What's (in) the Picture?

Chris Breebaart Photography – finding stories

Posts tagged ‘garden’

Over The Lake

A wooden dock leading out over a calm lake surrounded by vibrant green trees and blooming flowers, with a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds.
A serene pond surrounded by lush greenery and blooming trees under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
A scenic view of a calm lake framed by a decorative metal arch, with lush greenery and colorful flowers along the banks, under a partly cloudy sky.
A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery, featuring a white gazebo-like structure by the water and two people near a wooden dock.
The Netherlands, Apeldoorn – May 2026

The pond in the park of palace Het Loo.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Bleu

A close-up view of a cluster of blue daisies with green stems and buds, set against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – May 2026

LAPC #399 ís ‘stuck in a place’. Egidio offers a way to create motivation or inspiration to go out and about. This method is in my words ‘open up to what is right under your nose’. For me the garden is always a source of inspiration.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Fleurs

Black and white photo of a cluster of daisies surrounded by green foliage, featuring blooming flowers and buds.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – May 2026

LAPC #399 ís ‘stuck in a place’. Egidio offers a way to create motivation or inspiration to go out and about. This method is in my words ‘open up to what is right under your nose’. For me the garden is always a source of inspiration.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Mono Water Drips

Close-up of wet leaves with droplets in black and white.
Close-up of large green leaves with droplets of water on them, in black and white.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – May 2026

LAPC #399 ís ‘stuck in a place’. Egidio offers a way to create motivation or inspiration to go out and about. This method is in my words ‘open up to what is right under your nose’. For me the garden is always a source of inspiration, especially when it has rained and the sunlight creats little diamonds on leaves. In this case Hosta and water drops.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Water Drops on a Bed of Green

Close-up of green leaf surface covered in water droplets, showcasing a pattern of shiny beads of water reflecting light.
Close-up of a green leaf covered in water droplets, showcasing the texture and curvature of the leaf.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – May 2026

LAPC #399 ís ‘stuck in a place’. Egidio offers a way to create motivation or inspiration to go out and about. This method is in my words ‘open up to what is right under your nose’. For me the garden is always a source of inspiration, especially when it has rained and the sunlight creats little diamonds on leaves. In this case, the same Hosta and water drops in color.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

The Dark Side

Close-up of a leaf showing water droplets on its textured surface in black and white.
Close-up of a leaf with water droplets in black and white, showcasing the texture and curves of the leaf.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – May 2026

LAPC #399 ís ‘stuck in a place’. Egidio offers a way to create motivation or inspiration to go out and about. This method is in my words ‘open up to what is right under your nose’. For me the garden is always a source of inspiration, especially when it has rained and the sunlight creats little diamonds on leaves. In this case, Hosta and water drops.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Wood

Close-up of a textured wooden surface in black and white, showing grain patterns and shadows.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – May 2026

An abstract of the texture of garden furniture.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Watered Wood

Close-up of wooden planks with sunlight reflecting off the surface, showcasing a mix of dark and light tones.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – May 2026

The theme of LAPC #398 is ‘choose your color’. The brief is to present a photo with a dominant color. Despite being a big fan of monochrome, I do love colors. The fun of colors is their subjectivity; any color has fans and haters. The sense making of colors is as diverse as people are unique. And that’s good. We need colors and images in our life to tell our stories.

An abstract of the texture of garden furniture with a little pool of water.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Last Garden Tulips of 2026

Two tulips in soft focus, one red-orange and the other pink, against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – April 2026
A cluster of pink and red tulips in full bloom surrounded by green leaves, set against a grey pavement background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – April 2026

The last of tulip shots of the garden for this year.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Magnolia

Close-up of vibrant pink magnolia flowers surrounded by green leaves against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – March 2026

Magnolia, it is not only about bulbflowers this Spring.  

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

At the back

Close-up of white tulip flowers in black and white, with soft petals and blurred background.
A close-up image of pink tulips with soft, blended petals and green leaves, set against a blurred background.
A close-up black and white photograph of blooming tulips, showcasing their soft petals and elegant shapes.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – April 2026

It is not only flowers on fields around the villages, but every garden has its own share of bulbflowers popping out in the Spring. 

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.  

Tulips up Front

Close-up of a pink tulip with water droplets, surrounded by blurred pink tulips in the background.
A colorful cluster of pink and red tulips surrounded by green leaves, captured in bright natural light.
A cluster of pink and red tulips in full bloom, surrounded by green leaves, with a soft blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – April 2026

It is not only flowers on fields around the villages, but every garden has its own share of bulbflowers popping out in the Spring.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Sunrise in black and grey

Silhouette of bare trees against a misty sky with the sun partially visible in black and white.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest –

A monochrome sunrise in black and greys.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Magnolia in Mono

A close-up of a bare tree branch with small buds, captured in black and white, set against a misty background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – March 2026

The Magnoliaa few weeks ago, ready to burst out into Spring.

The foreground is here the show stealer, the background adds just context to the frame. For this week’s LAPC (#392) ‘foreground, middle and background’.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Capturing Spring Rain: Foreground, Middle, and Background

A close-up view of a flowering branch with purple buds and newly sprouting leaves, set against a backdrop of blurred rain and greenery.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – March 2026

A shower of Spring rain with sun lighting up the drops. Setting the scene in the middle ground as the foreground and background form the stage setting. The theme of this week’s LAPC (#392) is ‘foreground, middle and background’.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Sunrise Sparkles

Close-up of bare branches with small, budding leaves against a blurred green background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – March 2026

The Magnolia against the upcoming sunlight for this week’s LAPC theme week (#391) ‘Phone photography’.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

A matter of taste and choice – episode 8

A pink flowering tree in a green park setting with a building in the background.
A monochromatic image of a flowering tree with delicate blossoms set against a blurred background.
A flowering cherry tree with delicate pink blossoms against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – March 2026

The garden comes back to green and colors. This tree was a new addition and looked quite poorly but is recovering day by day.

The LAPC theme this week (#391) is ‘Phone photography’.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

A matter of taste and choice – Episode 7

A small flowering tree stands prominently in the foreground, surrounded by a blurred background of grass and trees, captured in black and white.
A small cherry blossom tree in full bloom with pink flowers, set against a green grassy background and a blurred building in the distance.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – March 2026

This week’s theme #390 is ‘color in black and white’. The theme focuses on the cognitive fact that our brains still know a color, even if it is in a grey tone. So the sky is blue, the grass green etc. Here you can see what colors do in greys, and if that is appealing or not to your taste pallet. For me this challenge is a bit of fun: most of the time I am looking at the world translating colors straight into grey tones, seeing if a photo is working in monochrome or not. Thanks Egidio for this challenge.

If you visit my blog – like I hope you do or from now start to do – you must have recognized my ‘old’ love for monochrome. When I started this hobby, mono was fashionable and a standard for news photography. And it was cheaper. In this series I offer you two versions of a photo. And you can prefer one over the other, or not.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

All Seasons Lavender

A close-up view of blooming lavender plants with vibrant purple flowers and green foliage.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – March 2026

Long ago each season had its own indicators: vegetables, flowers, products. But nowadays in a world economy you can eat vegetables all year round. And now you can have lavender all year round as well. Not the whole year but starting from Spring.

Lavender for me is a ride through the Provence, with the scent in the air as you oversee fields of purple. In Summer.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

When you see Daffodils, Spring calls

Plant arrangement featuring vibrant yellow daffodils and green foliage in a rustic wooden pot.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – March 2026

Daffodils are among the first bulbflowers to pop up in Spring.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Garden Center

A close-up view of potted plants with colorful identification tags, arranged in rows at a garden center.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – February 2026

Spring is coming. even when we are still in Winter.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Forsythia

Close-up of yellow witch hazel flowers on a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – February 2026

Spring is around the corner. The garden wakes up slowly, with the Forsythia claiming the first flowering spot.The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – February 2026

This weeks Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #387 is Shadowed. How do you use shadows in photography.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Winter Spring

A bare tree with delicate white blossoms against a blurred, wintery background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – December 2025

Even in Winter there is blossom. Like Spring is already here.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Winter Blossom

A monochrome image of a small tree with delicate blossoms, creating a contrast against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – December 2025

Even in Winter there is blossom. And in monochrome it looks like snow :-).

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Winter Blossom

A small tree with delicate pink blossoms in winter, set against a blurred green background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – December 2025

Even in Winter there is blossom.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Spring Ready

Close-up of Magnolia leaves with varying colors, featuring one vibrant yellow leaf and a smaller green leaf, set against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – December 2025

The last leaves of the Magnolia

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Night View

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – October 2025

The garden at night. The Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #375 is ‘where to find the mysterious’.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Autumn Details

Close-up of vibrant autumn leaves in shades of red, orange, and yellow with a blurred background, capturing the beauty of the season.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – October 2025

Autumn is there, colors and details of the leaves are beautiful. Glimpses of moments that pass quickly and are gone fast.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Where Green Goes Red

Close-up of colorful autumn leaves with vibrant red, orange, and green hues, set against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – October 2025

Autumn is there, colors of leaves are beautiful. A spot of green is all that remains for a short while.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

In the wind

Close-up of autumn leaves with vibrant red and orange colors, against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – October 2025

Autumn is there, colors of leaves are beautiful. Unfortunately we had a lot of wind, so lots of leaves are off.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Hosta

Close-up of a vibrant yellow leaf among green foliage, showcasing autumn colors and textures.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – October 2025

Autumn is approaching, the rain and gray skies are more and more the new normal. Luckily there is the occasional sun to enjoy, and the beautiful coloring of plants and trees.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Autumn Announced

Close-up view of green and yellow leaves illuminated by sunlight, framed by darker foliage.
Close-up view of vibrant green and yellow leaves framing tall grass and plants in the background, hinting at the autumn season.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – October 2025

Autumn is approaching, the rain and grey skies are more and more the new normal. Luckily there is the occasional sun to enjoy.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Outstanding

Black and white close-up of a Knautia Arvensis plant, showcasing its leaves and budding flower against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

In the front garden, next to the Japanese Anemone, there is a Knautia Arvensis. It is more easily known as Field Scabiosa.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Star

A close-up, black-and-white image of a Knautia Arvensis flower, also known as Field Scabiosa, standing tall in a garden. The flower has a star-like appearance with a slender stem.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

In the front garden, next to the Japanese Anemone, there is a Knautia Arvensis. It is more easily known as Field Scabiosa. It is literally a star.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Japanese Anemone

A close-up photograph of pink and purple Japanese Anemone flowers with delicate petals, set against a dark background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2024

To close the series of the Japanese Anemone, a last one in color.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Monochrome Moods

Monochrome photograph of delicate flowers with soft focus, showcasing their intricate details and textures.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2024

I like monochrome photography for many reasons. One of them is the ability to play with the mood in the photo. Just by adjusting the aperture time or the opening of the lens, the same light delivers a different mood. This one and the photo I published yesterday, were shot on the same day.

Lens- Artist Challenge #364 is ‘Quiet Moment’. Close ups of natural beauty are a wonderful instrument to just be quiet, enjoying the view. And to realize all is connected.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Delicate

Black and white close-up photo of delicate flowers and buds against a blurred background, emphasizing their natural beauty.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

Lens- Artist Challenge #364 is ‘Quiet Moment’. Close ups of natural beauty are a wonderful instrument to just be quiet, enjoying the view. And to realize all is connected.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Growing Up

Black and white photograph of a thin branch with sparse twigs, set against a softly blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

The aim is to get up into the light and find your place among the rest of the garden.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Japanese Anemone

Close-up of a Japanese Anemone flower with light green leaves in the background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

The Japanese Anemone in the front garden at close look.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Final Approach

Aerial view of a black airplane flying against a light blue gradient background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

Incoming flights can be annoying, on the other hand they offer a dynamic photo subject!

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Levels Day

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

During the Summer we see much more incoming traffic to Schiphol Amsterdam. Quite annoying actually, every minute a plane coming in. During day time they approach just over 600 meters, but in the evening they fly in from 1000 meters. When the wind turns West again in Autumn it will be over. However, who enjoys sitting in his garden in Autumn rain?

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Morning Rain

Close-up of leaves with raindrops, illuminated by morning sunlight.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

The morning sun reflecting the drops of rain that the night left behind.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Catch if you can

Close-up of green leaves with water droplets, showcasing the impact of a dry summer on the garden.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

A long dry Summer with a garden begging for rain.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Hovering

Close-up view of pink flowers surrounded by green leaves in a garden, illuminated by morning sunlight, with a blurred background creating a 'hovering' effect.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

A plant in the front garden offers months of beauty in the sunlight of the morning sun. Using the portrait mode of the iPhone results in ‘hovering’ effects of parts of the plant that seem now unattached.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Front Garden Beauty

A close-up of colorful pink flowers amidst vibrant green leaves, illuminated by morning sunlight.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

A plant in the front garden offers months of beauty in the sunlight of the morning sun.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Hosta

Close-up of delicate pink flowers emerging from lush green foliage in the garden of Castle Keukenhof.

The Netherlands, Lisse – August 2025

The garden of castle De Keukenhof. 

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version

Castle Gardens

Colorful flower beds in the garden of Keukenhof castle, featuring decorative stone urns and lush greenery.
The Netherlands, Lisse – August 2025

The garden of castle De Keukenhof. 

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version