It is the month of June, The month of leaves and roses,
When pleasant sights salute the eyes, And pleasant scents the noses... ~Nathaniel P. Willis
June has arrived in full force here in the Kootenays. The garden seems to change overnight, with new flowers opening daily and every shade of green looking fresh and alive after recent rain showers.
I've spent much of the past two weeks outdoors, catching up on seasonal yard work, tidying flower beds, removing countless maple seedlings, and enjoying the cooler temperatures while they last. Although my hands have certainly reminded me that arthritis is part of the process these days, there is something deeply satisfying about working outside surrounded by birdsong, fragrant blossoms, and the promise of summer.
Garden Notes
The peonies have been putting on a beautiful show and are now beginning to fade. Delphiniums are taking their turn in the spotlight, standing tall and adding wonderful colour throughout the garden. The roses are especially beautiful this year, covered in blooms and looking healthier than ever.
Both my mock orange tree and the shrub I planted last summer are almost ready to blossom. Every time I walk past them, I stop and check for that first hint of fragrance. It won't be long now.
One of the great pleasures of gardening is seeing how the landscape evolves as trees, shrubs, and perennials mature over time. Many of the flowering shrubs and trees I planted over the past six years are finally beginning to settle in and reward my patience with blossoms, colour, and scent throughout the season.
Birds & Sketchbooks
The birds have been just as busy as the garden.
I've enjoyed several surprise visitors recently, along with the daily activity around the feeders and birdbath. Watching the hummingbirds dart through the garden has inspired the next stage of my hummingbird illustration project.
Lately I've been experimenting with different poses, shapes, and colours as I work through a series of hummingbird studies. My goal isn't to create a perfectly botanical illustration, but rather to capture the personality, movement, and charm of these tiny birds in a way that feels playful and expressive.
Some ideas arrive fully formed. Others take shape slowly through observation, sketching, and experimentation. This collection is definitely teaching me patience.
Closing
As I write this, summer feels just around the corner. The garden is growing faster than I can keep up with, the birds are active from dawn until dusk, and my sketchbook is filling with new ideas for future cards, prints, and illustrations.
It's a busy season, but also one of the most inspiring times of year.
Until next time, I hope you're finding opportunities to enjoy the beauty unfolding around you—whether that's in your garden, on a favourite walk, or simply through an open window filled with birdsong.
Warmly, Laura
I create nature-inspired art and gifts celebrating birds, gardens, seasonal living, and the beauty of everyday moments.
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