Retirement from full-time work offers lots of time to experiment and try new hobbies. I dabbled in gardening for many years, and grew more confident in those skills as I put plants in the ground and they didn’t make it, then tried again using plant food and really good soil. I learned, after many dead plants, that the key to a successful garden, be it vegetables or flowers, is good soil, rich in nutrients, microorganisms, and earthworms. I learned about the importance of nematodes and natural predators for controlling pests in the garden. Over time, I adopted a completely natural gardening approach, enlisting insects and other plants to control the thrips and other leaf-eating insects.

The bird watching has evolved over time, just like the gardening. Now, I can recognize the birds that visit my quiet yard by their songs and body type. I know when to expect the hummingbirds to return and how often to replace the sugar water in their feeders. I have also learned, after years of pulling up the gross, sprouted seed knocked from bird feeders, that the no-mess bird seed is worth the extra couple of bucks!

Those two hobbies have been part of my comfort zone for many years. I always believed that I had no real talent for drawing, and never even attempted painting. I was convinced that my logical, pragmatic mind was geared in ways not compatible with a creative side. But I love photography. A complete amateur, I love finding the interesting views through the lens. I started by sketching flowers, using some of the photos I took of the flowers in my yard. Then, as I sat at my desk in a back bedroom of our house watching the birds through the window, I realized that the room had great light. The morning sun comes through the window at the ideal angle to offer soft, focused light, perfect for painting. I created a studio in my office, complete with easel and cart to hold my painting and drawing tools. Some days, the creative juices need a studio, and some days the backyard calls. So, even though I am still very critical of my work, I have produced several finished pieces using ink, watercolor, and even acrylics. I will share a few of them as I continue to relax in my backyard sanctuary. I hope they bring you joy!

Ink drawings

Ink and Watercolor

My list of inspiring artists and resources are listed below.

• Ink and Wash Florals, by Camilla Damsbo Brix
• The Watercolor Flower Painter’s A to Z, by Royal Botanic Gardens Kew