Plant and care for trees

It's the end of another year and even after living here at the coast (KwaZulu Natal, South Africa) for the past 3 years, I'm still longing for my Highveld trees. Blue gums, Black Wattles, Cussonia, Celtis, Karee, Jacaranda and even the Syringa -- none of which can be seen along the coast. But they are etched deep into my memory and I will be digging deep every now and then when the longing gets very strong.

"Plant and care for Trees" - W&N watercolour in Moleskine 200gsm watercolour sketch-book

Trees combat climate change. Trees clean the air. Trees provide oxygen. Trees help prevent water pollution. Trees provide a canopy and habitat for wildlife. Trees help prevent soil erosion.

How many more reasons do you need?

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The beauties of Nature

Acrylic on canvas

Tasmanian bluegum (Eucalyptus globulus)

This large, straight-trunked tree grows to about 70m tall in open forests in south-eastern Tasmania, on Bass Strait islands and in parts of southern Victoria. Its common name comes from the waxy blue-green colour of its juvenile leaves. These juvenile leaves are hightly sought after for flower arrangements.

The plant’s cream-coloured flowers are a good source of nectar for bees and the resultant honey is dense and strongly flavoured. Here in South Africa, this bluegum is widely planted as forage for our honey bee populations and this amber coloured honey is mild in taste and a safe bet for any new honey enthusiast. Bluegum Honey is also known as Eucalyptus Honey. Yummy!

A coastal scene?

 

With the cooler weather comes outdoor activities again. For me at least; summers at the coast are just beyond bearable. So I took my easel outside (overlooking cane fields!) and tried my hand at a coastal scene. But as I said before, my Muse stayed behind in Gauteng, hence the mountains. Give me strength! 

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Humble beginnings

 

Going way back to 1999, this was one of my first sketches of flowers and of course I chose Cosmos as they were in full flower in fields and all along the road-side — March, Cosmos time, and then again in November.

Purely sketching

 

Working on getting my confidence back. Just a few pencil lines will be my practice for today — maybe I’ll add some colour at a later stage.

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