, I loved the contrast of its gold center against its petals.

Indigo

Violet

While actual violets would seem to be the natural flower to showcase here, I don’t have any of them in my garden. Instead I’ve chosen my beloved grape hyacinths. I love these little guys and think they, too, represent the color violet quite nicely! Besides, they’ve served me quite well.

Violet

Take The Rainbow Challenge!

How many different flowers can you find that match the colors of the rainbow?  Let’s see!  LIKE the Liz Mackney Photography Facebook page and post your photo with the phrase “Rainbow Challenge.” Don’t forget to include the rainbow color you feel the flower represents.

Your Friend – ROY G BIV

Helpful Hint! If you have trouble remembering the names of the rainbow colors, think ROY G BIV. It works every time for me!

I look forward to seeing what flowers and colors you find!

~ Liz Mackney

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