Stretching Out

This is the kind of day (very hot) that stretching out as far as you can might make you feel cooler.  What do you think?

 Taking a little time to "freshen up".

What are you doing today?

Ivy

Black Is Beautiful

And, especially stunning in the garden!

It is not a color that you see that often among flowers.  But, putting them in some companion planting can be outstanding. Contrasting with a bright color works well.

Also, planting them in a focal point is especially nice. These are planted at the corner of the driveway and is very noticeable with lots of Oozes and Awes! Since I have not bought any garden supplies or plants this year I thought it would be fun to show you these unusual black petunias from a couple years ago. 

And, this was a fun project from the past.  Do you ever find that for various reasons you don't continue using some creation from the past?

Hope you are enjoying a pleasant weekend.  Hopefully, I will be able to go to a garden center before long and see what mischief I can get into!  I know I will not have any difficulty buying ~~~~~ but getting the plants into the ground is the issue.

It's pretty quiet over here but hotter than I prefer!

Mary

A Light Bulb Went Off

A few days ago I was thinking about all that dry brown dirt where the ground cover had been.  It never occurred to me until now that I may have an answer.  And it is from past experience many years ago!  When I was in my twenties and we were landscaping the garden of our newly constructed house we used Dichondra as a lawn.  Oh, how I wish I could remember the details surrounding that decision. But I can't. It may have been that it was popular at that time and it did not have to be mowed if you did not want to.

Dichondra (Dichondra repens) is a perennial groundcover plant (in USDA zones 7-11) that has a somewhat upright, creeping habit with circular leaves. It is not usually over 2 inches (5 cm.) in height and retains its bright green color in temperatures as low as 25 degrees F. (-3 C.). When this groundcover becomes full, it appears as a dense, carpet-like grass and is often planted in places where other turf-type grass does not grow well.

This is quite exciting to me. I think I will see if the local nursery can order a flat or two.  If I recall, I think I have seen it near flats of other lawn grasses.  I will be able to wait until our temperatures drop to the 70,s to get it started if I want to plant with seeds!  I think that will be my choice.  And, of course it is less expensive if using seeds. 

And, it has a higher (USDA) planting zone of 7-11.  That if better than 9 for Prunella.  Less trouble with freezing temperatures.  Additionally, my current soil base is going to be alright for this project.

Wish me luck.  I'll keep you posted on the process.

Mary

Maybe One Of You Can Help

How did my ground cover - Prunella Vulgaris - which is a perennial herbaceous plant that blooms June through September - go from this - - - - - - - - - 

To this over the winter?  It's gone!  All of the Prunella is gone!!!!

 

I have been growing this ground cover for many many years working at getting it to cover the common areas on the one side of the house. I have saved seeds every year and used them to cast out seed!  And, it self seeds very well and can even become invasive!  It looks like someone scraped every plant out except for a tiny bit here and there up close to the rock border.

Throughout the years there have been many years when we have some snow in the winter and occasionally some frost. Could it really be that one night of freezing weather has robbed me of all of the ground cover that I have nurtured all these years?  During this past winter I was not well and I was not outside in the garden to notice any change..

Any ideas for an alternative plant?  I have always used a ground cover since I can not use a lawn mower!  This is an informative website about Prunella. https://www.thegardenhelper.com/prunella.html. 

If you have any thoughts on this issue please let me know in the comments.

Thanks 

Mary

Do You See White

The garden flowers are slowly finishing their bloom for the season.  But, the White Garden is being a "SHOW OFF".   There have been five beautiful White Gladiolas and more to open.

The Gardenias are still still blooming and there are many more buds to open. By the way, it is  miniature type Gardenia and it looks very delicate for a Gardenia.

The Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon bush is loaded with buds and has bloomed more than any other year. Probably because the bush is getting more sunlight this year.

The Crepe Myrtle tree at the corner of the White Garden is blooming beautifully .  Sometimes it is hard to believe that the plant was a one-gallon size plant when I planted it years ago.  Where did the time go?

                                                                                                          And, there are three White Oleander bushes that were planted last fall and they have grown well and are blooming for the first time.  They are planted on the outside of the fence at the corner.  They actually are planted at the end of the border of Red Oleanders.

Oh, and the Clematis - Sweet Autumn that is draping down the fence is just about to bloom.  It starts at the corner of the White Garden where the new Oleander plants were planted. The below photo is what it looked like last year.  These photos are taken from the neighbors side of the fence. But, it blooms on both sides of the fence.

Magnificent?

And, the Bees love the flowers

The garden has been so very different this year.  Granted, it is different each year dependent on weather conditions. There are a few plants that did not make it through the late freeze, like all of the ground cover !!!  I really miss the ground cover that I had nursed along for years from a small patch by harvesting the seed each year!  

There have been next to no unwanted insects which has been nice.  No snails - nothing.  There still are a lot of medium sized lizards scampering around when they feel the vibrations of my feet!  Maybe, they have been my helpers this year keeping the harmful insects under control.  

Time to do some more hand watering.  Yes, I use a lot of water for my garden.  But, since I live alone I can closely monitor my water usage for laundry, dishwasher and showering which allows me to use the water for the garden. 

California drought is no joke!!!  Nor is the World Climate Change!!!

Look who snuggled and squeezed into my chair where I am sitting while I am completing this post. Chin on the chair arm! Believe me, it's "very close quarters" . She loves me like I never thought she would when she would hiss and bite at me - four years ago!!!

Mary

Just A Pretty Flower

From my garden on a Sunday morning.

Sending a Beautiful Day your way.

Mary

They Said It Was Going To Rain

But, I didn't give it any thought because I have heard that so many times that it is very difficult to believe.  BUT, LOOK,  IT REALY IS RAINING.

I thought I heard some heavy rain very early this morning and my first thoughts went to "Is there something outside that is getting wet that should be moved?"  I usually put things away at the end of each day. So I thought it's all OK.  It is raining enough that the downspouts are gushing water into the drainage route and the road looks very wet.  And, the air smells so fresh. There may not be a lot of rain but any rain is good rain! However, we don't want so much rain in certain compromised locations that there will be mud slides.

I am so happy that I could dance in the rain - if my knees didn't hurt!!!

OH, WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY

Mary

This Is All You Get

Uneventful day - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cool inside, Miserably Hot Outside.

Ivy says, check back another day!

Hope you are comfortable.

Mary

What's That I Hear

After finishing my morning garden watering I was sitting on one of my designated "sitting chairs" and was enjoying the sights of my garden when I saw a slight movement and heard something way across the street coming down the long driveway that is covered with a lot of trees, bushes and foliage.

I rushed into the house to get my camera.  When I returned, two deer (mama and a little one) had already come down the driveway and were on "high alert" as they slowly walked behind a garage and into another neighbors long driveway!

This driveway is directly across from my driveway. Out of four quickly taken photos, two turned out OK. 

The beautiful creatures continued on their walk behind houses and toward town which is only a short distance away . I'm quite sure that they took a different route away from Main Street! 

I love where I live!!!  No bears or lions,  but they are not very far away . Maybe seven miles away .  I have seen many videos from home surveillance cameras posted on websites of neighboring areas. 

Throughout the years living here I have seen many skunks, racoons, opossums and foxes.  But, there seem to be fewer as the population and number of homes have increased . Or maybe I have been going to bed earlier (but I don't think so) and don't see the nocturnal visitors !

A memory I always remember is while looking out my living room window with a flashlight I could see a whole family of a Mama Skunk and Eight Little Babies coming out from a burrow under a huge boulder which surround my property.                                  They were so cute !  

                                                        (google image)

And, then there was the time my little dog got sprayed the first week I lived here!!!  Without a doubt, that was a Smelly Event !

Yes, I love living here and I really have a lot of stories (like the Alligator Lizard) of living here as a country girl - or maybe a little old lady!

Stay alert .  You may see a pretty Butterfly!

Mary

Hello

Sunflowers are a favorite of mine.  August is suppose to be the ending of Summer and I am ready for some cooler weather.  This picture looks so cheerful and I am ready for that too. No specific issues, I just think I am tired and some days the world issues have more impact on me even though my goal is to stay strong and focus on gratitude for the many aspects of my life that are exceptional.

Have a Fabulous Day and look for the goodness in the day.

Mary

Hummingbirds And Their Feeders

Hummingbirds are such a delight in my opinion! They are very little, very fast, very curious, very beautiful, very competitive, very feisty and a whole lot of fun!  I recently came across this little info regarding care of a Hummingbird feeder.  And, some of the information is new to me. There may be some information new and/or interesting to you, too.

If you are interested in some detailed information about Hummingbirds this is a very informative website. I guess I can say "everything you ever  wanted to know about Hummingbirds - and more!   https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/facts-about-hummingbirds/

And, this is a nice presentation of - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

A few days ago I went to Ace Hardware that has a lovely Garden Center.  And I realized that it was the first time this year that I have been anywhere that sells plants , etc.  That means that I have NOT spent even a penny on my garden this year. And, that is for several reasons. I have not had the energy/stamina to do anything that isn't necessary. Another reason is that I don't have the strength to work with whatever I purchase.

The only activity that I have been able to do in the garden has simply been to maintain it by weeding and pruning what needs it and of course a lot of hand watering and setting and moving a sprinkler.  And, you know what - - - the garden looks quite good.  At the present time, my corner property is bordered with 25 Bright Red Oleander shrubs that are in total bloom.  It is a beautify sight when you approach my corner. I wanted to take a photo but the sun exposure has not been good when I think about it. 

Oh, I found I have a couple photos!  The hedge is about six feet tall and still growing.

In reality the color looks more red.

It is starting to give some nice privacy, which I appreciate.  Especially since I am not particularly well groomed these days! 😎

That's it for today.  Be Happy - Be Healthy.

Mary

The sun is out but distorted because of a lot of smoke.  However, there are some nice billowy white clouds trying to break through.  And, it is already feeling hot and sticky.

With the poor air quality, it seems like there aren't as many birds in my garden.  Since I regularly sit in an outside chair throughout the day and enjoy the presence of nature and the thoughts that gently swirl around in my head and also watch the antic of the birds in particular, it seems quieter when there is smoke in the air.

Yesterday, I did not do a thorough job of watering because I went to the grocery store.  That errand has become very difficult and less desirable because of the pain of lifting much weight.  Bringing the box of CAT LITTER into the house is terrible. Next to impossible. And, they seem to be packaging it in larger-heavier boxes.  Which is good.  But, some days I wait until the next day to bring it in the house because of my pain level!

So, I look foreword to soon going outside to water and check for new growth and flowers.  And, then I need to do some cooking for meals for the week.  Sometimes it is hard to eat healthy when sometimes I don't feel like preparing anything!

Ivy says HI and she says she is being a good girl and enjoying spending many hours a day outside in her Catio.

Take Care.

Mary

Mysteries In The Garden

I was not able to plant anything this year in the raised planter I use for planting vegetables.  However, the weeds found it to be a very desirable spot to go wild.  So, the time came for me to remove them. And, I planned to lay down some cardboard to deter any further weeds.  Like all my activities these day I have to do my tasks in small allotments of time.  A little now and a little then and it gets done.

As I was finishing up and smoothing out the soil a saw something that got my attention in the far corner of the raised planter.

What in the world am I seeing?  As I proceeded to pick it up with my gloved hand it felt and looked like a big chicken egg.  It had some weight to it and felt like something was inside.  I gently returned it to its location and covered it as I found it.  I have never seen anything like it in my garden in the past.

What do you think it is or what is it going to be?  After checking it for a couple days it is still intact and safe.  Is it a lizard or a snake?  Any ideas?  A little strange since I have been writing lately about the lizards in my garden!!!

And, here is a quick photo of the latest new bloom in my garden. 

 

From the White Garden, the Rose of Sharon Hibiscus.  The tall plant is getting limited sunlight because of a very large Fig tree that I have been pruning to give more sunlight thus more blooms.

This morning I have been getting caught up on miscellaneous jobs like refilling the Yellow Jacket Traps with attractant, installed a new outdoor thermometer on the outside window frame so I can easily see the HOT temperature through my dinning room window.  We are having a heat wave and it is currently over 100 degrees.  Also refilled the Humming bird feeder with fresh nectar.

And, of course the daily outdoor watering of the garden!

Have a Great Day and let me know what you think is going to be born in my raised planter.  Of course we may never know if it lives to scamper away!!!

Mary 

Squirrels and Butterflies and A Frightening Lizard

Along with my interest in birds and foxes there are many more creatures in my garden that I enjoy.  Along with the many Squirrels that are such a common sight that I often forget that not everyone sees squirrels when they walk out their front door! 

(I caught this one on the run to get a photo)

There is another little creature that can be very elusive especially during infancy and that is the Lizard!  Since the beginning of gardening season I have noticed a few more lizards like no other year.  During the recent weeks I have notice many many little lizards that are scampering about all over in my yard. I understand that this is the time that the baby lizards have been hatching out of their eggs.  Most of these baby lizards are one of two widespread species in this part of California and they are the Western Fence Lizard and the Side-blotched Lizard.

This is what "the little ones" look like in my garden that I think are the Western Fence Lizard.  When researching I came to realize how many different species of lizards there are around the world  -  and it is a LOT!   It's easy to understand why so many children enjoy playing with lizards.  They really are fascinating.             

                                                (Google Image)

Before this year, I didn't really care much for lizards!  Actually, feeling a little annoyed with them, not knowing where they were going "so fast".  But, now I think they are kind of cute as I constantly see them scurrying out from under one rock to another or an area they feel safe.

Many years ago I had an incident with an ALLIGATOR LIZARD (who looked pretty big to me) that got into my car - - some how.  And, he/she would lie in the back window of the car sunning itself when the car wasn't being driven.  For months we searched to get that lizard out of my car with no success. We even tore the upholstery apart!  What was I going to do.  I feared that one day it would crawl up my pant leg!  YIKES.  So, I kept using the car - always on "high alert".

Many months (maybe a year) went by when one day I went shopping to a garden center to buy a couple large clay pottery pats.  I put then on the floor in the back seat.  Nesting one inside the other.  When I got home I was tired and decided to take the pots out of the car in the morning because my back was painful and they were heavy. 

So, in the morning I went about my day and eventually decided to take the pots out of the car.  I lifted the smaller pot up and "WHAT THE ------"!  There it was!

(Google Image - California Alligator Lizard)

Alright now - RELAX AND THINK . I don't remember the details, but some how I managed to put a black trash bag over the large pot and get the lizard in the bag without the clay pot. 

 Off I drove to an area close buy that was more rural.  Because I didn't want to harm him I dumped him out to rehome him away from my home.  And, I yelled "HAPPY NEW HOME - LIZZY".  And, even now when I drive by that spot I occasionally remember and  say "Hi Lizzy".

A little "crazy" helps get us from one day to the next - - don't you think?

Well, I guess another day I'll comment on my love of butterflies!

OH, I want to mention that yesterday when I was out watering near the front fence I thought I saw "my" fox. It looked like he was lying down, stretched out showing all it's beautiful colors.  Sadly, he was dead.  He didn't look like he had been hit by a car (since he was close to the road) but he looked normal - like sleeping! It was such a shock to me.  I had not realized how attached I had become to my forest creatures.  I found myself putting my hand over my heart!  Rest in peace little one!

Mary

The Plant That I Could Not Smell

That's right.  The day I could NOT smell the Gardenias that had just started blooming, I knew something wasn't right. 

But, had no idea what was going on with me.  And, I don't really have any idea to this day!   If you have ever smelled Gardenias you know what I mean!  It's a fragrance that you can not ignore. My plant is loaded with buds and before long the plant will be a shower of white blossoms.  I have always liked Gardenias.  When I was young and growing up our backyard was bordered on one side with gardenias.  I have no idea who planted them.  But, I always enjoyed the yearly fragrance!

I think it was in 2020 about this time of year that I totally lost my sense of Smell.  I do not know why but thankfully my sense of smell has almost returned to normal.  This was happening during the time I was loosing weight.  Otherwise, I felt fine.  In addition to loosing my sense of smell and appetite I have had a change in the quality of my skin. Never had dry and flakey skin prior.  My appetite has returned and I have gained some weight  The important thing for me is that I am feeling OK!  No doctor that I saw had any assistance or direction for me.  I had vaccinations as directed! 

Throughout my life I have had a strong immunity.  I never had any childhood diseases.  Never had the flu and can't remember the last time I had a cold - but it was a long time ago.  I kind of  wonder if my body was fighting off something!  Possibly Covid . 

With the recent serge of another Covid variant I take it very seriously to continue to be aware of precautions .

My sincere concern for all of you who have had life altering events as a result of Covid!

Interesting World we live in.  Blessings and Encouragement to live life to the fullest.

Mary

Do You Know The Green Man

This is The Green Man that overlooks my garden leaning against the upper region of one of my old and tall cedar trees. He has been up there for years and sure seems to being a good job!

The Green Man is Mainly associated with the symbol of Rebirth, representing the cycle of growth each spring. Some say he is the ancient guardian of the forest.

Some speculate the mythology of the Green Man developed independently in the tradition of separate ancient cultures and evolved into the wide variety of examples found throughout history.

The Celtic tradition was highly resolved around the fertility of the land and lush vegetation was a sign of prosperity.

Instead of repurposing the Green Man, the church embraced the Green Man through architecture.

In fact, most European churches have Green Men hiding all around the walls and ceilings. Next time you are in one be sure to look around.

You will be amazed as to just how many are scattered around from Ireland to even many parts of Russia.

The reason the Catholic church didn't seem to mind this Celtic symbol was because of Jesus Christ As the symbol is of death and resurrection (rebirth), the church saw it as a way to spread the word of Christianity through symbology. 

My garden has surprised me so much this year.  Even with the terrible clay soil, no

fresh fertilizer or compost and the late frost and snow fall, the blooms have been exceptional!

Similar to the one above but different.  There is slight difference in color and and the one above is edged with color.

All so beautiful, maybe for the fact that I have watered more frequently because there are so many things that I can not do in the house and the garden. And I want to be outside when the weather is pleasant.

A few days ago when I was watering I had an unexpected guest.  It was the most beautiful BROWN FOX cruising along the top of the fence not to far from where I was standing. He stopped and we starred at each other and then he continued with his travels and then jumped down into the neighbors yard.

(google image - California fox)

And, then a couple days later I was along the fence watering and along came another fox only a few feet away.  It looked a lot thinner than the previous sighting.  

The birds of all types have been visiting.  I especially enjoy the red headed wood peckers doing their thing on the trees and power poles! Their noise helps me to see where they are. And, their red crown is such a vibrant red!

(Google  Image - California Wood Pecker)

And, of course the Blue Jays are everywhere and constantly taking care of business!

Another frequent visitor soaring above the trees are the hawks. Reportedly, California has 13 different kinds of hawks.  I think our hawks are Red-Tailed Hawks. And they make a loud screeching persistent sound.  I saw one perched up high in one of my trees making lots of noise. I went for my camera and was able to get a photo with my simple point and shoot camera, much to my surprise.

 

And, Hummingbirds flitting here and there outside my window.

OH, What a Wonderful World!  My Garden is my refuge where I never think about the goings on we see on TV is we watch.

Mary