Early Bee Gets the Flower

This painting hangs in the Getty Museum, Los Angeles.  The colors, vibrancy and lushness are striking.  Apparently, he could take months and even years to finish works like this because he always had the actual plant in the studio when he painted.  Since the still life comprised flowers, fruits and leaves from different seasons it was a patient task to paint them all in.

Planted the last week in March.  Pull leaves or cut the tops for salad. Prolific, and absolutely delicious!  Highly recommended. Soaker hose irrigation. Post provided by SC.

An old Bourbon rose propagated in France and named for Queen Victoria.  Original Bourbon roses derive from planned and spontaneous hybridization of roses on Reunion Island, known then as, Isle de Bourbon.

Photo from R. Gale