I was at the local big box store this weekend. I was quite bored as Mary wandered through the greenhouse section, looking for something new for our landscaping. All I had with me was my smart phone. I quickly came alert as I realized there were some interesting patterns and textures to see.

I don’t even know what these plants are. They were clearly labeled, but in my excitement, I forgot to look. I’m almost certain they’re not natives, but that’s okay. It definitely helped that an employee was hand-watering them while we were there. The added water droplets and sheen are great.

I selected three of the shots and decided to convert them all to black and white. I frequently take a quick look at a color photo in black and white, just to see if something pops. I was not disappointed.

This first photo shows a plant with large, mottled, shiny leaves. I like how some of the leaves are mostly yellow, some are mostly green, some have yellow spots, and some have green spots. I don’t know if that’s a development stage or if that’s the way the leaves look when fully-developed, but they are amazing.

Big Box Find #1

The black and white version is also very striking, with the yellows turning light and the greens going dark.

Big Box Find #1 – Black & White

These pink, red, and purple, trumpet-shaped flowers look nice against the light green foliage. It’s nice that some are fully open and others only partially. The water droplets are nice.

Big Box Find #2

I really like the black and white version. You’d think that removing the color from such a colorful scene could only detract, but I don’t think so.

Big Box Find #2 – Black & White

I liked the densely-packed flowers this plant presented. All the flowers are about the same size and color. You can’t see the foliage because they are so tightly spaced. The green you see is in the center of each flower.

Big Box Find #3

The black and white version allows you to see more clearly the shape and texture of the arrangement. I also get the impression that it goes on forever.

Big Box Find #3 – Black & White