The Promise of Spring!

{Watercolor, 2010}

Last night I wandered around the front yard garden and sketched some of the flowers that are blooming. I also did some small drawings of the little comforts that we offer in order to attract birds (and by birds I also mean: squirrels, raccoons, feral cats and chipmunks.) I really love our yard, and this time of year it is hard to sit in my studio and work when all I want to do is dig in the dirt and monitor the progression and growth of my plants. I am especially in awe of God's great work during this time of year! Below are some pictures I took while I was outside last night.

{Adder's-Tongues, 2010}

These lovely little bulbs multiply like crazy. We live at the edge of a woodland and these grow in our lawn. You can imagine my delight when I discovered these during my first spring living in our home!

{English Daisies, 2010}

I planted these at the base of the birdbath and right in front of my studio window. They are so cute!

{Oliver and Moss, 2010)

Oliver loves to rub his paws on the moss that is growing on some rotting wood!

{Lichen on a Mulberry tree, 2010}

Ok, so this isn't exactly a flower, but its beautiful! It looks like some miniature coral!

{Bluebells, 2010}

I transplanted a few of these from the abundance in the woods behind the house. They are native to Iowa and do well in our shady back yard.

{Ferns, 2010}

The way ferns unfurl as they come out of the ground is so magical. I love having ferns in my yard.