This species of orchid is native to western North America from western Canada to central Mexico. It lives on the banks of streams, rivers, and springs but prefers wetland regions like marshes. Today was the first time I’d seen one! I went looking specifically, and was delighted to succeed in my mission.
Adamson House, as viewed from the opposite side of Malibu Lagoon.
Apparently Sphinx moths have ropey, rather than feathery, antennae. And their hindwings are half the length of their forewings. Learn something new every day 😊
Watched a quick demo by TJ Marston yesterday and tried to follow along. I struggle with painting trees so was glad for her tips. She says that viewing landscape through the design lens of a landscape architect can improve one’s sketching; an intriguing idea. I might have to take her 90 minute class next month to find out more.
It’s not just the finches and towhees who appreciate the bird bath.
Learned something new!
About 18 months ago, I made a name plaque for Niamh, and here at last is a similar one for her sister Róisín, inspired by Australian wildflowers.
I’ve read that the parcel mail between the US and Australia is flowing freely again, after a couple of years of major slowdown. Let’s see if this gets there in time for her July birthday!
Astrida and I are going to do some indigo dyeing today. I realized that I know nothing about the indigo plant, so did some research (thank you, internet).
True indigo is a legume with pink or violet flowers. It has been naturalized to tropical and temperate Asia, as well as parts of Africa, but its native habitat is unknown since it has been in cultivation worldwide for many centuries.
Dye is obtained from the processing of the plant’s leaves. Today most dye is synthetic, but natural dye from I. tinctoria is still available, and that’s what we’re going to be using today.
