Crepe Myrtle in Bloom

Many people think of Spring as the best time to see the South in bloom.  Few realize that the warmer months of the year also have their own form of  Southern flower power.. Crepe Myrtle, Magnolia and many native  Southern plants are in peak bloom.

Cannas around the Palm Garden Urn.

 And many introduced species thrive in our near tropical climate.

Climbing Gloriosa Lily looks aflame against it's green leaves

Brookgreen Gardens is one the best places in the  state to see just how truly exotic the South can look

One of my personal  favorites blooms of the season are the waterlilies.  I always try to get in plein air  paintings of these beauties at this time of year.

Wild white waterlilies can be found blooming along South Carolina's roadways

But they are not as large nor as colorful as those in Brookgreen's ponds

And Brookgreen's  pond lilies are a lot safer to paint . Unfortunately this year 's constant scattered thunderstorms are making  plein air  even at  Brookgreen  hazardous. 
Fortunately I was able to  get in a few good sketches and grab some decent reference photos this week before the weather chased me off