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Trillium Carpet

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The cold winter weather of 2013 that lingered well into May has delayed the emergence of our beloved trillium, prolonging their bloom time into June. The large flowered trillium (trillium grandiflorum) has a single, stout stem arising from a deeply buried bulb, three leaves and three big white petals. A Michigan Protected Flower, trillium are fragile and should not be picked, as this kills the entire plant. Besides, they lack fragrance and wilt quickly. In an emergency situation people can eat the leaves and bulb. White-tailed deer also eat trillium, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources predicts that between habitat destruction by humans and grazing by deer, trillium could disappear in the next 30 years. So enjoy the trillium today, and do what you can to ensure their survival for your great grandchildren.

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Good Harbor Day

This painting is an imaginary place, based on an adventure at Good Harbor Bay with my friend Marilyn. Years ago, we were having a hot, dry summer similar to our present conditions. We hiked for miles down the beach under sunny skies, while a dark cloud appeared in the northeast above the Whaleback. The storm moved in so rapidly we were engulfed long before we expected, far from our cars. Lightning and thunder crashed down all around as we ran for the relative shelter of the fore dune pine copes. We could just feel the great joy of all the plants as the heavy down pour washed off the dust and filtered down the root zone. Marilyn and I however had to run two miles through the violent storm, covering each lightning strike, and reaching our car, soaking wet. We laughed all the way home.

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Beach Path

Cedar and birch trees lean out toward the light at the edge of the forest as the beach path leads you to Lake Michigan. Along the way, you pass wood lilies and false solomon seal with bright, striped berries. Moisture from the lake bathes the ferns and mosses, and releases the sweet earthy scent of crushed cedar needles covering the sandy path. Turquoise water beckons as you leave the cool forest and walk out into the blazing sun. Swim out into the cool water, float on your back and scan the blue sky for eagles and terns. Now this is living!

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Midsummer

On a hot, sunny midsummer’s day, when Lake Michigan is still cold, a thick fog bank develops just off shore as the day heats up. Then an afternoon wind usually blows the cold mist inland, dropping the temperature and watering the near shore plants. Blooming in a riot of color in sheltered areas, typical dune flowers near Pyramid Point shown here are coreopsis, wood lily, ragwort, hairy puccoon, smooth rose interspersed with juniper and buffalo berry bushes. Wild strawberries are ripe in late June and grow right out of the sand with the other flowers. For a rare Midsummer Day treat — roll a wild strawberry up in a rose petal, and pop into your mouth!

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Kristin Hurlin Gallery

Michigan artist Kristin Hurlin has been creating detailed ink and watercolor drawings for over 35 years. Her award winning illustrations have graced many catalogs, books, t-shirts and magazines. The work on this site reflects the landscapes of Leelanau County in and around the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Contact information: 5964 S. Ray St., Glen […]

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