Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » David Tomlinson

Merlin’s Hollow, My First May Visit, Art of Decay

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 26 May 2013 05:07:28 +0000

This is my third year visiting and photographing the Merlin’s Hollow English garden here in the Town of Aurora. In the past I have been starting my visits in June.

You can definitely find more flowers later in the summer, but late spring always has many beautiful surprises thus it was my attempt not to miss this year’s May visit.

Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

And I am glad that I didn’t miss the May visit as I was able to add more flowers to my Merlin’s Hollow flower collection. Despite the cold temperatures and rain, I was able to find new plant species never mind in three life stages – closed bulbs ready for blooming, full blooming flowers and decaying flowers.

As always I tend to photograph the perfect flowers; however, this time I found art in the decay – an abstract art.

Tulip, Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

Over the years when photographing flowers I choose to look at the beautiful blooming flowers, but I will not do that anymore, I am going to enjoy all stages of life of the plant species. They all deserve attention.

Yes, I find abstract in the decaying flowers. The perfect patterned architecture of the flowers does not exist anymore. As the decay progresses the inner beauty of the flower is revealed, the seeds form and the beauty is passed on. Okay, not always from seeds.

Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

So I am bragging about decaying flowers and almost none are here. However, I did post more Merlin’s Hollow photos on Facebook and you can find decaying one there hiding between other photos. I did expend my horizons and I have been more active on the social media.

I do showcase more photography of Aurora and beyond on Facebook, so you are more than welcome to be my friend, see badge on the sidebar.

Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

The visits to the Merlin’s Hollow aren’t just about the flowers. I always look forward to meet Dierdre. She is a story teller and I enjoy every chance I get to talk to her. As well I get little hints there and there from David what to look for.

David Tomlinson, Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

Visitors, Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

I came later in the afternoon and I was amazed how much I was able find to photograph even thought I have been in this garden many times. No moment or time or plant species are the same. I nearly spent there two hours and probably would more, but then family obligations – my gang was waiting for me at home.

Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

Melinda’s Room, I’ve Always Considered Myself A Lucky Person

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:02:50 +0000

I was thinking about Dierdre and she was also thinking about me. She tried to get hold of me and invite me to the Melinda’s Room opening reception evening on May 2nd, 2013 at the Aurora Cultural Centre. At the same time I was planning as well to visit Melinda’s Room exhibition that evening, but a bit later.

I also wanted to see Dierdre as I have not seen her since last fall. After all, it was a pleasure to meet smiling Dierdre and David again.

Melinda’s Room, Images & Words, Aurora Cultural Centre

Dierdre Tomlinson, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre

The exhibition was assembled to celebrate Melinda’s life who lost her battle to extreme Bi-polar disorder. Dierdre and David Tomlinson’s showcased Melinda’s intriguing artwork and writings. I was privileged to receive from Dierdre her speech notes quoting this:

“Her subjects were often the disadvantaged, the bullied, poor or handicapped; bag ladies and strippers. Eccentric paintings, framed by several tiny written lines of text, cast a compassionate eye on people trapped in unenviable lives. She knew that well – for almost all her adult life she displayed dignity and courage in an incremental battle with extreme Bi-polar Disorder.“

Dierdre Tomlinson, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre

It was such a beautiful and peaceful evening, an evening of closure, and I got an opportunity to observe almost all through my lens. Amazing level of engagement from visitors looking at Melinda’s artwork and reading Melinda’s writings that were posted on the walls and also assembled into binders.

David Tomlinson, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre

In the early days when I was just getting to know Dierdre she always told me stories. She also told me a bit about Melinda. More so she sent me home with material to read. She never explicitly told me about her daughter then, but she did give me pages of words that told stories about Melinda’s life.

“I’ve Always Considered Myself A Lucky Person“, these were the words written to Dierdre by Melinda, and she always will be lucky to have such inspiring parents.

Melinda’s Room, Images & Words, Aurora Cultural Centre

Melinda’s Room exhibition is open to public at the Aurora Cultural Centre until mid June and I encourage you to visit if you can.

Michelle, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre

Merlin’s Hollow, Busy Bee World Under The Microscope

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:23:38 +0000

I almost forgot that I had all these nice pictures of bugs I took at the Merlin’s Hollow English garden visit at the beginning of this month. Not sure if I said that before but Merlin’s Hollow garden is always full of surprises and this year I entered another dimension – the macro world.

A Fly, Merlin's Hollow English Garden

I remember those days when all the birds I saw around me always look the same, but not until I got birding book, camera and photo lens. Now I can say the same about the insects. At some point they all used to look the same especially bees and flies. Well it isn’t the case anymore and I shall put that blame on my macro lens.

So here I am standing and bending and taking photos but I couldn’t help to listen to the conversation, okay I was kind of eavesdropping, but I was there and wasn’t hiding – may be it does not count. The conversation was between a visiting lady and David Tomlinson.

A Snail, Merlin's Hollow English Garden

I am not sure who it was, may be she was talking about her son. She was little disappointed that, let say it was her son she was talking about, after graduating from university wants to be a farmer. Okay at that point I did not have any particular subject to photograph in front of me so I turned around and said: ‘Trust me after graduating from university we all want to be farmers‘.

‘Why, did you go to university?‘ – she asked. ‘Yes, many years ago and why – because it is very stressful, and it does not get any better because some of the jobs become very demanding‘. And then Mr. Tomlinson added ‘or go to university to get a job to support your farm‘. ‘Exactly‘ – I nodded.

A Bee, Merlin's Hollow English Garden

Speaking of farming let me bring to your attention my latest finding about this open source ecology project. You can watch the video here and find out more about the open source ecology project started by Marchin Jakubowski. However, this is the closest example of putting your degree into a good use – farming.

A Lady Bug? Merlin's Hollow English Garden

About 10,000 bird species – not sure if there is that one person in the world who was able to see them all. The last bird book I read the author had record of over 3,000 bird species. Now imagine insects, there are millions and millions of them and I am sure millions of them not identified yet.

Red Ant, Merlin's Hollow English Garden

So when I was shooting bug photo Mr. Tomlinson asked me what I was pointing at. So I showed him and he said he would love to identify all the insects in his garden. ‘But there are so many of them, just searching for name can be a full time job‘. Okay I should have known better. He pointed out that ‘if you are looking at the fly you would go to the fly section and so you are looking at the smaller population of insects‘.

Yes he is right, starting with the sub-categories will get you to ID the insect faster, but I will hold off on the identification idea of the bugs for now – just too many, too many to handle for now.

Another Fly, Merlin's Hollow English Garden

It was time to go. On my way out I was still taking last photos and at the same time I yelled to my husband – ‘this should be bug garden as well, there are so many of them here‘. A lady on the other side of the flower bed got excited and called back at me – ‘this is called a bug garden?‘. ‘No no this is English garden‘ – I replied. ‘Oh okay‘ – she replied bowing her head and I smiled back.

May be next time I will keep quite otherwise I will start a rumor that never existed.

Merlin’s Hollow Always Beautiful Garden With Gardens, June Flower Bloom

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 03:48:41 +0000

If I had all the time in the world I would spend many hours in the Merlin’s Hollow garden. This time I made sure I didn’t miss the June visit. The garden was ever beautiful, not that it wasn’t last time, but I am appreciating more and more every and each visit. I think my eyes are now trained to see more.

Merlin's Hollow, Aurora

I must say that the garden is becoming photographers gathering place.

Merlin's Hollow, Aurora

A year passed, and about a year ago I met here at the Merlin’s Hollow grounds another photographer from Aurora. I knew James from before by visiting his flickr james lj’s photostream. His photography includes photographs of nature and wildlife here in Aurora – absolutely must see his surreal photo gallery.

I know, I know – the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. But I cannot help whenever I look at James’ photos. I am always impressed with his photos no matter how hard I try to tap myself on my shoulder. They are always so crisp, artistic and in action.

Merlin's Hollow, Aurora

Let me tell you more what happened next.

Dierdre Tomlinson recognized me. Soon as I arrived and was taking photos she came up to us and told me – ‘I was just looking at your photos yesterday‘. Oh that was so nice of her. The power of thought worked too, since I showed up the next day. I think I will do the same and I will give her 2012 garden photos.

It was so nice of her to remember us. Dierdre seems as a lady who would remember all her visitors or at least to whom she talked to. Oh and if I will continue to get that kind of welcomes – I am never going to leave Aurora.

Merlin's Hollow, Aurora

This garden has over one thousand or more species. This is probably one of the reasons why we photographers love it because we can photograph and photograph and never leave the garden. It also helps to have flowers in small clusters because when photographing it is much easier to isolate single flower from the rest.

Merlin's Hollow, Aurora

As I mentioned before, the Merlin’s Hollow garden is definitely photographers gathering place. It is now very common to see people equipped with high end DSLRs, zoom lenses and carrying tripods. I don’t carry a tripod, but one lady did. I was just glad that there was no wind that day. However, it rained the night before and I was pleased.

Merlin's Hollow, Aurora

‘This is my favorite flower‘ – Matthew said for the flower below and I think I know why. The contrast of the yellow and purple does creates stunning effect. When I processed the photo I was able to see the purple beaded hair dancing around the filaments. Isn’t nature amazing to add such a beautiful decor to this flower?

Merlin's Hollow, Aurora

I am not posting all the photos here. I captured some nice photos of insects and snails which I will showcase next. There are probably the same number of different insects species as flowers in the Merlin’s Hollow.

They are small and can be as small as every period on this page. Many are hiding somewhere, but lot of them were enjoying the beautiful colors and of course the sweet sweet nectar.

Merlin's Hollow, Aurora

Just before leaving James briefly introduced me to Peter, another great photographer who has aurora_photog flickr blog. I must admit that Peter’s everyday photo publishing sometimes gives away clues and next day I am trailing the same path.

Merlin's Hollow, Aurora

And here is something to look forward – the next bloom in July.

Merlin's Hollow, Aurora

Beehives, You Will Not Find Them ON Town Facilities

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 05:12:09 +0000

I had to giggle. It was proposed and then defeated back in January. From the environmental perspective I think that was a very interesting proposal, that is to implement an initiative to place beehives on the roofs of municipal facilities.

Well, there is a reason for everything and there must have been one for David Tomlinson’s motion to place beehives on top of the town building.

I had to find reason for that motion, so I started to search. I searched, and searched and still am searching. The Auroran reported as well that there wasn’t a good reason for that. But we do know that honey bee population is declining, thus maybe David’s motion. I must agree that there are risks placing them on top of the building, not just the town building but any building in Aurora.

Beehives on Bayview Street, Aurora

On the other hand, I once read news released by the Toronto star about honey bee queens being blocked at the border. It was interesting to know that honey bees (queens) are being imported in Canada, especially in Alberta.

‘Alberta imports about 60,000 queens a year, at about $20 to $23 each. Queens lay between 1,500 to 2,000 eggs a day, so any delays have a “huge domino effect” … Source: Toronto Star Article

And it was interesting to know that the queens are imported to pollinate hybrid canola plant. Oh that is just slavery, especially knowing that canola oil is not good for anyone.

‘Of the 240,000 colonies in Alberta, about 60,000 are contracted out for hybrid canola seed production, he said. Renting a colony costs between $120 to $150 for a summer, he said. Once the seed is planted the wind takes care of pollination.‘ Source: Toronto Star Article

Want to know if we have beehives in Aurora? Just drive South on Bayview Street pass Wellington, on the East side. I always saw in my peripheral vision these white boxes when driving by until one day I stopped and realized they were beehives. Sooner or later I will find out more.

Community Fisheries, Just A Sign Beside The Beehives

Wildlife Park In Aurora, Yes, Yes, We Must Have One

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:46:55 +0000

I was behind with my newspaper reading this week. It was last night that I finally took the Thursday The Banner/The Era roll of papers from February 2nd and started to look through.

After scanning and finally reading something interesting ‘Town seeks plan for wildlife park‘ by Jeremy Grimaldi, I thought what a wonderful great amazing thoughtful idea and we are one step closer after council approved spending over $200,000 to create the master plan for the wildlife site.

Downy Woodpecker, Nokiidaa Trail Boardwalk

A wildlife park site in Aurora. Just another reason for me not to move, however, I never had any intentions to move in the first place and what would just happened to my blog – so no.

Praying Mantis, Nokiidaa Trail Boardwalk

Provided the location of the proposed wildlife site, north of Wellington Street, between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street, I looked up the Google map to see where would the block of 100 acres be. It is a stretch of land that looking from the top view it has a nice mix of wetlands, woodlands and grasslands. According to David Tomlinson this combination is a great mix to create an urban nature reserve.

Grass Species, Nokiidaa Trail Boardwalk

The Google map is probably outdated by now (it was at the time Longo’s plaza was constructed) so I must one day see the site for myself. The trees are probably much bigger and probably more overgrown.

While reading, I am also impressed with Mr. Tomlinson’s work in that area – logging the species. Witnessing 150 bird species at the site, and 75 nesting. However, I recall him writing before in the Auroran that we have 100 bird species in Aurora. Well they come and go, like that Pelican that flew over Aurora many moons ago.

My birding list would really improve if I was able to witness this number too. My list is over 110 bird species, but I cheated a bid because I added many birds in captivity I saw at the Jurong Bird Park in Singapore. Someone told me that it doesn’t count and this someone is probably right.

Mushrooms or Fungi, Case Woodlot

So what is in the master plan that excite me? ‘The master plan will include a proposal for bird watching towers, an educational centre (aha may be Petch house?) and trails through parts of the site.’ – The Banner reported.

Can we ask for more here in Aurora? I don’t think so, but may be few more wildlife parks after that. We just have to get one going.

Humming Hummingbirds, None This Year

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:11:16 +0000

I guess I wasn’t the only one looking for them. Couple of weeks ago THE AURORAN, Week of July 26, 2011 published in the section Letters to the Editor, a letter from David Tomlinson ‘Had hummingbirds drop in on you lately?‘. This week David is asking for help again in his another letter to the editor, ‘Reader still looking for hummingbirds‘.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris, Female, May 27-2010

The Aurora Wildlife and Naturalization Working Group over the last six years have been undertaking a survey of Aurora’s breeding bird population, as stated in THE AURORAN. The survey also includes hummingbirds, but seems like this year the Group is having issue finding them.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris, Female, May 27-2010

Well I have the same issue. For the past five years hummingbirds have been visiting my garden. Our backyard and the neighbors backyards are filled with the trees and bushes that attract hummingbirds. I don’t have hummingbird feeder and I don’t know who does in the neighborhood. I have Red Horse Chestnut, Aseculus x carnea ‘Briotti’ as you can see on the photos. This is where she came. Yes, only she. Never seen two or more.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris, Female, May 27-2010

This year I got a new camera and I was very eager to get more photos of them. The photos here are from last year’s unexpected photo shoot. They were coming everyday for the time of the blooming flowers, and May 27th was the best ‘light’ day for capturing these photos. Often, I spotted them sitting on the tree next to the Red Horse Chestnut tree. I hate to state, but this year the hummingbird photo shoot did not take place. Everyday at different times of the day I was looking for them. None.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris, Female, May 27-2010

But wait this does not mean I have not seen them this year. In the early spring I spotted them in the Hamilton Park, a trail behind the soccer field along the hydro lines leading towards the St. Andrew’s golf course. That day I did not have my camera with me, but I have memories. I truly enjoyed the view of them hovering around the bush.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris, Female, May 27-2010

I have been birding in Aurora since 2006, mainly taking photographs. In the past 5 years I have seen bird species shift from location to location. Every year I would come back to the same place and find something else instead. This may be due to the residential development or even the climate change.

I also noticed that in the Arboretum, a path which can be accessed from the Industrial Parkway/St. John’s sideroad, is always filled with Eastern Kingbirds, but this year definitely more of them. I had an opportunity to see few sitting on the wire fence, and not just one as per previous years. Not to mention flying over my head many times back and forth. The reason I mention the kingbirds here in the post, is that they have almost the same hovering ability as the hummingbirds. They often hover above the tall grass in the Arboretum.

And now, I shall do my part and call David Tomlinson about my observations.

Merlin’s Hollow, Best Of The Last Visit

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:50:19 +0000

It was another great visit accompanied by great weather conditions, sadly it was last one for the season, to the Merlin’s Hollow, an English garden created by the Tomlinson’s here in Aurora.