Rejoice!

Spring, or I should say, 'Summer', arrived in our city within a week. It's true. About two weeks ago, it was snowing on a Monday, and by the end of the week it was 20+ degrees Celsius and hasn't really stopped since. We've had a couple of cooler rainy days which has added a lovely emerald hue to the neighborhood. Buds are bursting, flowers are blooming, and the birds are rejoicing. Overall, an incredible start to the Spring/Summer season! I couldn't buy my container 'spillers' fast enough in preparation for some long overdue gardening.

The best part of all is that the monster deck is gone. The beast was removed last Monday and a new smaller, tidier-looking deck is underway.

Lastly, to brighten up the front and back garden, I had placed a large order of annuals, assorted containers and hanging baskets through a community fund raiser. I picked up my order on Friday and I'm so impressed with the quality. The highlight, was a 10 pack of incredibly fragrant organic assorted herbs, including oregano, mojito mint and onion chives (my favorite).  My only regret is not ordering enough of their organic soil - I never learn! I always need more than I think I will. Please remind me for next year.

 

A few of my containers are currently standing-by waiting for placement on the new deck. Meanwhile, others are placed through backyard and front door. The colors are such a welcome sight!

 

 

 

~  Wishing you a beautiful spring day and a pleasant week ahead! ~

 

Easter Yellow

 

 

There is no more surer sign of spring than a bounty of yellow blooms and handsome birdlife.  (Even if photo-bombed by a pigeon). Yellow is the most uplifting color this time of year. Even on a dreary day in London, daffodils bursting with the deep yellow flowers brighten-up all of St. James's park. These photos are from last month, so by now, London is bursting with green foliage.

 

~ Happy Easter! Hope you're enjoying a beautiful Easter Sunday. ~

 

 

Frozen!

A stunningly cold weather system moved in last week, and according to the weatherman, it won't be  leaving anytime soon. Oh dear! Our resident birds having been pecking away at the suet for energy and sheltering in their bird boxes. I am always amazed at how they survive in these conditions.

 

 

 

The extreme cold is even keeping Christmas shoppers away from the stores. We haven't ventured out to find our Christmas tree yet either. Cold weather or not, we will have to by next weekend!

~Stay safe and warm!~

Garden of Glass

I visited the fascinating Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit in Seattle the other day. Striking colors and shapes intertwine with vibrant flora (and some fauna - see the last photo!) Thanks to this inspiring spectacle my mind is full of ideas for this year. Why not add some type of sculpture to your garden?

 

Fountains & Finches

It's been a bit of an earlier spring season here in Calgary. Spring actually started in May this year which (believe it or not) is early. As a result, our garden is already bursting with green and blossom! Here is the fountain that we finally chose as an addition to our shade garden. I can't wait until the ferns fill in around it. 

Another lovely surprise this Spring was the return of our beloved finch couple. These two charming house finches returned again in April and built another nest in our artificial cedar tree on our front porch. Since then, their fledglings have left and they have already hatched another brood in the cedar tree on the other side of the porch! We have learned that they often nest in quirky places close to humans for protection from predators. We are delighted to host them and be their guardians. Here are some shots of the finch family so far this year.....

Mrs. Finch

Mr. Finch

Family members encourage the chicks to fly

This year's first nest of chicks (all five) ready to leave the nest

Second nest decorated by Mrs. Finch with cherry blossoms

Five more eggs in the new nest

New chicks recently hatched!