I Have Squatters

And, lots of them. In lots of places. No, they don't pay rent but they are very quiet! And, that is nice.

It's been going on for a few months now. They come in through the smallest crevices. And, many times they are just wondering around with nothing in particular that they are drawn to. Even with a SPOTLESS kitchen (which does not happen very often) they seem to like to come and visit. The ant control substance that I use has always been effective in the past. It is rather amusing to watch 👀 them gather around forming a complete circle and then come morning time they will all be gone. Only to have sent their buddies to return for more visits. 

I am quite certain that the abundance of rain that we have had throughout the winter plays a big part of this ant situation. 

Outdoors in the garden is another challenge with all the ants that seem to be under every leaf . They are very busy doing their work. But, they can be very annoying when they start crawling all over me. The little ones are just annoying but the larger ones that bite are a different story. It didn't take me very long to learn to work cautiously to insure that they aren't working where I want to work.

Those "little black things" are scampering everywhere. 

 I usually just move on to a different area and let them continue doing THEIR WORK, which is important. 

     The Peonies are filled with some worker ants. 

Some of my herbs (Chives, Oregano and Thyme) are doing very well. I have some Sage, Marjoram and Rosemary scattered about in other areas of the garden and all of them look good. I want to plant
some Basil and Parsley soon. I like to make Basil Pesto and freeze some for throughout the year.

The chive plant is getting bigger every year.

I have been able to get a lot accomplished in the garden this week. As you know, it is a never-ending activity when you have a garden. The sunshine has been so very good for me. And, I thoroughly enjoy the growth of such beautiful growing plants and flowers. 

I hope all of you have a Wonderful Week.

Mary

It Was A Very Good Week

We had more Sunshine days than Rain days. And, I was able to enjoy working in the garden. Lots of weeding and raking. While I was outdoors I was noticing how many lovely flowers were in bloom. So, I started clipping a flower here and another one from over there, before I knew it I had a bouquet. Outside I found a metal pitcher in the garden and I just put the cuttings into it and Ta-Da! What a nice sight it is on the patio table.

Some Lady Banks climbing roses, Spiraea, Camellias and Lilacs. It is the first time the lilac bush has had any blooms, not many but some. And,  I am loving it. 

And, this very pretty Azalea has bloomed in the past but never this full.

And, you know me and my Iris ! ! ! This is a well established group and look at all those tall stalks just getting ready to burst open in my White Garden.

The refurbished Multicolored Iris Bed is looking terrific. In fact just before coming in the house this afternoon I noticed that two of the plants, each have a bloom getting ready to open. It was a big surprise! I think I mentioned recently that they may not bloom this year. Last fall when I was redoing the iris bed I had a lot of little iris 'odds and ends' that I just tossed on the yard waste pile and another bare spot in the raised bed that hasn't been planted yet.

Look at them now.  And, this is only some of them! I am hoping that I can give them away to someone who would like some iris.

 And, I will end with these vigorously growing Dusty Miller plants. I really like the contrast with the green foliage of the White Garden plants.

I hope all of you have a Great Week.

Mary 

Are You Ready

For the Easter Bunny?          Can you wiggle your tail?

A very simple Easter Meal from a few years past.

As I recall, it was very yummy.           And, this was desert.                                     It was very good, too.

Today was a gorgeous day and I was able to do quite a lot of clean up in the garden. And, I was able to get my purple petunias planted at the edge of the Iris flowerbed. I am not sure if the iris in the new bed will bloom this year but they certainly look healthy. However, there are three different iris plants (orange rust, lavender and white) in other parts of the garden that getting ready to open. This has got to be one of the most fun years in the garden because the rains brought such beautiful results.

Tomorrow on Easter we are suppose to have rain during the day. Hopefully, all the Easter Egg Hunts will be over before the rain drops start to fall.

Mary

Not Much Going On

So, let's go outside for a walk and see what the garden is doing. When I went outside earlier today rain drops were starting to fall. I was hoping to plant some purple petunias along the outer edge of the iris flower bed which is looking really good. Even though I was bundled up with warm clothes I felt it was a little chilly. And, then I got side tracked with my camera by my side when I saw all the new signs of spring life. Let's have a look, OK?

This is something a little different that I have not seen very often. It is called a Fuchsia Tree. I remember purchasing two of the plants years ago. I was fascinated with the plant because it was so different than any fuchsia plant I had ever seen. And, I have always been very fond of fuchsias that have the large tubular flowers in different colors. This year the tree has certainly given a beautiful view from my dining room window. My second tree has not done as well primarily because of the location and lack of good soil conditions. However, it has more blooms than previously. The tree is called Fuchsia Paniculata.

Next, we have a Spiraea Vanhouttei. It is the classic bridal wreath spiraea. It has been a tremendous bloomer year after year at the edge of my White Garden. It is just beginning to bloom. Before long it will look like one huge snowball.

Now, what can you say about this photo of precious violas? Fabulous-would be good!

Oh, now one of my favorite places to use my camera. This year my White Tulips are worthy of a prize.

Much to my surprise, the White Hollyhock seeds I planted last year (that did very little last year) are looking healthy and vigorous. It makes me very happy.

These are some of the first bulbs in my garden to tell me it is spring time in my garden. They come up all around my garden just like some other bulbs like daffodils which have been here for years. Some years are better than others. This years rain fall has boosted the enthusiasm of every thing in my garden.

I love it that I can show you something different again. This plant reminds me a little like the Walking Stick plant. But, it's not. Years ago I attended the Sacramento Flower Garden Show with a couple friends and I was amused with this plant. It has continued "to do its thing" year after year. These little blossoms turn into little round yellow balls. And, the plant continues to grow in its twisty turny way. Oh, I almost forgot. It is used as rootstock for rose bushes.
Isn't this a fun photo. Be careful. Don't let it grab you!

All of my lovely camellias are blooming but the very frequent rains and fierce winds are not very kind to them. There are more flowers on the ground than on the bushes! Sad!

Along the edge of the flower bed beside the little creek is covered for yards with this Purple Phlox cascading over the edge.

Lady Banks Climbing Rose doesn't want to be left out of my parade of flowers. She covers about fifteen feet of the front fence and is on the brink of showcasing her production.

Another Camellia from a different plant.

And, what a nice surprise to see the Dusty Miller in my garden growing so happily.

I have so many more photos to show you but this is getting a little long. So I will save them for another time.

Before I go. Would you like to visit this little house? I can put the kettle on!

Wishing you a Great Week.

Mary