In Barbara's Garden

IN Barbara’s Garden 

- Photography by Michael Smith

I make pictures and music because it makes me happy to make other people happy. Flowers, hummingbirds and ukuleles automatically delight me so those are the things I like to share.

Almost all of my flower and bird photos come from the wonderful garden Barbara Smith created at our home on Second Street in Ann Arbor. The garden is a ballet of color and form, the glorious flowers and the dazzling hummingbirds showing off in leaps and bounds of beauty. It gives me great pleasure to share the joy I find in the backyard. 

Sitting in the garden by the bee balm and crocosmia, I try to capture the wonder of the hummingbirds that come to feed on the nectar from the plants. They are delightful creatures,  very entertaining and the highlight of summer for me.

For decades now I have been fortunate enough to make music with friends on many coffeehouse, saloon and outdoor stages in and around Ann Arbor. I am grateful for the opportunity to share the music I love in the bands  “The Cadillac Cowboys” and “The Bowdish Brothers” and in several productions of Jay Stielstra’s musical tribute to love, fishing, bars and Michigan, “The North Country Opera.” 

Thanks to all who have enjoyed the music and the pictures.