I've yet to explain why I chose the waterlily as my theme for BG.
Besides the fact that aquatic plants are of interest to me, the waterlily is, to me, a phenomenal green. There are tropical waterlilies and hardy waterlilies. Of over a hundred species of cultivators, hybrids and crosses, what is interesting to me is how the waterlily grows from the bottom of the pool, and its leaves are fully open when they reach the surface of the water. It's stems continue growing but it gets all tangled and they spread themselves almost radially from the center. The simplicity of its appearance on water is kind of serene. I think having a print inspired by this plant is going to be lovely, but I have to be careful it doesn't turn out looking like costume.
There are lots of beautiful blooms of waterlilies but I am have chosen the Victoria Amazonica, because it has a more pronounced texture on its leaves which I am currently working on. I did not see the VA's flower during my three visits so I am not attacking its flower. I visited the BG's library, and found two books on waterlilies to get a better understanding of these Nymphaeacae family of water lilies- The Water Garden published by Thames and Hudson and Water Garden Plants by Greg Speichert.
Crocodile skin-like textures
Some of the many varieties of blooms found across the world
Scientific drawings of plant structurebit of history.
image via wikipedia"On unbent leaf in fairy guise,
Reflected in the water,
Beloved, admired by hearts and eyes,
Stands Annie, Paxton's daughter..."
This plant, once named Victoria regia was the subject of rivalry between Victorian gardeners in England. The plant was presented by the Duke of Devonshire to Queen Victoria and named it in her honour.
1 comment:
I went to this famous garden over the summer, longwood gardens, and they had this lily exhibit that is congruous with that square victorian lily pool. The most memorable lily was the giant lily with the upturned edges, almost like a throne for a family of frogs. Also interesting were the seeds, popular in southeast asia both fresh and dried. The cultivation must be annoying. Why is it that harvesting asian crops often involve wading around in water?
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