During my weekly walkabout at the Botanical Garden, with camera around my neck, I was looking for green for Jude’s “Life in Colour” challenge. Not that there isn’t any green in a subtropical garden where staff and volunteers are continually working to keep “green” from taking over. Yes there is lots of green, but I was looking for greens with unusual textures and color variations and plant combinations. I was trying to not become overwhelmed by so many greens – all with wonderful textures and variations, all planted in beautiful combinations.

Maybe you’re wondering what my problem is – especially if you live up north where your world hadn’t turned very green yet. My problem is that the photos I liked the best, were really excited about, were the ones where other hues popped in. Other colors kind of photo bombed their way in. Snuck in through the back door.

See what I mean? That little red pepper just slipped in there and looks maybe a little smug or even giggling a bit on the inside. It is hard being subtle when you’re a red-hot pepper.

Oops, here’s another one…

As I was trying to photograph the beautiful form of these green palm fronds, I couldn’t very well climb up and cut down the fruit from the palm behind it. Instead, the red almost takes center stage in what was suppose to be a photograph of “green.” It would be a crime to crop it out of the photograph, don’t you think.

I never put my camera in my photography cart when I am ready to leave because the area along to exit boardwalk always had a surprise or two requiring me to get my camera out again. When I turned the corner and headed towards the exit from a direction I usually don’t take, I noticed beautiful, big green leaves and no other color trying to weasel their way in. I examined them, thinking about a good composition – and then I saw it.

This little critter was perched on a big green leaf and seemed quite happy to be there. He didn’t even move when I came within a couple of feet to take its picture. When I downloaded the photos into my computer, I got a closer look and realized that it is a work of art and very colorful.

What wonderful color in the tail, and look at how complex the wings are and especially where to wings join the body. I think Jude will forgive me for introducing this color into her “green” challenge. Right, Jude?