The next botanical art workshop in Bosham is Friday to Sunday, 18-20 March. The topic is ’Spring is on the way: flowers and bulbs’.

There is a huge opportunity to paint almost anything flowering in the garden, but particularly plants with their bulbs. I have noticed over the years that people love to see a flowering bulb. Painting the bulb is almost a welcome relief from the detail of the plant itself. Also, the difference in texture between the softness of the bloom and the solidness of the bulb gives additional opportunities for learning.

What is likely to be around then? It is only two weeks away and there is already a lot out there. I have some Crocosmia Lucifer corms growing in the garden, which you are very welcome to use as we have too much. The way they grow is quite intriguing and although they won’t have any flowers on them yet, the green spikes of the new leaves will be showing.

There are loads of flowering bulbs at the garden centre, such as small Irises, late flowering tiny daffs and even Fritillaria. If you have any in your garden, more the better. I know that normally the garden centre sell the flowering bulbs much earlier than they pop up in the garden. The Fritillaria below is the result of one such example. I don’t think they have begun to show in the garden yet, but the garden centres are selling them.

You can use either watercolour or coloured pencil. A delicious lunch is served each day as well as plenty of coffee, tea and biscuits.

Anyway, I still have some places available, so get in touch quickly to book your place.