Pinky Swear Promise Painting

Wondering why I called this “Pinky Swear Promise Painting?” Read on gentle reader! But first, a warm welcome to new and returning readers to this colorful, art-filled blog. For more details on its focus and purpose, read this. To receive these art-inspired, sometimes goofy, always colorful weekly posts, sign up here. Let’s get to the promise, shall we?

Why Promise

As a bird listening, native plant loving, outdoorsy, dog walking kinda person, I realize that my yard is in need of serious attention and love. There’s so much news and promise for those of us who decide to plant native plants in our yards. My dear pal, Cherie, introduced me to Doug Tallamy‘s work and books. I think my favorite book is Nature’s Best Hope. It offers a clear way for regular humans to take steps in our yards to save the planet.

From that book, Tallamy initiated an environmental movement that is so clear and simple! It’s called Home Grown National Park. The goal: 20 million acres of native plantings in the U.S. This represents approximately ½ of the green lawns of privately-owned properties. That means you and me taking a tiny chunk of our yard and planting native plants.

I know some of my family and friends have already registered on the Home Grown National Park website to participate as native plant advocates. And, even though I have planted native plants in my front yard, I still have this…well…cluster…of invasive plants in our backyard.

The Promise

So here’s the painting of our backyard abutting our next door neighbors shed. I love this spot in our yard. It feels like a respite from the world. And, in fact, it is a respite from the world. I could paint this spot at different times of day for the rest of my life and each painting would be different.

This painting is 6×12 inches on panel. And, it’s for sale for $197. You can have it for your very own, along with my gratitude, by clicking on the link below.

You can be sure that proceeds for this painting will go towards the removal of all the crazy privet, non-native azaleas and other pesky plants here. The only native plant is that fun pokey and pointy plant on the right. That plant, also known as, Yucca Filamentosa, came from our garden in Chapel Hill, is native to the southeast and attracts all kinds of birds. It just needs some companion native plants, don’t you think?

To me, that pointy plant is a sentinel, a tease of what is to come.

The Affirmation

And, that’s where the pinky swear promise comes in. It’s my hope that by this time next year, I will have removed all the pesky invasive plants and prepared that bed with mulch from our compost and fallen leaves. Sometimes, the only way to get things done is to tell someone else (you!!!) that I’m going to do it. Right?

Other Native Plant News

I am excited to report that the fledgling American Beautyberry I planted last fall is starting to show its leaf buds. We had one of these gorgeous plants at our house in Chapel Hill. It’s time to have (at least!!) one here in Raleigh.

And, who knew that it can reduce your exposure to mosquitos! So come on along and consider planting a native plant or two in your spot you call home. You will be amazed at the friendly visitors you will start to see outside your window when you do!

What About You

How about you gentle reader? Have you gotten bitten with the native plant ‘bug?’ If so, I would love to hear how and where. Please share in the comments below and thanks so much for reading today!