Punica granatum

The Tradescants were 17th century gardeners who introduced many new plants to England. More than 160 varieties of fruit were listed amongst the inventory of plants grown at the Tradescants nursery in Lambeth, many of which are illustrated in the Orchard. The Garden Museum invited 40 of the worlds leading botanical artists to paint watercolours of fruit in response to the Orchard.

Heidi Venamore portrays the essence of her botanical subjects, while at the same time focusing on the plant's individual components. Her work attracts attention with a vibrant, arresting composition, before drawing the viewer into the details of the work. Heidi chose the pomegranate due to its beauty and origins in the Middle East, where she has spent much of her life and career. This specimen grew in Heidi’s garden in Jordan where pomegranates are valued for their health properties, as well as their flavour. These specimens have a deep red colour from months of ripening in the Middle Eastern sun.