had great intentions of writing about everything as it was happening but was SO caught up in the adventure that sitting down to write didn’t fit into my plan.  I was too busy creating and experimenting with my scarves or watching sunrises and sunsets.  In the moment that seemed more important.  Looking back, I am glad I didn’t miss the blessings of being in those moments.   

Before we reached Dayton as our final destination we spent a couple of days in Sheridan, Wyoming where I had the opportunity to meet Sheridan’s City Arborist, Clark Van Hoosier. He agreed to give us a walking tour of the Trail End Garden and Kendrick Arboretum so I could learn more about the native plants of Wyoming and what I would be working with.

Kendrick family members have told museum staff that John Kendrick named his home Trail End because this was the place to which he intended to retire — the end of his personal trail. That would make sense: He first came to Wyoming on the Texas Trail in 1879 as a penniless orphan cowboy and ended up a wealthy cattle baron. The name Trail End can be found in correspondence about its construction, in diary entries, on early stationery and matching envelopes, and even in Sheridan city directories. It has always been and continues to be known to the family by this name.

We arrived at the Arboretum on a sunny day and were delighted to see a beautiful mansion surrounded by a large garden of trees and plants, We were treated to a walking tour of the grounds with a short explanation of each tree and why it was planted in this garden and learned that sometimes trees are planted here to test their adaptability to the region and climate, to monitor insect activity, or to preserve a species. It was interesting to find out that trees that are common in Tennessee do not grow well in Wyoming.  Oak and many of the hardwoods like Hickory, Walnut, and Pecan are not native to the area.  Most of the maple trees I found were Rocky Mountain Maple with a much smaller leaf with a particular variety that has red double samara (seedlings) called “Hot Wings.  I particularly liked this beautiful tree.  Clark was a very gracious host and answered my many questions.  I gathered notes and photos and felt well equipped to go out into the wilderness and gather leaves for my art.

I was excited and inspired as I left there knowing the next step was the final destination, the experience, the adventure of two weeks of art created in a new environment.  I had prepared for this adventure for several months and it was almost here! 

Please check out my videos titled “Wyoming Adventure” on my Instagram feed.