A Kahukōwhai for Winter

May 28, 2023 / Z. R. Southcombe

On Saturday we had a warm and sunny day, which enticed me and the butterflies outside. I packed a bag with laptop and sketchbook, made a cup of tea, and took my camera... just in case. A kahukōwhai (yellow admiral butterfly) was enjoying what the garden had to offer, and also chose my bag as … Continue reading A Kahukōwhai for Winter

In Search of Monarchs

May 1, 2023 / Z. R. Southcombe

Monarch butterfly feeding on jasmine flower at Ōamaru Public Gardens This November, I will be holding a photography exhibition at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens gallery space. I've called it Wings (like my calendar) and it will feature larger-than-life portraits of butterflies from around my district. I have a few photos collected now to choose from, … Continue reading In Search of Monarchs

A Weekly Dose of Nature

April 14, 2023April 10, 2023 / Z. R. Southcombe

Today I have officially released my first Substack newsletter! You can read the letter here, or keep reading to find out a bit more about it and how it came to be. I have been enjoying the process of writing my garden memoir so much. 😍 And now, we're three seasons in, and I find … Continue reading A Weekly Dose of Nature

Artist Date: Monarch Sunset Cruise

April 10, 2023April 6, 2023 / Z. R. Southcombe

I have been looking forward to the Wild Dunedin events this year as every year something has come up and I haven't been able to attend yet (Covid lockdowns, a friend's wedding, and my exhibition in Ōtautahi/Christchurch). The festival is officially 14-23 April, so the week ahead is going to be PACKED with events for … Continue reading Artist Date: Monarch Sunset Cruise