Actually, for the second time, Boudoir for a Beast has received an award. The first was in a statewide competition sponsored by Louisiana Master Naturalist Association. Boudoir won in the “Wildlife” category.

Just last week I learned that Boudoir won in the “It’s Alive!” category in a national competition run by Wild Ones, an organization devoted to the use and conservation of native plant species. Their competition featured numerous categories. “It’s Alive!” called for images that depict anything other than a plant at home in its native plant environment.

I do not know what kind of log the ‘gator is resting on, but I did identify several other plant species in this photo. Here’s the info I submitted with the photo: Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides), Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum), and water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), plus native graminoids that cannot be identified in the photo, with an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) resting on a log.

The photograph actually illustrates an important fact about native plants: If you plant them, native wildlife will come! Of course, I’m not suggesting anyone wants a ‘gator, especially one this size, in their backyard! But… birds, butterflies, and more love native plants best.

The Wild Ones competition was conducted electronically. But if you want to see a framed print of Boudoir, it’s currently hanging in the lovely lobby outside the Mayor of West Monroe’s office in a exhibit called “Your Happy Place.” It’ll be there until early 2023. Also, BTW, it’s for sale. 🙂

You can also go to the Wild Ones website here to see all of the beautiful winners.