California Fuchsia

Living in the desert makes one appreciate the beauty of plants that have adapted to hot, dry climates. Drought tolerant and native plants are becoming more popular as they are easier to grow and require less water. We've been going through a drought for a while and so many people complain that they want their "colorful" flowers and plants, the ones which require lots of maintenance and water. But what they don't know is that there is a world of plants that provide lots of color yet are more adaptive to our desert conditions. And yes, Southern California is a desert. All of Southern California. Not just where I live. If it hadn't been for L.A. stealing the Owens Lake, they'd be dry like we are. This native fuchsia, "California Fuchsia" was in full bloom in Santa Barbara this past weekend. It's bright red-orange flowers cover the bush and paint the hills with a warm glow. Think about your choices the next time you plant your garden. Native plants are beautiful and provide lots of color.

"California Fuchsia" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Monarch

This lovely butterfly was busy in my friend's garden today and at first glance we thought it was a "Spotted Lady" butterfly. They are probably the most common butterfly in the world and in the spring when they migrate through the Coachella Valley we are inundated with them. But since this isn't spring I felt we had a different species here. I did some research and discovered this is actually a small Monarch Butterfly. I'm used to seeing the beautiful, large ones so common near Pacific Grove, California where they hang in huge clusters in eucalyptus trees. We don't get that many in this area so it was a treat to watch this one enjoying a snack.

"Monarch" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Busy Bee

Yesterday before visiting the Art Festival in Santa Barbara my friend and I decided to check out the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden which was just a few miles further down the road from the festival grounds. This is a wonderful treasure hidden up in a canyon. It's primary focus is native plants and they've done a super job of keeping the site looking natural. There is a stream trickling through the canyon and the big sycamores, a grove of redwood trees, a dam built but the Native Indians in 1807 under the guidance of the mission priests and the flume that takes the water to the mission. Thjere are trails to wander and it's a great place to take the kids. The Native fuscia and goldenrods were in bloom and even though this is a dry year for Southern California, it was a beautiful sight. Equally busy were the bees collecting pollen. This guy had a pretty full load on his hind legs and didn't mind my taking his picture.

"Busy Bee" © Kathy Dunham 2008

French Onion Soup

I came to Santa Barbara this weekend to check out an art festival. I always like to do that before signing on to be a participant. Luckily, a very dear friend has a place near Lake Cachuma and we have fun enjoying the coastal weather and checking out the sights. Last night we attended an opening reception for the festival at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. They are the benefactors of the show and definitely a worthy cause. Afterwards, we had dinner in an historic house turned restaurant next to the bird sanctuary. I had eaten too many appetizers at the reception that I only had room for the "French Onion Soup". It reminded of the wonderful soup I had when I was in Paris. This wasn't as good but delightful none-the-less. This picture is the "real" French Onion Soup.

"French Onion Soup" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Silver Dragonfly

Many years ago my mother gave me a silver lapel pin in the shape of a dragonfly. I've had it for a long time and don't wear it very often so when I spotted this beauty taking a rest in the Van Dussen Gardens in Victoria, B.C. it reminded me of that beautiful pin.

"Silver Dragonfly" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Afternoon in the Park

Whenever I'm in the Pasadena area I make it a point to visit Descanso Gardens. Located in La Canada, 10 minutes West of Pasadena, this lovely garden was once a private residence to a local newspaper publisher. Known for its rose and iris gardens, it also has a huge Camellia forest and a newly planted lilac area. It's a pleasant spot to spend an afternoon relaxing. I spotted this couple sitting on a bench, enjoying the day. My idea of a great way to unwind and smell the flowers.

"Afternoon in the Park" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Angel's Trumpet

I recently saw the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit at the San Diego Art Museum and remembered that one of her favorite subjects to paint was Jimson Weed, otherwise known as Datura. This beautiful flower, commonly called Angel's Trumpet, is in the same family as Datura, however, it grows on a large, woody bush and all the flowers hang downward, like bells in the steeple, waiting to be rung. In the evening when the sun goes down, they emit a fragrant smell that is delightful.

"Angel's Trumpet" © Kathy Dunham 2008