A few miles up the road from me is the local botanical garden. It’s located on a series of hills that cover several acres. Trails wander through oak groves and chaparral. Specific areas are planted for butterflies and birds, sage plants, California natives, rare fruit, cacti. It’s always a pleasure to meander around in it as it changes with seasons. Different times of day bring out different animals; as well, the light shifts and changes. Early morning, sunset, high noon. Benches line the paths throughout the garden. For a wilder walk, there are the trails along the creek. I’ve seen squirrels, road runners, coyotes and hawks. Critters like it as much as I do. It’s even better when you are the only one there except the wildlife!
I went out to take pictures and to draw – it’s been several weeks since I was last there. Rain and cold as well as being ill kept me home for a bit. With today’s 70 F, it was hard to stay indoors. I took a couple of cameras – one film, one digital – some paper and a pen. I wanted to see the flowers in particular, especially the spring bulbs which come up at this time of year. I wasn’t disappointed.
The outing was soul-satisfying on a personal and artistic level. I’ll be back sooner rather than later! There is little more satisfying than time spent in solitary and quiet appreciation of nature.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Wow! I really like your picture of daffodils! Good job!
Thanks, Judy!!
Fab daffs!
Aren’t they just one of the best flowers!
I think I went to that botanical garden one year when I was visiting. It’s very nice! Our daffodils are coming out of the ground, but no flowers yet. We’ve got hellebores, though. I took a photo of one particularly lovely group; I’ll send it via email.
Katherine – I always enjoy a botanical garden – all so unique and beautiful. Plants never cease to fascinate me – as does the natural world. (So why am I stuck in suburbia??!!)
Just sitting, observing and drawing really pulls you into the moment. If you didnt have the task you would see, move off quickly with your thoughts constantly darting from topic to topic.
Graham – I agree with you so much. “Monkey mind” – the constant dithering and fluttering of the mind. It’s good to focus, even if intently doing nothing but focusing. (As an aside, congratulations on getting your pastel and painting into the book on Liverpool! How exciting and surprising!)
Great drawing and images ~N. Where is this garden? I’m running out of ideas for my Tuesday group!
The garden is down in SoCal, in Thousand Oaks. It’s a botanical garden. There is an excellent one in Santa Barbara, too. A bit of a drive for your group, but if you are ever in Ventura County (just north of LA County), let me know in advance, and I will be glad to give you a tour!!
Great. I’m from the San Fernando Valley and still have friends there. Maybe someday……
Sounds good to me. I’m retir(ing) and currently not working . . . . as if you didn’t know!
I’ll let you know via your blog if I make it down there. If you’re coming to Sacramento, let me know!
Will do!