Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis
tinctoria) This member of the sunflower family settles in moist areas of prairies, pastures, and fields. It finds its home in the wettest portion of my backyard. It is an annual that can reach a height of four feet. It was not observerd in the yard before this year, probably because mowing occurred in previous years before it bloomed, because there was a drought last year, or a combination of both. It is also called Garden Coreopsis because it is used in gardens in the west extensively. |
The Head (Trisha voelkera) This ceramic sculpture was made by an artist named Trish Voelker when he was a student at the University of Georgia. It remained for many years in the backyard of an old house where the artist had once lived. When it became likely that the house would be condemned, I rescued it and then took it to Denton, Texas with me some years later. The head is located under a Common Persimmon tree in an island of trees in the backyard. It is covered in the winter to protect it from ice, but braves the spring and summer elements without problem. |