Today is National Plant a Flower Day, and although no one would say I have a green thumb, I am ready to celebrate with a 10 x 10 mixed media collage!  I decided to make nasturtiums my theme because I confess I emptied the seed packet display at my local hardware store of all they had!

Last year I went to all five local stores who display seeds and although there was a great selection of the other varieties, alas the nasturtiums were sold out.  AHAH!  I have six packets, enough to make a border in the front yard.

 

Several years ago, I cut out calendar page sunflowers and put thick layers of yellow acrylic paint for a faux oil painting of sunflowers.

I thought it would be fun to do the same thing to a Burpee Nasturtium Seed packet illustration that I scanned into my computer and made a printout.

 

I sorted my acrylic paints!

I like using a piece of glass for my palette.  Get all the colors set to work at the edge.

 

I like using these because you can control the stroke and get defined lines.

 

Work moving out from the center.

 

Work whichever way you can apply the paint the easiest.

 

All of the flowers are painted with definite strokes, but not too thick or the paint will crack when it dries.

 

When the flowers were dry, the collage seemed on the drab side, so I used cardstock to make a fence background.

 

I like how it turned out…a fresh piece of art just in time for spring!

I don’t think I will try planting these seeds today…but the next warm day it will be fun to plant them for a cheeful border!

HOW TO OBSERVE   National Plant a Flower Day (from the National Calendar)

Tips for Starting a Flower Garden

• Start with a potted garden.  If you aren’t ready to tear up a patch of lawn, this is a good way to go.  They do require more watering, but less care overall.
• Select plants that grow well in your spot.  Some plants grow well in the shade and others prefer the sun.  Others love both!
• Did you know gardeners who prefer perennial gardens have to thin their flower beds every couple of years?  They also like to share the extra bulbs and seeds with those who are new to gardening, so if you know someone with a green thumb, get to know them better.  You might get some free plants, advice and a budding friendship!
• Local greenhouses stock plants that grow well in your area.  Don’t be afraid to ask them questions and shop there frequently.

Let’s all work together by planting a flower and helping make the world a more beautiful place. Use #PlantAFlowerDay to post on social media