This time of year, much of the garden is a palette of browns. Twigs. Bark. Seeds left out for the wildlife.
But there’s more going on…
The eucalyptus tree in the garden behind mine sheds its bark, wind blowing in curls of it, like chocolate shavings. I pick one up to draw indoors and with it come a glossy dark brown snail and a tiny creature putting the ‘mini’ into minibeast (both popped back out outside later).
Bare at first glance, a rose bush is twinkling with buds, promise of next year’s leaf. Drawing, I notice how different the buds and thorns are on two neighbouring twigs.
My tough East end hollyhocks are still flowering, while the seed heads, brown from a distance, are covered in a delicate bloom of green.
Life, still to be found in every corner – if I look.
Ballpen, watercolour and fineliner.
My holly illustration from September's Back garden banquet post is now on Christmas cards, available in London shops Know & Love and the art shop at Hackney Wick Underground.
New in my Teemill shop, my Holly berries, ivy flowers collection, sketched from seasonal treasures. Printed to order on organic cotton garments and delivered in plastic-free packaging.