Ligularia Spp.

(C) 2017 Dale DiMauro

Towards the end of winter I was sorting through stuff in my closet when I came upon an old sketchbook with this drawing amongst others. It is of a plant from the genus Ligularia. I know at the time I was mesmerized by the architecture and grace of certain plants. Also, I had been studying plant communities, which are groups of plants that grow in similar conditions in natural environments. Plants from these communities tend to be healthier as they often share symbiotic relationships. 

This is a favorite garden plant of mine. When it flowers in June, the yellow-orange blossoms are striking against the lush green leaves. In addition to the form, I appreciate the veins of the leaves, as well as the serrated triangular shapes. I have to admit, I like the soft rendering of the plant in this drawing.

With the glorious day we just had here in Vermont, one could not help but think of spring. My wife and I just came back from a short trip to Saratoga Springs, New York where the river valleys seemed to become greener by the minute.