This new bed is slowly filling in, and the sunflower is even surviving the shady spot.
The fountain project is doing well. It's been relaxing to sit next to, and the birds seem to enjoy getting a drink.
We went on a wildflower viewing, driving north and a little to the west of where we live. This is spanish moss hanging off of an old oak.
Indian paintbrush.
Wine cups. These were quite endangered when I was a child, but seem to be making a comeback.
These are commonly called "pinks". They grow everywhere, even on traffic medians. I love them for their delicate looks, which belie their hardy nature.
I've always called these blackeyed susan's, but I'm not sure I'm correct.
I'm not sure what these are, but if I weren't a law abiding citizen, they'd be growing in my garden now..........it's illegal to pick or gather wildflowers when in bloom. It is legal to gather seed.
Wild flowers weren't all I found on the trip. I think this is a water moccasin, about three feet long.
Yes, these are wild flowers.
Honeysuckle
Red and gold lantana growing wild on a fence, with honeysuckle growing in and amoung it. The smell of he honeysuckle was beautiful.
Texas prickly poppy. They stand about 2 to 3 feet tall.
Went looking for wild flowers. This is part of a field of blue bonnets.
There is a frog living in my "water garden". It's not a very big pool, but the frog doesn't seem to mind. However, I think he and the fish don't get along, as I've found 3 of my dace floating belly up. Ahhh well.
The orange flower is on a "butterfly weed". This native wildflower supports several kinds of butterflies. A larger plant near a dryer vent and close to an evergreen produced about 15 butterflies. That's how many empty chrysalis' I found!
Purple lantana and Stella D'Oro miniature daylillies.
The morning glories are starting to bloom. I think they're a little late this year because of the cooler than normal spring we've been having. Their color is quite vivid though!
The herb garden is growing well. I have enjoyed using the fresh basil and fennel. The lemon thyme and lemon basil were great in a salad dressing, and the parsley is slated to go into a tabouli salad.
The roses are blooming profusely, and I can smell them as I walk out of the house. I'm glad they're there to greet people who come to my house
The rose bush is full of blooms, buds and new growth. They smell lovely, and the scent greeted me as I walked outside today.
My herb garden is growing well. The basils are very good and the parsley is ready to harvest. The fennel is almost ready. I've used some of the fennel leaves, thyme, and some of the basils in cooking already. It's nice to have fresh herbs available.
I have two kinds of clematis blooming after all! The white double bloom, and this purple with the stripe. If I remember correctly, it will open flat and the petals will have a darker purple stripe.
A new clematis opening, the star jasmine is blooming and behind it all, the canna.
