There isn’t nearly as much marsh in front of The Breakers at Long Beach, WA – USA this year as last, and what remains is shrinking to meadow daily.
Still, Mallards are raising their chicks in what water there is!
Red-winged Blackbirds call from around the meadow. This one has established his territory, sounding his warning from the branches of this shrub every time I’m out.
Although common in marshy meadows, this is the first time I’ve photographed and identified a Savannah Sparrow.
Raspberry canes are in bloom and with the warm dry weather are attracting all sorts of pollinators.
This Bombus caught my eye and stayed around long enough for me to get my iPhone and snap these shots.
Since I don’t know what variety of Bombus it is, I’ve now signed onto another citizen science project: Bumble Bee Watch!
While walking with Jello on a wooded trail in our neighborhood, I stepped over this strange looking outgrowth. I leaned in closer to take a picture and was soon threatened by one of the hornets that were working the outgrowth.
I don’t know what it is – or if it’s a hornet – though it likely is. I sent these photos to the local Agricultural Extension Service asking for assistance identifying it and to find out if it’s a nuisance pest.
One thing I’m sure of, I’m unlikely to take that trail again until I know it is safe!
Huechera ‘Frosted Violet’
The lilac shrub was offered to me by a neighbor, so I don’t know what variety it is and wish I did, because after living year-round in sun and open sky this Syringa is blooming well, staying compact, is not invasive, and as it shimmers in spring breezes emits a wonderful old lilac fragrance.
This vase was a gift from a pottery teacher, shown with a paperweight and glass float, in filtered morning sunlight on an east facing window sill.
Choisia blossoms add a bit of structure under the lilac. The generic tulips, planted last fall, have added a lovely burst of color and texture to what would otherwise be brown ground in prominent corners of my front gardens.
I love the shape of the white star tulip and the blossoms have lasted throughout the bloom. The purple ones bloomed late and do not open more than this – even after being inside for a day, the mouth opened very little.
Lilacs in a Vase on May Day cheer me immensely!
Here’s to Cathy at Rambling in the Garden!
Also in response to the Weekly Photo Challenge Lines. There are no straight lines in nature – and S curves are among the most soothing to my eye!
This evening I offer my pond, with sunlight filtering through evergreens and Camelia blossoms floating in the gentle current, as the backdrop for my posy of violets!
The vase is a favorite purchased from Orcas Island Pottery, USA.
Cheers to Cathy at Rambling in the Garden for hosting an inspiring site!
Three years ago I started adding Viburnum shrubs to my gardens. They are maturing now and this spring several of the doublefile viburnums are blooming!
The tiny buds are just beginning to open. With the forecast of more sunny days, by this weeks end these will be quite lovely.
“Besides having attractive foliage and growth habits, the best viburnums also offer lovely—sometimes even fragrant—flowers. Many also boast colorful fruits and stunning fall foliage. In addition, the fruits are appealing to birds and other wildlife.” Ken Twombly http://www.finegardening.com/article/viburnums-are-versatile-shrubs
The blossoms are held upright along the shrub’s outstretching branches and with each year will become even more prolific.
Lindy Low LeCoq 