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Watercolour and ink Tiger Lily by Laura Watson Lilium columbianum , known as the Tiger Lily, is a vibrant native wildflower of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest . With its brilliant orange petals speckled in dark spots and gracefully curling tips, this striking lily lights up summer meadows and forest edges. A proud member of the Lily family (Liliaceae), it is one of the tallest and most dramatic native wildflowers in our region, reaching heights of up to 1.5 meters in ideal conditions. Blooming in midsummer, the Tiger Lily is beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies , and by artists who are drawn to its fiery palette and bold structure. Its presence in the landscape is both energising and ephemeral, reminding us to pause and marvel at wild beauty when it appears. I first discovered Tiger Lilies as a child while walking to catch the school bus. Tiger lilies used to bloom along the roadside in late spring where I lived on Southern Vancouver Island . Lilium columbianum , Tiger L...
Thimbleberry , Rubus parviflorus by Laura Watson Welcome back to the Featured Native Plant Series , where we take a closer look at the incredible wild flora of British Columbia through both a botanical and artistic lens. Today’s plant is one you’ve likely encountered along trails or forest edges—soft, sprawling, and bearing bright red fruit in early summer. Thimbleberries were on my childhood list of 'safe berries to eat,' and I have many fond memories of foraging for them from a young age on northern Vancouver Island . With a slightly fuzzy texture reminiscent of a peach, they taste just like jam. Let’s explore the thimbleberry. Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus, Photo by Laura Watson Scientific Name, Common Names & Family Scientific Name: Rubus parviflorus Common Names: Thimbleberry, Western Thimbleberry Plant Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family) As a member of the rose family, thimbleberry shares many traits with its relatives, such as five-petaled flowers and compound...
As gardening season approaches, I've been feeling inspired by nature and how it can support our gardening efforts. Recently, I was reading The Boreal Herbal by Beverly Grey, and I discovered that you can make your own natural rooting hormone using willow branches. Rooting hormone helps plant cuttings grow roots, turning them into new plants. Many store-bought rooting hormones are full of chemicals that some of us might prefer to avoid, so the idea of using willow caught my attention. Willow, which can grow as a tree or shrub, is abundant across North America. There are many species of willow, all belonging to the genus Salix, and any of these species will work for this project. It’s easy to find and an eco-friendly option for helping your plants thrive. How to Make Your Own Willow Rooting Hormone Here’s a simple method to make your own willow rooting hormone at home: 1. Gather Your Willow Branches: Collect a handful of fresh willow branches. Look for young, green shoots, as they...
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