Tuesday, April 22, 2008

What's in a name: more flowers


Another day. I have discovered from my friend Marti that the common names of flowers are not particularly accurate when identifying plants. She would know, having a degree in botany. So the plant that I was calling the "Bladder Sage" is also known as the "Paper Bag" plant. I don't know the Latin name, and even if you told me, it is unlikely I would remember. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet..." I think I agree with Shakespeare in this regard! I still love the plant, regardless of the name. So I will continue with my fumbling efforts of describing these desert plants. As long as you realize I am no expert, only an admirer.

Speaking of names, I have these photos of some yellow flowers, and I can't find them in the flower book I have. So I have been procrastinating sharing them with you. Since I can't seem to identify them, you will have to enjoy them as "unidentified yellow flowers". The clumps these flowers are sitting on can be quite large, but so far, the purple "bladder sage, paper bag plant, balloon sage" is still the biggest one I have encountered in terms of large, shrubby flowers. At least the ones near our house. Ahh, dear flowers. How I adore thee. The Balloon flowers also smell sweet. Another reason to be so infatuated.

Here is another weak attempt at the jackrabbit drawings. This is the shot I most often see, so I have at least 6 sketches from this particular angle. It's called "Parting Shot." I think I may need to darken it just a bit. These watercolors are postcard sized, about 6 x 4" or so. Just FYI.

8 comments:

lee said...

I adore the parting shot of the rabbit. Those yellow flowers are nice enough to paint....

Anonymous said...

that's an interesting fact about flowers and their names, who knew?! :)

Arlene,
Gig Harbor flowers

Patty said...

Charming bunnies Karine! Since I doubt they pose long for you, you've done a wonderful job of capturing their presence.

pRiyA said...

aiyoh! such beauty!! this looks so much like a flower that we call cosmos (common name), but i'm sure it's probably different.
i wonder if kate smudges knows what it is?
your bunnies are well done karine, considering that drawing animals isn't exactly a breeze.

High Desert Diva said...

Maybe coreopsis? (sp?)

Love Parting Shot!

Archie and Melissa said...

Hi Karine!
I absolutely love your jack rabbits! They are wonderful!
You totally made my day!
:) Melissa

Without Shadow said...

Ah yes Cosmos .. trust Priya to get the name right! All I could remember was that they looked a bit like "that flower that starts with a C .. " which isn't very helpful! Love the title you gave to the bunny pics, very funny. And thanks for that note on my blog .. yes, a difficult time always verging on an abyss of despair but somehow carrying on.

Linda O'Neill said...

Hi Karine! Your Rabbits are great...Maisie would especially like these.;)