theflowerhour – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

the rugosa rose

We have snow blanketing the ground and evergreens standing tall at the moment that I could photograph. Right now, I have no fresh flowers in the vase to add a splash of color. However, while sifting through my old photos, I stumbled upon these shots of roses from my visit to the Espoo Cathedral several years ago; there were several flowers to photograph They are not at their peek, but sometimes even the decay looks good. Nowadays these flowers are to be eradicated, but my images were captured before that suggestion was made. I took a bit of editing liberties with the first two images to enhance their vibrant hues and textures, hoping to capture the essence of those fleeting moments when nature’s beauty takes center stage.

Why should we eradicate the rugosa rose?

The rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) is classified as an invasive species under Finnish legislation, and its spread must be prevented and populations eradicated. The cultivation of the rugosa rose and its white-flowered form (Rosa rugosa f. alba) is prohibited as of June 1, 2022.

Haitallisen kurtturuusun tunnistaminen ja torjunta pihalla ja ...

Rosa rugosa in English is commonly called Rugosa Rose, Japanese Rose, Beach Rose, or Ramanas Rose, known for its tough, wrinkled leaves, fragrant pink/white flowers, large vitamin C-rich hips, and hardiness in coastal/harsh conditions, but it’s also an invasive species in many areas due to its vigorous spreading, making it great for hedges but needing management.

Participating in The Flower Hour

The Beauty of a Rose

Flowers, Photography

Let’s kick of the year 2026 for The Flower Hour with a beautiful rose from my archives, showcasing its lively petals. Flowers, they offer us beauty and joy. Particularly during this season when they are so often found only in bouquets, so expect posts of past summer photos,

A vibrant purple rose in full bloom, accompanied by budding roses – nature’s beauty.

Joy in Simple Moments with Flowers

Flowers

Flowers are often a theme on Tuesdays, a ritual I cherish that brings a touch of beauty to my week. My last bouquet needed to be freshened up with some new flowers as some of them had been way too soon withered, their vibrant colors fading into dull reminders of their former glory, so I needed to remove them with care. As I was doing this, I looked at the cutting board I was using and had an opportunity to share with you the pretty cuttings on it, the remnants of petals and leaves that tell a story of their own. Each little piece seemed to reflect both the fragility and resilience of life. This shows you I have time on my hands and nothing grand going on, just mundane everyday life that often gets overlooked. However, when all is said and done, these small moments, like arranging flowers and contemplating their beauty, bring a sense of calm and joy, reminding me that finding pleasure in simplicity is truly a good thing.

Even they can make for a nice photograph. Or not. But for some reason, I saw something pretty here.

For so reason I did a color conversion. Editing 😂

the Beauty of White Orchids

Flowers, Photography

The delicate beauty of white orchids captivates all who encounter them, showcasing their ethereal elegance with every blossom. From their slender stems to the gentle curves of their petals, white orchids embody a tranquil essence. Furthermore, their significance in various cultures, often associated with love, fertility, and strength, enhances their allure, making them not just a visual delight but also a meaningful floral gift.

For Terri’s Flower Hour. See more responses here.

Elegant white orchids showcasing their delicate beauty.

Close-up of a beautiful white orchid, highlighting its delicate petals and vibrant center.

Symbolism and Colors of Frangipani

Flowers, Photography

For this week’s edition of The Flower Hour, I present to you images of the flower commonly referred to as Plumeria or Frangipani. These exquisite and aromatic blooms are a delight for all the senses and carry a plethora of cultural significances from tropical regions across the globe. Plumeria is frequently incorporated into various celebrations and ceremonies, as it symbolically represents love, devotion, and beauty. They exhibit a wide array of colors, ranging from gentle pinks and whites to vivid yellows and reds.

A close-up of pink Frangipani (Plumeria) flowers, their delicate petals and vibrant colors.

Close-up of vibrant Plumeria flowers with pink edges and yellow centers.

Close-up of Plumeria flowers and their vibrant beauty.

Little bits of Everyday Joy

Black and White photos, Flowers, how to survive November, Photography

I posted photos on November 7, showcasing the beautiful carnations that I had carefully bought, and yesterday I took these images of the flowers still left, vibrant and resilient. They have proved to give me a little bit of everyday happiness for nearly three weeks, brightening my space and lifting my spirits amidst the usual routine. The simple joys in life, allowing me to pause and appreciate their beauty, as they subtly transform each day.

I did lots of edits so I could get all these challenges into one post; my internet connection is acting up, and it kept breaking up constantly yesterday. I made comments, but they did not show up for me as done, etc. It has cut me off a few times already, so after this post, I am going to paint for the rest of the day. This is too frustrating for me. Wishing everyone a great day.

Oh to continue about frustrations, I learned this morning that out water would be got of for a day, hopefully less. But I found this out after the fact. Great start for the day, no coffee for me,

NovemberShadows and How to Survive November , also Monochrome Madness last but not least The Flower Hour #8 as all the photos are of flowers 😀

Carnations in a vase, adding a touch of elegance to the table. Square for **NovemberShadows**

A close-up of a delicate pink carnation in a glass bottle, capturing the essence of everyday beauty and resilience.⬜

A serene arrangement of pink carnations in delicate glass vases, beauty and resilience. For how to Survive November

A delicate white carnation in a glass vase,for **Monochrome Madness**

A delicate pink carnation in a glass vase,

Flower Aesthetics: Mood & Composition

Flowers, Photography

Flowers are good for all occasions and places, so I’ve forgotten to post flowers lately, but here is one for , a bit late but I don’t care if she doesn’t. Terri’s The #Flower Hour

I have two photos with slightly different compositions; also, the chosen color schemes are different, one with blue tones and the other with warm tones. So different in mood—same flower. One feels more welcoming; the blue tones have a somewhat distant, unapproachable feel. Am I still talking about a flower? 😂

A delicate white flower, highlighting its intricate petals and vibrant yellow center in warm tones

A beautiful white flower, showcasing its delicate petals and yellow accents in blue tones

Long-Lasting joy

Flowers, Photography

Carnations are such simple and pretty flowers that last a long time, and it’s no wonder people have loved them for ages! With their cool fringed petals and bright colors, these blooms come in all sorts of shades. Their staying power in a vase, makes sure they keep bringing some joy and color to your days for a while, so it’s easy to see why I buy them.

A bouquet of carnations, pink and deep pink blooms in a sleek blue vase I bought from a garage sale, it was a find.

For Terri’s Flower Hour

The Beauty of Flowers A memory of summer

Flowers, Photography

Flowers are just beautiful. Their bright colors and sweet smells bring gardens to life, and they remind me of all those warm, sunny summer days, buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies everywhere. It’s like nature’s own picture show that I wish I could snap and keep forever in my memory!