Random Photos

It was a warm, sunshiny morning so I headed out with my camera while my kids were still asleep.  Perfect lighting for snapping photos.  Perfect start to my day  :)

How did he sneak in there?

CRAZY DAISY and RUDBECKIA

How can anyone resist daisies?  They are just such a cheery flower.  They make me smile.  The scientific name for daisies is Asteraceae.  This particular plant family is important to us for many reasons.  Some of these plants provide us with cooking oils, lettuce, sunflower seeds, sweetening agents and teas.   Echinaceae and Achillea are used in herbal medicine.  Dandelions are a type of Asteraceae as well! 

So this isn't the best looking Daisy but it's my favorite photo of the day.   This CRAZY DAISY reminded me of a bad hair day.  (I think my hair looks this way all summer!)
But still....... beautiful! 

I believe these next yellow flowers are some type of Rudbeckia.  Rudbeckias come in a variety of colors and are easy to grow.  They love full sun and are drought tolerant.

Just look how this one is enjoying the morning sunshine!

Strike It Rich!

Last year this rose bush was amazing!  I had over 50 roses throughout the entire summer.  It's called 'Strike It Rich' because of its gold beauty. 

Each rose bud has over 30 petals and keeps its color for weeks.  It's zone hardy to 4 if it has winter protection.  Each long stemmed blossom has colors of pink, gold, red, and yellow.  The spicy fragrance is an added bonus!

"Jellyfish Lake"

Okay- So this has nothing to do with gardening, recipes, or DIY projects but it was pure fun!  Every summer my kids and I fill water balloons and put them in our hot tub.  We call it "Jellyfish Lake".  We name each balloon as we fill it.  I love the creativity and imaginations my boys have.  Carlos, Fred, Juan, Karen, and Niki & Riki- the twins, are just to name a few of our favorite "Jellyfish".  Sometimes we just have to create our own fun on those hot summer days.  :)

Lonicera Honey Suckle 'Sweet Tea' Vine

What a cute name for such a precious honey suckle vine- "Sweet Tea"

Just a note- Deer love to prune this vine for me.  It must taste mighty fine to them!

Bloom Color: Exotic bicolor magneta, yellow and a touch of orange
Exposure: Full sun.
Spread: 5 feet (Prune as desired)
Height: 5 feet (Prune as desired)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Fragrance: Very fragrantWildlife: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies

Speaking of deer,  I got a mighty fine picture of this little buck tonight.
Might he be the one that eats my honey suckle?

PURPLE WAVE PETUNIAS

Don't you just love purple wave petunias?

Purple wave petunias have intensely colored blooms that are great for hanging baskets and pots.  They are heat tolerant and perfect for dry soils.   They need lots of sun and grow 4-6 inches in height and spread 4-5 feet. The only down fall I can think of - They are annuals.   

Robin And Babies!

For weeks I have been mad at my dog for digging in the bark chips and spreading them into the grass.  Yesterday I found out the truth!  This mama robin is finding worms for her babies and making a mess in the meantime!  

I finally got a photo of her babies so I can't be mad at her.

I think there are only 2 chicks in her nest.  I will let you know if I photograph more.

This is a beautiful place to build a little nest, isn't it! ;)