Rhododendron is a genus characterised by shrubs that range from small bushes to large trees and include Azaleas also. The leaves are spirally arranged; leaf size can range from a half inch to over 2o inches. They may be either evergreen or deciduous. In some species, the undersides of the leaves are covered with scales (lepidote) or hairs (indumentum). Some of the best known species are noted for their many clusters of large flowers. The Rhodys in our yard are beautiful in late spring provided we can keep the deer from eating them over the winter. Holbein watercolors on 140# Fluid 100 cold press watercolor paper.
The California Poppy is a species of flowering ornamental plant that is native to the United States and Mexico. It is used medicinally and in cooking, and it became the official state flower of California in 1903. It is a perennial growing to 5–60 inches tall with alternately branching glaucous blue-green foliage. The leaves are alternately divided into round, lobed segments. The flowers are solitary on long stems, silky-textured, with four petals, each petal 2 to 6 cm ) long and broad; flower color ranges through yellow, orange and red, with flowering from February to September in the northern hemisphere (spring, summer, autumn). Holbein watercolors on Fluid 100, 140# cold press watercolor paper.
The poinsettia is a commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family. The species is indigenous to Mexico. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. It derives its common English name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant to the US in 1825. Holbein and Daniel Smith watercolors in a Stillman and Birn Beta sketchbook. Merry Christmas.
A SKETCHBOOK ODYSSEY 