Birdseed Marauder

This is the first year where squirrels are attacking my bird feeders.  Up to now, they've had other wild things to attack. But the lot behind me was recently bushwacked and bull dozed, so some of their haunts are destroyed.  Either a squirrel baffle is called for, or a peanut feeder for them. So far, there are 3.  This one being the most acrobatic.  Sort of like an otter, leaving his snack on stomach and grabbing a seed now and then.

Buy Local

Here is my morning purchase from Alderbook Gardens - a hop, skip and jump in the neighborhood.

Includes cosmos, dianthus, petunia, coral bells, and a bunch of other stuff.  Now I have to do something with them!

July 4th In The Garden

A few images from the garden today.  Note that this was the first day for blackberries!  The weather this last couple weeks, including today - perfect!  In the 70s, sunny or partly so, breezy at times.  Compared to last year, this is unbelievably comfortable!!

When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other. ~Chinese Proverb

Had this in a pot for 2 years before it bloomed!

Supposed to be the same daylilly type, but they don't really look it.  Just started blooming after being planted in May.

First blackberry!  Yum!

These are in a pot with a hellebore. Didn't bloom at all last year. Maybe too hot!  This year so much better!!

 

A Rose of Sharon - new plant in the side yard.

Loosestrife - a native plant to the NW

The garden guardian.

First Raspberry of the year!

In October 2015, the last berries of the year were still hanging on. 

Here is the first berry of 2016!

Purple Flowers in the Rain

A couple of pics from today. In honor of the artist Prince. May he rest in peace.

First Flowers 2016

Similar to last February, we have had warm weather in the last week - up to the 60s at times. And also more traditional rain. Today was first cutting to bring the first daffy blooms into the house.

Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out-values all the utilities of the world.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844

Also, this month a bucket of crocus bulbs surprised me by blooming - the pot of bulbs started last year, and after 2015 blooms, had been left in the heat of summer sun (ghastly heat last year). I thought they had been cooked. But, here they are!

Transition

Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.
William Cullen

Here are some things that caught my eye, in the garden, this month. The Cup and Saucer plant has had blooms here and there all summer! The raspberry is on the vine today - a renewal of spirit! The sedum blossom, yes, in October!