Tag: Gardens

Gardens and Gardening

Pink is for Petunias

This year’s June garden is bereft of pink, but these lovelies were growing last year, and I didn’t have a chance to share them – until now. And by the way, did you see the monkey inside with a pair of binoculars? Once you… Continue Reading “Pink is for Petunias”

The Birds and the Bees in My Own Backyard

After a busy week in Chicago, I’m having trouble getting my blogging mojo back. It happens. But even though I’m somewhat wordless in Seattle, I do have some birds and bees to share with you, starting with this handsome junco. I seem to have… Continue Reading “The Birds and the Bees in My Own Backyard”

Nesting Finches in the Garden

I saw this couple of house finches nesting in the garden yesterday. I look for them each year as the clematis grows high, knowing that’s where I’ll find them in the shrubs and surrounding trees. The male looks dapper in his rust-colored tux, the… Continue Reading “Nesting Finches in the Garden”

Can you have too much Lavender?

They don’t think so in Sequim, Washington, the lavender capital of the Northwest. Every July, lavender takes center stage in this sunny town on the Olympic Peninsula, which lies within the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. And every year for as long as… Continue Reading “Can you have too much Lavender?”

How does your garden grow? Ask a Clematis

It’s been a slow start to spring but the clematis has woken and started its annual climb using its twining arms and little curlicue feet. Sharing with Cee’s Flower of the Day. ~ Susanne

What Lasts Seven Years?

My blog, that’s what! Seven years ago, I published my first post on CATS and TRAILS and GARDEN TALES. I’ve mostly stayed true to my vision – to share stories of my cats, travels, hikes, and gardens – though I admit I’m increasingly focused… Continue Reading “What Lasts Seven Years?”

Looking for Pastels on a Rainy Day

For this week’s Sunday Stills Challenge, I went outside looking for pastels in the rain. My expectations weren’t high, but I managed to find some hiding midst the green – in the form of very wet periwinkle in lavender, and forget-me-nots in blue. Soon… Continue Reading “Looking for Pastels on a Rainy Day”

Red Berries on a Rainy Day

Rain, rain, and more rain in the Pacific Northwest. Dismal. Dreary. Dampening. Disappointing. Even so, the berries offer the occasional bright spot, lighting up the yard. I shouldn’t complain. We’ve fared much better than the rest of the country, which has been hard hit… Continue Reading “Red Berries on a Rainy Day”

Bumble Bees Waking Up in the Garden

Even though spring is officially here in the Pacific Northwest, the temperatures have remained icy cold, with bouts of wind, rain and hail. Perhaps that explains why I’ve done so little in the garden. Fortunately, the azalea is in full bloom with no help… Continue Reading “Bumble Bees Waking Up in the Garden”

Happy Spring in the Garden and the Finches are Courting!

Spring has finally arrived in the Great Northwest after a cold and rainy winter. We got a head start over the weekend when we hit 60 degrees for the first time since last November. It was worth waiting for. There’s much to be done… Continue Reading “Happy Spring in the Garden and the Finches are Courting!”