“Dual Focus – From Backyard to Burren” is the title of an exhibit of watercolors and photography on display at the Lauritzen Gardens, the Botanical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, through December 31, 2010.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Road Trips Gardeners, and standard garden admission rates apply (for this show, that’s $6 for adults).

The artist, Diane Murphy (pictured at right), is drawn to close examination of structure, growth process and seasonal change. A love of art and nature merge in her work. She says she enjoys the challenge of careful observation and the reward of discovery. Although her painting is not limited to the botanical style, it has been a focus for much of her recent work. She was the winner of the Nebraska State Arboretum Botanical competition in 1999 and 2000, and she is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists.

Lauritzen Gardens is located at 100 Bancroft Street — just north of I-80 and south of Omaha’s historic Old Market district.