The Rose Mallow

At this time of year, the marshes, ponds and rivers are brightened by the blooms of the rose mallow. It is also known as the swamp mallow and marsh mallow. You can see how marsh mallows — the food item, not the flower — may have gotten it's name.

I took this photo at a pond a few days ago. They bloom from July through the end of August. They are a type of Hibiscus.

This image was taken in a marsh at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. The sunlight was falling on the bloom at just the right angle to illuminate the interior. Finding wonderful natural light is not like setting up a shot in the studio, so it is a delight to find it when you need it. The bokeh and blur in the background are also beautiful.

I took this photo one early morning on the river. I particularly admired this bush. It grew inside a tractor tire (!) that was apparently discarded along the shore. High tide always found it underwater, but despite being inundated with water half the day, it bloomed beautifully.

Here is another close-up of the same bush on another morning. The bees and hummingbirds loved it. Their greenery tends to be the target of Japanese beetles. You can see it is still graced by dewdrops in this picture. After looking forward to seeing it year after year it, unfortunately, died a couple years ago. I sure miss that plant when I go to the river. Silly me.