Baby Blue Eyes

Our February calendar image is always a favorite - Baby Blue Eyes, Nemophila menziesii. 

This small flower, up to 1.5" wide, blankets foothills in California up to about 6000 ft. and is a herald of spring.  George might have taken the image near Santa Barbara or on his way to the western Sierra.

The beginning of February also marks George's birthday - February 2nd.  The Baby Blue Eyes is reminiscent of George's grey/blue eyes!  A nice remembrance.

Here's a photo of George with another California spring flower, Ceanothus, or California Lilac.  While Ceanothus is not a true lilac in the Syringa genus, it does produce pale purple, fragrant blooms.  The closest California gets to spring lilacs!