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Saturday, April 03, 2010

Delphiniums~Loose Style



I act as the moderator on a Michigan gardening site and recently someone started a thread asking members to name their favorite flower. I didn't hesitate to choose delphiniums as mine, particularily the Pacific Giant cultivars. Delphiniums are one of the few true blue flowers found in nature. Related to the buttercup (can you believe that?!), their common name is larkspur. Like roses, many gardeners have excellent luck growing them while others do not. I've been one of the lucky ones. They make the perfect subject for a loose, juicy watercolor, too.

6 comments:

Vera Dennen said...

What size is this Billie? Did not find where it said.

Jeanette Jobson said...

I agree that delphiniums are beautiful and striking flowers. These are gorgeous. The blues and loose treatment works well with them.

I used to have lots of dels in the garden, and loved the names - Black Knight, Guinevere, King Arthur. The wind here takes its toll on tall flowers sometimes, but seeing these makes me want to start some more.

Billie Crain said...

It's 8 1/2" x 17", Vera. I'm trying to use up all the oddballs scraps of paper I have lying around.

Billie Crain said...

Thank you, Jeanette.:) Del's tend to peter out over the years and the stems get wimpy. I was lucky to have a spot where mine had lots of support although when it rained their heavy heads drooped.

Janet Belich said...

This is so beautiful, Billie. I too love Delphiniums. Tossed mine after the vet said I shouldn't have it around the dog. Other plants may make pets sick but this one can be bad for them. I should have sent it to you since you have good luck with them.

Billie Crain said...

Thanks, Janet.:) That's the one downside to delphiniums. They contain an alkaloid that can make people and animals very sick and in high enough quantity can even kill. Better safe than sorry with pets in the garden.