INSPIRATION: This beautiful bulb was collected by botanist Ernst Van Jaarsveld on a trip up the Umzimvubu River. He brought it back to Kirstenbosch and lent it to me to paint. It is a slightly different form to the more common George Lily.
INSPIRATION: This aloe reminds me of getting away from the wet cold winters of the Cape to the bush. Aloes in flower line the side of the road on the first part of our journey and the birds love their nectar.
Copyright: Vicki Thomas 2016
INSPIRATION: The way the leaves of this protea reflect the light and vary in colour has always been a source of wonder to me. It was one of the first plants we put into our indigenous garden and besides pleasing me it pleases the birds too.
Copyright Vicki Thomas 2016
INSPIRATION:
The iconic Sugarbush, this protea really does produce an amazing amount of sweet nectar which the early European settlers used as a cool drink. This pretty version grew next door at the Harold Porter Botanic Gardens in Bettys Bay.
INSPIRATION: A plant with silver leaves and burning matchstick-like stamens, this is a stunning sight in nature. My husband developed a technique of grafting it on to root stock so we have it growing in our garden and it is a favourite with visitors.
INSPIRATION: These are two of the many delicate and beautiful bulbs that flower in the Cape in late winter. They are so delicate and ephemeral I feel really privileged to see them.
Copyright Vicki Thomas 2016
INSPIRATION: This protea was the first known illustration of a South African plant taken back to Europe in the 1400s, so I had to do it too. The contrast between the delicate shell-like pink and the black hairs is hugely appealing.
Copyright Vicki Thomas 2016
INSPIRATION: Such an amazing brick red colour flower is a sight, but for me it was the way the leaves curl that I found so attractive on this plant. It is almost sculptural.
Copyright Vicki Thomas 2016