Coming in for a Landing

The Matilija Poppies are in bloom and here's lucky shot #2.  That bee is loaded with pollen but he wants more.  The Matilijas are one of my favorite flowers to paint.  Native to California, these spectacular blooms with white, krinkled petals and a large yellow-orange center are dramatic in the late afternoon light.  They are also known as the "Fried Egg Flower" and I'm sure you can guess why.

"Coming in for a Landing"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Dune Primrose

There are still wildflowers blooming in the desert an these Dune Primroses are usually found with sand verbena.  But I found them on a garden tour today in the back yard of a garden dedicated to native and drought tollerant plants.  It's great seeing a beautifully landscaped yard without lawn and petunias. 

"Dune Primrose"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

California Fuchsia

Living in the desert makes one appreciate the beauty of plants that have adapted to hot, dry climates. Drought tolerant and native plants are becoming more popular as they are easier to grow and require less water. We've been going through a drought for a while and so many people complain that they want their "colorful" flowers and plants, the ones which require lots of maintenance and water. But what they don't know is that there is a world of plants that provide lots of color yet are more adaptive to our desert conditions. And yes, Southern California is a desert. All of Southern California. Not just where I live. If it hadn't been for L.A. stealing the Owens Lake, they'd be dry like we are. This native fuchsia, "California Fuchsia" was in full bloom in Santa Barbara this past weekend. It's bright red-orange flowers cover the bush and paint the hills with a warm glow. Think about your choices the next time you plant your garden. Native plants are beautiful and provide lots of color.

"California Fuchsia" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Busy Bee

Yesterday before visiting the Art Festival in Santa Barbara my friend and I decided to check out the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden which was just a few miles further down the road from the festival grounds. This is a wonderful treasure hidden up in a canyon. It's primary focus is native plants and they've done a super job of keeping the site looking natural. There is a stream trickling through the canyon and the big sycamores, a grove of redwood trees, a dam built but the Native Indians in 1807 under the guidance of the mission priests and the flume that takes the water to the mission. Thjere are trails to wander and it's a great place to take the kids. The Native fuscia and goldenrods were in bloom and even though this is a dry year for Southern California, it was a beautiful sight. Equally busy were the bees collecting pollen. This guy had a pretty full load on his hind legs and didn't mind my taking his picture.

"Busy Bee" © Kathy Dunham 2008