
Nothing against flower gardens, but the weeds are more interesting to get to know, I think. I admire how understated and tenacious wild plants are, growing in difficult places and living their lives without anyone fussing over them.
I haven't been a quick study, and I need my kids to remind me names and characteristics of wild plants all the time. "This is nightshade, right?" I say, and my kids say, "Mom, it's poison ivy."
Several years ago, someone gave me the advice to learn one plant each season, and that's the plan I've stuck with. I know other people are far ahead of me in their wild-plant knowledge, but I'm slowly making my way season by season. I'm learning to see the world around me as full of different, recognizable plants, not just a tangle of generic green.
Today we walked to soccer practice and I picked a few weeds growing along the path. I sketched them while sitting on the sidelines of the soccer field, and I had to work fast because the plants wilted soon after I picked them.
After dinner tonight, the kids played soccer again until it was dark. Spring has arrived.
Drawing: chickweed, shepherd's purse, garlic mustard.
Oh, I agree. Dandelions and Queen Anne's Lace make me so happy! Beautiful sketches.
ReplyDeletei love your sketches. i am inspired. spring is so full of things...
ReplyDeleteamy outta peru {temporarily}