Creating an 'En Plein Air' Painting Studio: Gardening Tips for Your Artistic Journey in 2025
- Naomi Odiwe
- Jul 20, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
My Gardening Adventures in June and July
June and July are my absolute favorite months for gardening! It's that magical time when everything seems to burst into life, and I can almost taste the fruits of my labour - well, if I had any fruits yet! While my grand garden plan is still just a twinkle in my eye (and a topic for my future blogs), I'm happily making strides in the planting department of my At Home 'En Plein Air' flower painting studio.
Blooming Beauties
This year, I was over the moon to witness my first peony blossoms in early June. And let’s not forget the stunning white roses that have graced my garden throughout both months. As the grand finale, my evergreen white jasmine decided to join the party on one side of the garden. It's as if the jasmine and roses held a secret meeting and agreed to intertwine, creating a breathtaking display. The combination is wonderful, and in the evenings, their scents waft across my small lawn like a fragrant invitation to a garden soirée. Who needs a fancy perfume when you have nature's finest right outside your door? So, here’s to more blooms, more laughter, and maybe, just maybe, a few more grand plans that might actually come to fruition!
Creating a Living Screen
My garden is quite overlooked by the windows of the neighbouring houses. To enhance the view from my terrace, I decided to grow a living screen halfway down the garden. Initially, I toyed with the idea of installing a low fence, but the living screen has proven to be a delightful alternative, effectively blocking the view and saving me some cash - always a welcome bonus!
Flamingo Willows: A Gift That Keeps on Giving
The centerpiece of my living screen consists of four charming flamingo willow trees (Salix Integra ‘Hakuro-Nishiki’), a thoughtful gift from my daughter Amelia three years ago. Along with underplanting and two olive trees that I cultivated from smaller plants, these flamingo willows are thriving in the well-drained soil of my terraced garden. Thanks to a warm summer punctuated by heavy rainfalls, they’ve really taken off!
Growth and Aesthetics
While books suggest that this ornamental tree typically grows to about 2 metres tall, mine are nearly reaching that height already, flaunting dense foliage that makes for an excellent screen. Their striking colours add a splash of joy to the garden! I’ve been trimming them narrowly to encourage upward growth, creating a lovely canopy that feels both inviting and private.
Artistic Inspiration
These beautiful trees are not just a feast for the eyes; they will also feature in my future paintings so I plan to photograph them in detail soon, especially as they reach their peak beauty. The white and neutral planting backdrop in the garden for my artwork has come together splendidly, and I can’t wait to share the transformation through the short movie below that captures the changes over the past year.
It feels a bit like living in a reality show! How I solved this.
There's an unsightly conservatory perched at a higher ground level on the fence line of my garden, which is extremely un-appealing. It compromises the privacy of my terrace area, making it feel like I'm living in a reality show where the neighbours have front-row seats! To conceal this eyesore, I took matters into my own hands and installed a couple of trellis panel tops on the existing fence. I then moved a large potted wisteria to this side of the garden, hoping it would act as my botanical privacy screen.
My Botanical Privacy Screen
My wisteria thrives in the sunny spot at the back of my house and grows like mad every spring. So, I have high hopes that it will enjoy climbing through these new panels, alongside the white and pale pink clematis I planted a couple of years ago. Together, they should form a lush, leafy fortress, providing me with the much-needed screen and privacy I crave—because let’s be honest, nobody wants to feel like they’re in a live-action version of “Big Brother” while sipping morning coffee!
The next step is to sprinkle in a splash of colour that aligns with my garden's vibrant Spring thru to Autumn palette! I'm on the hunt for bargains and petite plants (because who doesn't love a good deal, right?) that can settle in nicely by the time Spring and Summer roll around. Picture this: a stunning orange blossom stealing the show, accompanied by a chorus of white and lilac clematis, an evergreen jasmine that just won’t quit, along with grand roses (of pristine white and soft peach) that will gracefully cover the shed on the opposite side of the garden. Together, with warm salmon peonies and a Koko Loco rose in deep desert orange they should all create a delightful floral framework that will make my garden the envy of the neighbourhood!
And just to keep the excitement alive, here’s a little reminder of my garden plan from a couple of years ago. It’s like a time capsule of floral dreams waiting to bloom!
Art News Update
Exciting News: 2024 Watercolor Prints Are Here!
I'm thrilled to announce that a delightful selection of my 2024 watercolor paintings are now available as fine art prints in A2 size (42cm x 59.4cm)! These vibrant pieces are not just art; they’re a splash of joy for your walls!
Watch the Magic Unfold
Check out the short film below, where I showcase these enchanting paintings that are sure to inspire! You'll also see some fabulous interior colour schemes that harmonize beautifully with my art, drawing from my experience as a commercial interior designer. Who knew decorating could be this fun? I did 😂🤣....
Shop 'til You Drop!
Ready to bring some colour into your life? Click the link below to hop over to my shop! There, you can buy signed and numbered fine art prints complete with certificates of authenticity. But wait, there's more! You’ll also find charming greeting cards, festive Christmas cards, as well as my 2026 calendar to keep your year bright and cheerful!
Don't miss out on the chance to add a dash of flower power to your home or to gift someone special with a piece of art that speaks to the heart!
These can be ordered through my online shop linked in my Fine Art Prints page in the shop section of this website OR click the link below
NARTOMI ORIGINAL ART - (Art in Naomi) Online Shop - http://nartomioriginalart.shop
Exhibition News Update
Celebrating Creativity at the Haywards Heath Arts Festival
This year, from June 22nd to 29th, I had the exhilarating opportunity to once again immerse myself in the vibrant world of the Haywards Heath Arts Festival. Alongside three other exceptionally talented artists, I proudly presented my latest creations at the lively Dolphin Leisure Centre, transforming the space into a tapestry of artistic expression.
A Symphony of Artistry
The festival was a delightful celebration of creativity, where each artist brought their unique flair and perspective to the canvas. The atmosphere buzzed with inspiration, and it was a joy to witness the diverse range of artworks on display.
Experience the Magic
To give you a taste of this artistic adventure, I invite you to watch the video below, which captures the essence of the festival and showcases the remarkable works of my fellow artists. Each piece tells a story.
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Thank you for reading.
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