Trillium Addiction

I cannot kick the habit! The trillium wildflowers are still in bloom in the woods, and some are turning from white to pink. I am still captivated by the two plants I saw growing tall against the massive cedar tree.

Here is the oil painting version.....

On my third rendition which is a large watercolor painting.

Addiction is acknowledged.

Recovery, uncertain.

Sunday Sketch

Strange name and strange looking flower, an early spring favorite, the Hellebore has captured my attention today.

Once again, I am fascinated by the lines and shapes. I could not resist painting them with watercolors.

Each flower in this sketch is at a different stage of bloom. I find Hellebores amazing and love the details in the center of the flower.


The flowers have five "petals" (actually sepals) surrounding a ring of small, cup-like nectaries (petals modified to hold nectar). The sepals do not fall as petals would, but remain on the plant, sometimes for many months.

The all green Helebores are unique and I am looking for one of these plants to add to my collection.

Hellebores Are Not Boring

One of the first flowers of spring are the Hellebore. Strange name for a rather amusing looking flower. They are not the kind of flower that you pass by. The detail is quite amazing; I think they look rather prehistoric. Hellebore come in various colors; white, yellow, green, pink, and purple.


I like the colors, shapes, and center of the flower......great subject matter for a sketch or painting.

Here is a closer view:


I learned that Hellebores have a long history in cultivation, particularly in Europe. For centuries they have been used for various medical purposes, and all contain alkaloids and other chemicals that could lead to poisoning if ingested in large quantities. Hellebores are even mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman literature, but it is not certain if the references are to the same plants of today. They have also been cultivated in western Europe and can be found naturalized around ruins of old monasteries and other structures. Extracts from Hellebores have been used in homeopathy and traditional medicines in several countries.

Compulsive Orchid Desire

Orchids are amazingly beautiful plants. Did you know that the number of orchid species equals more than twice the number of bird species, and about four times the number of mammal species?

I have gifted myself with several plants over the years and rejoice when they bloom again. Admittedly, I have killed several. What I have learned is that if you find the right placement in your house, they will survive. But, finding that right place may come with a few challenges because winter placement is not necessarily where they want to be living in the summer time. I end up moving them around the house. Finicky little guys!

I belong to the orchid addiction society. Most of my purchases are compulsive, but a few times I have specifically set out to find one; last year it was my Valentines' gift to myself.

Trader Joe's has been one of the best places to shop for orchids because they have a great selection and good prices. They even felt sorry for me when I told them about how my last two orchid purchases died. They gave me another one! I must admit, my cousin did tell them it was my birthday.

Fred Meyers comes in second for my orchid fetish. The last compulsive orchid purchase is now sending up a new shoot and I anxiously await the flowers. The other day as I was leaving the store, I ran into the orchid display. I could not resist this one! Anyways, Valentines' Day is just around the corner, so the purchase was justified.

Isn't she a beauty?!?


I have never seen an orchid with purple spots.



I am smitten :)

Vibrant Color

Every time on my way home from town, I pass by a locally owned nursery, The Perennial Gardener and wonder. Today, I stopped. Oh my gosh, what a lovely nursery with friendly, helpful staff! I had nothing particularly in mind, but I knew something would jump out at me.

After planting over a dozen packs of flower seeds, only two Cosmo plants have made it through our unusual summer. I want color! I was delighted by the vibrant colors of the petunia and the plants were huge.

Immediately when I arrived home, the petunias were planted. A few moments later before I could get the watering can, a butterfly came to enjoy their sweet nectar. What a treat!

Tiger Swallowtail on "Famous" Petunia

The other picks.....

"Jamboree Burgundy" Petunia

"Wave Purple" Petunia

The colors are so vibrant.

I cannot wait to see their colorful faces in the morning!

Another Fabulous Bloom

I cannot resist sharing photos of beautiful flowers that have crossed my path. Many of which will probably become subject matter for watercolor paintings. Stay tuned!

This plant was a compulsive selection at the garden store. Thankfully, two of the three plants survived the slugs and a small child visiting.

Daily, I watch the unveiling of blooms.

It is a Lily named Black Spider.



Today's display looks like this:


The full name on the tag reads; Tango Asiatic Lily Litium asiaticum 'Black Spider'

What a beauty, wouldn't you agree?

Pea Invasion

I love to grow plants and play in the soil.

When I moved, a year ago, my garden consisted of three potted tomato plants and one strawberry pot. The lot surrounding the house was a weed field.

This year along with planting some fruit trees and ornamental trees I wanted to have a veggie garden. I made one 5 foot by 8 foot box and filled it with wonderful, dark, rich soil. This was going to get me by for a veggie garden this summer.

Snow peas are a must and were the first seeds in the ground. I usually plant enough to share with friends and family.........everyone loves snow peas!

This spring was unusually cold and wet here in Washington. In fact, most say we have gone from winter to summer. The lettuce seeds drowned, spinach never matured, and the beets and carrots are scraggly. The slugs ate my pepper and cucumber plant.

But the peas thrived and invaded the garden box.



Other than peas, I have my old faithful tomato plants and strawberries for this summer's garden endeavors. We shall see what next year brings.......

Seeds To Grow On

Today, I attended a plant sale in Olympia, Washington, where the proceeds from the sale would help families in East Africa plant gardens for fresh food.

Master gardener, Diane Claussen, sponsored this plant sale with donations from her beautiful garden and some of her friends. She commented that this money would help install clean water systems and teach the people how to plant irrigated gardens in the small villages of East Africa.



I must admit, I made a generous donation and came home with enough plants to spend the entire day in my yard planting.

You can still make donations; contact Diane at 360-413-0726