Patiens is a Virtue

This spring I relocated all of the ferns and hostas that had outgrown their space by the garage (not an easy task!). We bought impatiens for that shady spot and I thought we were planting them too sparingly, but A assured me that they'd fill out. He was very right! I no longer have to fight my way past all those leaves and fronds and the flowers brighten up that spot perfectly.

Feeding Frenzy

Tonight I was taking some photographs of the many flowers in the garden and three monarchs were swooping around the butterfly bushes. I couldn't tell if they were flirting or fighting (or is that the same thing?) but as they fluttered about, I saw this dragonfly sitting so quietly, I hardly noticed it. Obviously this is the place to be for the delicately winged.

More Bouquets

Things are really popping in the garden now. Here are two big bunches that I harvested this afternoon. They will have to come to work with me to make my desk there happy. Even more to come, and more, and more, I hope!

Empty Nest

The 2 baby robins left the nest today--it seems like it went really fast. They couldn't fly yet but they flapped around and hopped off the porch into the bushes. The father robin called to them and led them away to find their way in the world. Now my hanging basket can flourish unhindered!

Double the Trouble

No wonder our plants are being eaten at a startling rate--we have two hungry diners roaming the yard freely. I managed to look out the window at just the wrong time to see them both filling their gaping yawps with all our tasty greens. UGH! You see the fat woodchuck next to the deck and the rabbit behind him next to the middle bed.

Blooming Butterfly

This Monarch landed right next to me as I was photographing in the garden. She stayed still for a remarkably long time so I got this close-up of her.