Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Hazelwoods Wetlands

 
Out with my friend Karen at the Hazelwood Wetlands last Thursday. It was one of those rare sunny winter days. The sketching was quick, the conversation long and the tea delicious. 




Monday, February 2, 2026

Buds

Buds are embryonic. I love the way that Biology uses the same terminology for both flora and fauna. 


Buds are embryonic, undeveloped shoots from which leaves, stems and flowers arise.
Scales are a protective layer keeping woody plant buds dormant and safe through cold winters.



Some plants break out leaves first, then flowers follow. This is called Synanthous. Other plants flower first and then their leaves break out.  And some just have one huge bud. 

Synanthous plants are the most common. After all they need photosynthesis and respiration almost immediately.  

Hysteranthos are less common. These include Redbud, Witch Hazel, Forsythia, Magnolia, Cherry Blossom, Paper Bush, and various bulbs like Colchicum, Crocus, and Amaryllis

Mixed Buds include  maples, apples, and cherries








 about buds

Saturday, January 24, 2026

From my nature journal



Here are some excerpts from my Nature Journal about
 Fruits and Seeds 


















 

Friday, January 23, 2026

Specimen Cards

Here are some specimen cards created with the Nature Explores Club sponsored by the
Sammamish Heritage Garden 











 

Monday, January 19, 2026