Meconopsis betonicifolia or Himalayan Blue Poppy – Watercolour pencils on a watercolour Molskine
Before folk think I’m a horticultural expert, I’m just repeating the latin name from the packet of seeds. I tried to sow hundreds of these seeds last year. This drawing is from a photograph of the only survivor of the apallingly wet summer we had. It has to be better this year?
Mhuire 3:07 pm on January 11, 2009 | #
Loovely.
Himalayas must be beautiful, if they have blue poppies…
Rudat 10:12 am on January 12, 2009 | #
Very nice rendering. The unopened flowers are especially beautiful. Are those root pieces on the left? It would be nice if the rain could be redirected for even distribution around the world. Where I live is in the midst of a long, nasty drought. I miss the rains.
trebor61 1:07 pm on January 12, 2009 | #
These are aerial roots which seems to be a way the plant progagates, apart from setting seed, if part of it is bruised or damaged. It was seed I sowed – I could have bought a single plant for around £8.00 but, being careful with money (ie Scottish), I chose the £3.00 packet of seed. Thanks for the comments folks. I do enjoy getting feedback from all places. Its interesting that both of you have now commented on rain. Mhuire told me (Jan 5th) that a week’s rain in August would be too much for her, while Susan seems to be longing for some. Oh that I could transfer some of ours to you Susan. We have had a series of wet and dismal summers lately so, If any of you are thinking of visiting, late May or June seems a safe bet, before the annual monsoons. I have friends who have been to Calefornia and the Canary Islands who say the locals get a bit stir-crazy as every day’s weather is just sunny and hot. They long for some change. Whatever the weather, where you are, keep drawing and painting my friends.
roseindigo 2:17 pm on January 12, 2009 | #
Well, I’m in Northern California near Mount Lassen, and in the summer we have no rain—-five months of not a drop of rain! The forest gets really dry and becomes a tinderbox. But aside from the fire danger I love it because it means I can be out sketching every day for five months without the inconvenience of being rained on. BUT—the sort of green you have in Scotland is definitely missing.
roseindigo 2:18 pm on January 12, 2009 | #
PS: These poppies are GORGEOUS!