incipience

[15_the_circle]

[OT from cottage renovations]

rhododendrons are for me, like tulips, something that takes an effort to appreciate.  taxonomically they are the same as azaleas of which I am so fond, so clearly the difference has no logical basis -- but what prejudice ever does? 

as with so much else I find the incipient stage more appealing.  here are a couple of examples. 

(click through these thumbnails for higher resolution images)

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the Circle

this cluster puts me in the mind of those beautifully wrapped packages from department stores in Japan. 

rhododendron bud

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3^rd Avenue

this bud shows a thematic element common to pine cones, artichokes, pineapples and the Chrysler building. 

rhododendron bud