The word “florilegium” (plural, "florilegia") comes from the New Latin word florilegium, which means "gathering flowers:: flor, flowers + legere, to gather. In fall of 2021 I took a higher level “Florilegium” class at the University of Michigan Biological station in Northern Michigan where we collected, observed and painted flowers and plants. We also created “exsiccata” which are plant specimens that have been pressed and dried and then beautifully arranged.
Michigan Native Plant Species
Microscope perspective of various Michigan Native plant species, 2021, Watercolor, 18" by 12"
Common Arrowhead, 2021, Watercolor, 12" by 8"
Rose, 2021, Watercolor, 12" by 7"
Nettle Leaf Exsiccata, 2021, Elm Leaves, 5" by 7"
Thimbleweed, 2021, Watercolor, 8" by 5"
Cardinal Flower, 2021, Watercolor, 8.5" by 11"
Golden Rod, Ivy, Mint, Aster Petal Exsiccata, 2021, Pressed flowers and leaves, 18" by 6"
Iris, 2021, Watercolor, 4" by 8"
Spotted Knapweed, Goldenrod and Snake Plant, 2021, Watercolor, 15" by 15"
Native and Non-Native Plant Species of the Great Lakes Region
Hand-made Florilegium Book, 2021, Watercolor, 8” by 5” pages
Regions and Plant Species Featured: Lake Michigan Lakeshore (Pitchers Thistle and Baby’s Breath), Wetland (Broadleaf Cattail and Purple Loosestrife), Prairie (Common Milkweed and Black Swallow-wort), and Forest (Trillium and Buckthorn)