Robin's Nest

I've come to the conclusion that birds are smarter in Minnesota than Wisconsin. And thinner, also true for the people, but that's a whole other story. Last spring we had a robin build a nest in the seat of my kid's tricycle. Granted, the thing wasn't in use in early early spring, but still- my two rowdy boys were in and out of the clubhouse the trike rested in ALL THE TIME. Dumbo. The bird, I mean.

I've been walking about our bird friendly yard hearing dozens of baby birds. First hatched were the chickadees. They've all flown the coop, but now there is quite a ruckous coming from the hedge of lilacs between us and the neighbors, and also somewhere in the trees. I think the cardinals and orioles both have nests in the lilacs, and there's a small nest in the back shrubs from a smaller bird, but last night  I found this robin sitting upon her nest last! Finally, the source of most of the squeeky chirps is found! No wonder it has been SO loud- this nest is right in the center of the yard, half way up the tree.

We put in a Pond!

Our neighbors have a large and awesome pond. They called me over the other day to ask if we wanted a pond liner she didn't plan on using. She had picked it up off the curb when our now landlord lived here-it used to be where I now I have hostas planted. My son Ben has been asking for a pond for a really long time- he always loves the water feature aspects of any garden place we visit. So we jumped for joy when this pond liner fell in our laps.

We figured out where we wanted it, called the dig line, acquired a filter, and while I rounded up rocks from various parts of the yard, my husband dug a hole and put it in. Ta Da!

 I "attached" it to an existing bed.

 My aunt gave us this quirky alligator years ago and I knew right away I wanted him close to the water. I planted steppables (thyme, sedge, and moss) around him so the kids can stepp all over here and get close to the water without any obstacles. The flat rock in the foreground of this photo is immovable, so the boys can lay right on top of it.

I had a hole in the rock garden area behind the pond I filled with this gorgeous sedum "October Daphne;" love the water hues here, and think it looks great spilling towards the the pond.

Since then we've added a floating blue ceramic frog and some fish... but 5 of the 6 fish already perished. Oh well. More coming soon! I also saw about 15 tiny birds splashing in the fountain on a very hot 94 degree day! So neat! The dragonflies seem to love it, also. But more than anything, my kids love it. They are by it all the time, reading, looking at the fish, putting their hands in the water. So great!

Frog Season

I don't know if all people have these little green frogs in their gardens, or if they follow me around? Maybe I just take the time to notice them? They are pretty well camoflauged and easy to miss. For years, both in Wisconsin and Minnesota, we've found these adorable little green frogs in various spots in the garden. In Wisconsin they would sun bathe in my roses, between the petals, or sleep on an elephants ear. Last year we had one living in the top of our blue umbrella on the back porch. This week, we found one on a bamboo stake in a potted rose on the deck, and this one here, on one of the stems of my plumeria.

He later moved to the center of 'Coffee Cups' elephant ear, but my only pictures of it are on my cell phone. My son Ben is a huge frog lover, so he is beyond delighted when we find them. Here's to hoping we find many, in some pretty clever and cute spots all summer. We're installing a small pond this weekend, I think that may just attract some more frogs/toads...

Butterflies Everywhere

Hard to tell if there are so many butterflies because of the mild winter, the early spring, or because it is my second year here and we have tons of blooms on everything from the lilacs, weigela, pincushion flowers, dame's rocket, azalea, and salvia... either way, the butterflies are flying around everywhere- to the point where I feel like I'm going crash into them! A few pictures to share!

Hummingbird Moths

I enjoyed a visit from these humminbird moths the other night. I have had the pleasure of seeing them here and there, but never a cluster of 6-7 feeding at one time. They went from feeding at the weigela to the lilacs, back to the azalea and back to the weigela and lilacs. Very busy little guys. Fun!

My house cats enjoyed watching them, too!

Now, I can't wait for the hummingbirds! No sign og them yet, but I am ready!

First Flowers of the Season! Finally!

There may be a such thing as too many pictures of a purple crocus, but I simply don't care! These are our first flowers of the season, and I'm quite smitten with them. The first one opened on my birthday this week, and today, dozens of them popped. So beautiful.

And what a treat- bees already! I bet they are glad I planted these crocus. ;)

Oh, how I love bees.

Happy spring!

Spider Love

I just felt the need to say, if clematis "Arabella" performs for me every year the way she has this year, she will fast become my new favorite clematis. Wow!
These blooms skirt the walkway to my front door.


Also, this gorgeous spider has made a beautiful web in my front yard. I usually find at least one of these each year. I have come a long way from my old arachnophobia!

Happy gardening!

Brookfield Zoo Butterfly Exhibit

This weekend my aunt and uncle took us to the Brookfield Zoo. I was able to steal a few minutes in the butterfly exhibit. I took dozens of pictures, and I had to share them here! Enjoy!

Happy gardening!