Akron Art Museum issued the following announcement on Nov. 3.
This illustration is of a Catmint (Nepeta racemosa) pollinator plant that has blue-green, heart-shaped leaves that are highly aromatic when crushed. Growing 2-5 ft. tall, its purple flowers attract native pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies. They are some of the most abundantly growing flowers in the garden at the Akron Art Museum, and can be seen blooming from April to September.
A lot of the inspiration for my work comes from my own experiences taking care of the small vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens at my home. I collect reference pictures of the details I see in nature, I can watch and be involved in the growth of the plants, and I can observe the wildlife that the gardens attract. It also helps me to have a creative outlet that is free from the pressure of perfection, and which benefits the environment.
Having even a small garden can result in a positive impact on the health of the environment, and can support the populations of essential pollinating insects. The plants that are native to the environment where they evolved alongside the insects that are attracted to them are the most necessary, whereas nonnative species can wipe out native plants and insects. Other plants that can benefit a garden include bright flowers such as marigolds, sunflowers, coneflowers, and wildflowers. Mixing various types of plants that bloom at different times over the seasons help sustain insects throughout the year.
Maria Uhase
#catmint #pollinatorplants #botanical #illustration #drawing #watercolor #mariauhase #akronartmuseum
Original source can be found here.
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