Nature Journal: Pokeweed

Nature Journal: Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

A while back, I posted a photo of what I thought was poison ivy, here.  A kind and helpful reader corrected me and suggested I look up Virginia creeper.  So I did – and I’m relieved to say that my beautiful vine is, indeed, Virginia creeper – and now I don’t have to worry about eradicating it.

When I researched Virginia creeper, I learned that poison ivy is almost always found growing nearby, and sure enough, it is!  Here is a page from my nature journal depicting poison ivy.

 

Nature Journal: Beach Pea (Lathyrus japonicas)

Beach pea plants grow with wild abandon all over the yard. I love these flowers!

Nature Journal: Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda)

I found some sweet white violets growing in the yard, this afternoon. So much delightful fragrance from such tiny flowers! I didn’t want to sit on the ground and draw so I carefully dug up a little clump with surrounding soil, brought it in to the studio, drew it and placed it back where I found it. The ground is still moist from yesterday’s rain so I think it should be okay… I am so glad and grateful spring has finally sprung!

Nature Journal: Laurel?

The temperature rose into the low 60s today. Tomorrow it’s supposed to plunge down into the 30s... But I enjoyed the spring preview while it lasted...

I’m not sure what this plant is, possibly laurel? Just longing for a little color – even if it’s tinged with brown…

Bee Balm Flowers

I planted bee balm last year and was rewarded with these funky-looking flowers! I like ‘em! Both the flowers and leaves are edible.