Delicate white bells
Hanging from the thin green stem
Hidden in the shade
I am ashamed to admit I don’t know the botanical name for this tall thin graceful perineal plant that springs up early every spring next to the trillium bunch growing in the shady part of my property. In that same shady area next to the trillium is the shamrock (oxalis acetosella); all three are blooming at the same time. It is lovely.
The native wild trillium’s beauty is outstanding, blossoms with big floppy pale white almost transparent petals and large green leaves; also the shamrock with its club shaped leaves showing off its delicate white flute shaped flowers. But, this mystery plant is charming with a long thin strong stem and at the top there may be one or two small blossoms shaped like bells. It appears to hang its head down not wanting to be noticed, protecting and not wanting to share the dark yellow pollen at the end of its stamens with the bees and insects.
SKETCHING ON WHIDBEY ISLAND 
I love the Dutch name for Snowdrops and would love to hear it pronounced. They are so delicate and almost unnoticed to the eye since they seem to prefer shady areas in the garden. The bell shaped flower is very similar a plant called Jacob’s Ladder (I am assuming that’s its name)
LikeLike
I say Snowdrops, in Dutch ‘Sneeuwklokje’, translated as snow-bell. We love them too. Offering somebody a small bouquet of snowdrops is a very romantic way to express your love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jet, for the support. Spring has finally arrived here in the north, slightly. We need some of that Calif. warm weather
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a lovely drawing, SWI; you captured the delicate beauty and brightness of spring flowers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree…..it’s impossible to learn all the names of the species; I usually start forgetting the ones down the line I had learned earlier. Have a beautiful spring
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, I’ll give it a try soon. Plus I will request a postcard from your friend, Matt
LikeLike
Thanks, I’ll give it a try soon. Plus I will request a postcard from your friend, Matt
LikeLike
Yes! I think it is a great idea! I actually borrowed the idea from a friend Matt at http://www.giveliveexplore.com/ I would be so happy if you incorporated it into your site! 🙂 Would love to know how it goes.
LikeLike
Also, if I can get permission from you I’d like to try your idea on my blog; if I find time, I would like to see if any of the viewers on my blog would like to receive a post card painting from me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Missyjean: I found out from a viewer and friend the 16 inch tall stem with the small bell shaped flowers is called Giant Snowflake (gallants naveles.) I am glad you enjoyed my hand painted postcard. I hope your idea spreads and you’ll received more postcards from other painters that you sent out post cards to with your paintings on them…..such fun.
LikeLike
Beautiful!
You know, each spring I vow to learn all the wildflowers that pop up, (I know many of them, but not all), and it is still a work in progress. This one doesn’t seem familiar to me, and it might be more adapted to the coastal area. How big is it?
And I received your postcard and I love it! It is hanging up on my “inspiration line”, which is a string with clothes pins that clip tidbits of inspiration hung above my work space. A big thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for the extra info about the name.
LikeLike
Sandidureice: Thank you for your suggestion. They are from the snowflake variety. Another viewer informed me they are from the snowflake variety called Gravetye Giant….giant snowflake.
LikeLike
Hi, lovely drawing and painting. Could be Snowflakes:
http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s2674652.htm
I have these flowers and have always called them Snowdrops, but decided to double-check before I answered your blog, and low and behold I think mine are Snowflakes too.
LikeLike