Last fall, when life seemed very *sad, I decided I needed to cast a lifeline into the future and redesigning my lapsed gardens seemed the way to do it.
In rethinking my gardens, I've drawn inspiration from my travels, and from gardens I've seen in books and magazines. Each of my new garden areas will have a governing spirit of place: there'll be the Mediterranean garden, the Normandy garden, the Charleston/Brittany garden, and so on. Though separate, they will be connected in important ways.
It occurred to me today to document the development of these areas in a systematic way, in a separate garden journal.
So, a little late into the process, I've started. I won't reproduce the first pages because they are all text, but I will fill you in on the story over the next while.
*My mother's very fragile health was the source of great sadness last fall. Doctors felt she had weeks to live, six months at the most. The good care she is receiving at her nursing home has miraculously slowed her precipitate decline. Visiting her and caring for her each week, as well as fulfilling other intense family obligations, have for the present cut my studio time by more than 2/3. This is by way of explanation and not to complain. I cherish the time I have with her.
Keeping an illustrated garden journal is one of several things I can do under these circumstances. I am keeping my painting lifeline going and drawing other subjects, too, in the time available.
I have two trips upcoming, one to Turkey, and one, in early June, to France. There will be travel sketches here, too--if all goes according to plan, which, as you can tell, it may not. 
Happy spring to one and all! Or happy autumn to our southern hemispherites!
How inspiring!
I just started my own gardening journal.... I absolutely love your style :)
Posted by: CreativelyKim | August 07, 2012 at 12:58 PM
I am 'sad' this year, so maybe that's why I've decided i must overhaul my garden. What a good idea. to document it in my sketchbook. Thank you for the idea! And I hope your sadness, and mine, pass as the garden blooms.
Posted by: Kate | May 03, 2010 at 07:59 PM
My sister died recently after a long fierce battle with cancer. I have found my artistic energy at a loss. But it is at the same time even more important to continue. I like your solution and love your beautiful elegant drawings. cheers!
Posted by: Carole Buschmann | April 13, 2010 at 12:10 PM
I find such joy in both my garden and art. You have inspired me to take a little more time and energy and bring them together.
Thank you.
Posted by: Ashlie | April 06, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Thank you, my friends. I can't wait for the day (soon, I hope!) when I can catch up on all the blogs I love and follow, many of yours among them.
Posted by: Laura | March 28, 2010 at 06:27 PM
My garden is only just starting to come back to life, it's been a long and cold winter and I can't wait to get out there and maybe try the same, fingers crossed the weather will warm up soon :)
Posted by: Mrs H | March 28, 2010 at 11:48 AM