Having retired from a busy working life in education it has been lovely to be able to explore and develop my creative interests.
I started working on botanical subjects, initially in colour pencil, during Covid and I was hooked. To develop my skills in botanical watercolour, I undertook the RBGE certificate course and I have progressed to the diploma. I love the way that botanical illustration opens your eyes to the world around you – it offers a perfect combination the outdoors, plants, and art.
Title of project
Plants that you can grow in a UK garden to extend the season for insect pollinators
About the project
Insect pollinators, particularly bees, are at threat from pollution, pesticides, pests, and pathogens. Climate change has also been associated with shrinking and shifting insect pollinator populations. The crucial function that these pollinators play in some plant life cycles means that, without thought, plants themselves could become endangered. The decline in insect pollinators threatens biodiversity, food production and our gardens.
In this project, I have chosen to study plants that can be grown in UK gardens to provide much need pollen either late in the season or early in the season - thus extending the season for our insect pollinators.
