Urban Gardner

I’ve been turning my backyard into a bee and butterfly friendly space—raised beds for edibles surrounded by bursts of flowers. Over time it’s become a permanent pollinator garden. Perennials like lavender, sage, and yarrow form the structure, while wildflower mixes and annuals fill in the color. It’s good for the bees and good for me.

I originally bought the Olympus 60mm macro lens to digitize my film negatives, but it’s changed the way I see the garden. I find myself drawn to the small moments—bees on blossoms, dew on petals, a flash of wings. I like shooting after a light rain or early in the morning when the light is soft and the world feels calm.

The garden keeps me grounded. As seasons shift, I plant, photograph, and let nature lead the rhythm. Each frame feels like a quiet conversation between the plants, the pollinators, and the lens.