*sigh*

words of encouragement from generous others...

Hello,

Here we are in the straggling days of winter. Yes, yes —I know that we’re two weeks into meteorological spring and while the sweet violets, early crocus, and thousands of ridiculously fragrant blooms on the daphne are delightful, most days winter lodges in my heart and my head. I know I’m not the only one who’s feeling worn down. Not water-carving-a-canyon worn but depleted and a bit lacking in joy.

It’s easy to lose our footing, especially when others around us are being knocked off the foundation of the life they’ve built for themselves in public service, among so many other broken norms. So, even though I’m at a loss for words, I thought I’d share a few notes of encouragement I’ve recently come across on Substack.

• “Nothing is stronger than a small hope that doesn’t give up.” The Strength of Small Hope – Mary’s Pocketful of Prose by Mary Hutto Fruchter

• There will be pasta and pesto Nettles in Spring – Fireside by Ash Rodriguez

• A quote by Kurt Vonnegut… “The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable.” A little help from my friends – I've Been Thinking... by Elizabeth Berg

• Move, read, make, connect… My Seven Seasons of Creativity – Writing Around the Edges by Luisa Skinner

Within this constant drumbeat of bad news, bigotry and fear, I’m grateful for generous people whose words cheer me up, talk me down, and encourage me to carry on. I’m so glad you’re here.

xo Lorene

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Color workshop

When I’m leading a workshop there’s always a moment of quiet hush as people meditatively mix colors. If you’re in the Puget Sound region next month I’m giving a Seeing Color In the Garden workshop to benefit the Northwest Horticulture Society. Registration is open and everyone’s invited. April 10, 10am – noon, at Dunn Gardens.

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Shop Talk

Save 20% on all purchases in my online store when you enter the code: COLORS at checkout. Bonus: I’ll include a free (multi) color story ($40 value) with the first 10 orders to arrive. Each color story is a collection of nine original 4- by 4-inch watercolor paintings assembled in a unique color palette. That is, each one relates to the others in the set. And each collection is one of a kind. Some of these color studies are several years old, others may be as recent as last week.

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Coloring

Slugs and I agree on one thing. Sweet violets are the BEST.

I spend far too much time worrying about the demise of democracy when I should be sowing fava beans and planting my sweet peas. The garden can’t solve but it can heal.

Congratulations to Brenna Estrada on the debut of Pansies, her new book that takes a deep dive into the heart and history of one of the world’s most beloved blooms. Filled with the flower farmer’s proven growing info and exquisite pansy profiles. I may not be able to grow 30” stems (*swoon*) but it won’t be for lack of trying.

All pansies, all the time. These little cuties came through winter in containers and have now been transplanted out into the garden cuddled up next to peacock kale for a beautiful and delicious combo.

The daphne in the back garden is having a moment — you can smell its heady fragrance 10 to 15 feet away from the lax shrub covered in pink and white blooms. Every few days I snip a few potent stems to make a posy for my bedside. I think I’ve mentioned it before but when I’m painting a color study with “rough edges” — like above left — I’m way outside of my comfort zone. With so much in the world well beyond comfort these days, yesterday I caved and returned to the familiar safety (?) of a grid.

Lichen thrives in a clean environment. I take comfort in that every time I look at the witch hazel that looks like it’s wearing a soft green fuzzy sweater.