With the possibility of cold temperatures and more snow, early April seems a bit too soon to do any serious garden clean-up, but when the weather permits it’s nice to get outdoors. The remaining pods of the Chinese, or Japanese, Lantern Plant, Physalis alkekengi, have taken on a lovely, lace-like appearance. The delicate look of the weathered lanterns in spring guarantees that they will continue to have at least a small presence in the garden, although their invasive tendencies can be difficult to contain.

Several years ago the fragile lanterns inspired a small series of pod prints, using both wood and linoleum blocks.

left to right: Lantern Plant, Peas + Pods, Framework