Since European settlement, Australia has embraced plants from around the world. Some flourished, while others struggled in our harsh climate and poor soils. Over time, many exotic species became cherished features of Australian gardens.
Growing up in Sydney in the 1960’s, I remember gardens filled with frangipani, jacaranda, crepe myrtle and liquid amber trees. Hydrangeas, azaleas, camellias and roses were garden favourites, while most backyards also had a lemon tree and, often, a vegetable patch.
Gardening trends have changed over the years. Today we grow more Australian native plants, many of which are better suited to our changing climate. Yet exotic plants continue to bring beauty, colour and diversity to our gardens. I have a large and varied garden, and I enjoy capturing many of these plants through my botanical art.
African Sausage Tree
Kigelia africana
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 68 x 51 cm
‘Certificate of Botanical Merit’, SBA’s Plantae, London, 2023
Monkey Cups
Nepenthes hybrid cultivar
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 42 x 29 cm
Selected for the ’16th International Exhibition of Botanical Art and Illustration, 2019′, at the Hunt Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
Pitcher Plant
Sarracenia hybrid cultivar
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 42 x 29 cm
Pitcher Plants
Sarracenia hybrid cultivars
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 42 x 59 cm
Canna Lily
Canna indica
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 42 x 27 cm
Day Lily
Hemerocallis ‘Buddha’
coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 44 x 31 cm
Cymbidium Orchid
Cymbidium
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 55 x 41 cm
Deciduous Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 50 x 36 cm
Green Slipper Orchid
Paphiopedilium
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 39 x 39 cm
Flowers on Sydney Harbour
Dutch iris, tulip, ranunculus
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 42 x 29 cm
Spring Flowers
gaura, african daisy, hardy geranium, viola, pansy, narrowleaf blue-eyed grass
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 29 x 42 cm
Clivias
Clivia hybrids
Coloured pencil on archival paper
Paper size: 38 x 39 cm
Bromeliads
Bird of Paradise
Camelia
French Lavender
Hardy Geranium
Hibiscus
African Hemp Leaves