June by Violet Oakley 1902
this is the winter garden at the huntington. if you visit california in february or march you must visit san marino and the gardens. although i have been going in the early morning before it officially opens, and leaving 2.5 hours later when it opens, one could easily spend the entire day wandering, lolling about, having tea, and visiting the various galleries.
yesterday i went to see the a small exhibit the artist’s garden: american impressionism and the garden movement 1887-1920
i have sat in this stone chair many times, but yesterday it was all about the sunlit clivia just off stage.
i am calling this a snowball tree. i’m almost positive it’s the name because of the white pom pom flowers covering the tree.
the garden paths are strewn with fallen camelia blossoms.
this is a monday bench. framed by scattered petals and set in a cushion of scented azalea with a camelia umbrella overhead. the fragrance is delicate. you will be happy here. very happy.
one can get a lot of serious thinking done on this bench. as my head is full of flowers and can’t hold any thoughts i prefer to stare into space and keep my mind as blank as a fresh piece of watercolor paper when i sit here. which.
is often.
happy monday friends. i’m glad you popped over for a visit. see you soon.
p.s. jayne sent me a link to a dublin artist, steve simpson, and his on the draw project. i am poring over each detail. here’s a link to his 2015 sketchbook. masterful!
I always adored the Huntington Library, especially when I was a child. My Grandfather took me there on a regular basis. It was only a few blocks from their house and we spent many Saturdays discovering.
Hmmmmmm Lovin the flowers everywhere, the colors, the fragile nature of them, so delicate and gentle….small things that make the world a very good place to be indeed. Thanks for sharing your floral walkabout with us. LOVE!!!!
those purple flowers! STUNNING! Thank you!
Flowers, flowers, flowers. I’m dizzy with delight! I simply must return to California.
I have a clivia who’s lived with me for a century or so. She pops out some flowers every year hidden down at the base of the plant, not on a flower stalk. If any of your flower-savy followers know why this happens, please enlighten me! I’ll be sitting on the lion bench.
Wow– these gardens just get more gorgeous every post. Now I really want gardens like this near me! 🙂
Oh that sounds lovely. I have been to Huntington Gardens once and sat under a tree sketching. My husband loves taking endless photos of flowers so I will have to take him there sometime. Hmm, actually, that’s a really good idea ….
You might enjoy this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Grandmothers-Garden-Old-Fashioned-American-1865-1915/dp/0810933896
It’s full of beautiful paintings, photos and info. One of my favorites.
Violet Oakley was one of the Red Rose Girls. Have you read the book about them? They were making a film about them but I’m not sure it has been completed.
Have a wonderful day!
I need to drive up. It’s so lovely. Always was. I haven’t been since I had to go for an Art & Ideas class. What am I thinking?? Thanks for sharing Steve Simpson. What fun and what beauty. Also, what great sketchbooks. I’ll have to see if Mr. Blick carries them. Fun!
Lucky you to have such a beautiful spot available to you for rest, contemplation and just general well being. No such thing near me…….. I have to rely on the gardens of friends.
This is a magical post, Mary Ann. I’ll have to get to Huntington Gardens this week!! Thank you for reminding me to go. Also, now I know what the fiery orange flowers are in the garden just outside my office door at work. Clivia! I found myself taking a bunch of photos of them one evening recently when the light was just perfect. My thought was to photograph them for when I am ready to take your course: Sketchbookery ?
What a beautiful gardens you have in your town!
Waooooooo!