While walking in our rural neighborhood I found the spectacular summer-colored blooms of the daylilies flourishing along a weathered split-rail fence. The lovely setting created a sanctuary for an Eastern Bluebird and inspiration for my watercolor painting.

Bluebirds are more suburban and rural by nature, preferring open woodlands including farmlands, orchards and even parks and gardens. Metal fence posts have replaced wooden ones where bluebirds commonly nest. Thousands of folks jumped on a conservation bandwagon and made a rel difference by putting up nesting boxes.

In recent years it has become increasingly popular for gardiners to collect new varieties of daylilies. The fawn-colored native daylilies with their graceful arching emerald leaves remain decorative all summer long. A naturalized area of lush blooms and a split-rail fence is a natural for an Eastern Bluebird.