The Botanical Garden Calendar
Compliments to German-born naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian and her scientific illustrations from the end of the 1600s, early 1700s. Additionally, kudos to British, Italian and French architectural garden drawings and the works of Carl Linnaeus. This is where my story begins.
Inspired by Edith Mazzei and her grand collection of camellia plants, the idea to paint a modern garden calendar occurred to me. The composition originates with the mathematics of an ellipse divided into the twelve months of the year. Review my calendar of floral paintings as they appear month by month in my garden. The botanical calendar begins with the Crocus in January and ends with Poinsettia in December.
Determined to have flowers in bloom all year round, this illustration serves as a guide for planning and planting. The original art is scientifically titled and updated yearly. For home garden enthusiasts, my garden is located in Zone 7a 0°F to 5°F.