Lazuli Bunting

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

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.

Fairy Flower

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

Cucumber Babies

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

Lilac Envy

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

Kenilworth Ivy

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

Salute to Miss Rumphius

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

Little Shop of Horrors?

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

Begonia

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

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.

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.

River Birch Catkins

Catkins on the river birch.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Strawberry-to-Be

Can't wait for their summery goodness.

Yep. It's Spring.

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

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.

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.