Stargazer Lily

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One of the most stunning and perhaps most celebrated lily varieties is the stargazer Lily. Known for its striking blooms and heavenly scent, the stargazer is a fantastic choice for a number of occasions. Delicate, bold, and fragrant all at once, stargazers can say Congratulations, I'm Sorry, and everything in between.
In ancient mythology and in folklore from around the world, the lily has appeared as a deeply spiritual and philosophical metaphor. Developed in the latter part of the 20th century, the stargazer lily is a recent addition to the lily family, but this unique and rather exotic hybrid has rapidly risen in popularity to become one of the most adored and sought-after of all lily varieties.
The lily family has traditionally represented innocence and purity. These motifs appeared as far back as ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and reappeared in biblical traditions. Stargazer lilies have come to be associated with these meanings, but they've taken on additional meanings as well. White stargazer lilies, in particular, have come to characterize a sense of purity and are often used as an expression of sympathy. The pink varieties are also considered symbolic of wealth and prosperity, as well being as a sign of aspiration.
Of the many different lilies that are available today, the stargazer lily is one of the true stand-outs. Its spectacular blooms, which can range in color from pure white to the more familiar shades of deep pink, can make a definite impression. Its dazzling appearance and seductive scent has resulted in a flower that can really make an entrance. Stargazers are floral celebrities – bold, beautiful and dramatic – and they're sure to make that statement for you, whatever the occasion may be.
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Settings (1st photo)

• Camera Olymus E500
• Aperture - f/3.5
• Shutter speed - 1/13sec
• ISO-320
• Focal Length - 50mm
• Exposure compensation +0.3 step
  

Settings (2nd photo)

• Aperture f/3.5
• Shutter speed - 1/13sec
• ISO-320
• Focal Length - 50mm
• Exposure compensation +0.3 step

Hyacinth

This is a photo of some hyacinths I've grown from bulbs. The perfume from them is so fragrant, you can smell them as you walk through the door (better than any air freshener you can buy in the shops).

The word hyacinth comes from the Greek Hyakinthos, a handsome young man who in Greek mythology was loved by the sun god Apollo. One day they were practising throwing the discus but the jealous god of the West Wind, who was also in love with Hyakinthos, blew the discus back and it fatally wounded him. From his blood grew a flower which the god Apollo named after him.Origin: It was brought to Western Europe in the 16th century and was first cultivated in Austria in the 1500's. During the 17th and 18th centuries, like the tulip, it was to be found only in the collections of very rich flower collectors. Because of the hyacinth's pervasive perfume, the bulbs were exorbitantly expensive. The bulbs are now grown in Holland and Great Britain.Colour: Usually white, pink, peach and blue. More unusual colours to look for include dark wine purples , rosy reds, navy, egg-yolk yellows and soft oranges.

Settings

• Camera Olymus E500


• Aperture - f/8


• Shutter speed - 1/50 sec


• ISO-100


• Focal Length - 50mm


• Exposure compensation - 0.6 step

Looking closely inside the tiny floret of a hyacinth, it's like another world. It looks like some kind of tiny creature is making it's way out of it's hiding place..