Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Lazuli Bunting

Sweet blast of blue at the platform feeder during a rainstorm: Lazuli bunting.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Female Black-Headed Grosbeak? Western Tanager?

She was hanging around with the house sparrows at the platform feeder yesterday. I could be wrong on the ID, so send me your tips. Update: Birding expert friends say she is a Western Tanager.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Fairy Flower

I tucked this plant into a pot five years ago and really enjoy the delicate pink blooms.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Cucumber Babies

Finally got some plants in the ground...if all goes well, we will be eating cucumbers by late July.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Lilac Envy

My neighbor Sharon's pristine white lilacs. They smell wonderful.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Kenilworth Ivy

A polite and low-growing ground cover...also known as toadflax. Kenilworth ivy is a nicer name, though.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Salute to Miss Rumphius

Lupine in honor of one of my daughter's favorite picture books.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Little Shop of Horrors?

Looks like that plant from the musical/movie. This is an Oriental poppy getting ready to bloom.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Begonia

The "one" hanging basket I purchased this year is a begonia. I love this color.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Jupiter's Beard

Keep an eye on this one - it's aggressive, but also dependable, water-wise, good cutting flower, and bee-friendly. Jupiter's beard is just starting to bloom. It's sometimes called red valerian.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

More...Weeds

At least they're pretty weeds...I've been trying to keep this one out of the strawberry patch for years. Obviously, I'm not winning.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Friday, May 13, 2011

Baby Dahlia

A sweet, little dahlia my daughter received as a gift on Easter. I think it might be safe to plant it outdoors this weekend.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Brewer's Blackbird

A common visitor to the yard. This bird likes to eat spilled seed under the feeders, and I appreciate the clean up.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Sedum Carpet

This sedum mixture was purchased at the end of the last season. It came in a flat all mixed together. The directions said just to tear off chunks and plant. It worked!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Cassin's Finches



A pair of male Cassin's finches were visiting the platform feeders this morning. They look similar to house finches, but their coloring is more rosy-pink, instead of orange-red. House finches have more stripes on their bellies and wear brown crowns.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Strawberry-to-Be

Can't wait for their summery goodness.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Yep. It's Spring.

I'd better get to weeding soon, or these sunshine faces will take over the strawberry patch.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Still Waiting

Hummingbirds usually return to our yard about May 1st. I put up feeders last weekend, but haven't seen any customers yet. Hummingbird food recipe: 1 part sugar, 4 parts water. No need to add coloring, or boil. Just stir to dissolve the sugar. I refresh the feeders once a week early in the season and about every 2-3 days when it gets hot.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Surprise Tulips for May Day

For the past two years, I thought I had removed all the tulips from this garden bed....yet, they still return each year. So, I'll happily give up.