Once again, the wings of one of our gargoyle lanterns have welcomed and provided shelter to a new family of robins who have made their nest there this spring. What appears to be a tiny nest in which only one adult robin can fit — is actually home to four baby chicks!
They certainly are a hungry bunch — mom and dad work day and night delivering fresh worms to their growing babies.
Where did summer go? With the hot and humid days almost behind us, I can finally get back to our neglected garden. The weeds have taken over and everything is overgrown. Time to get back to the routine and do a big fall sweep.
While the riot of blooms are behind us, we still have the autumn joy and mums to look forward to. In the meantime, we’re enjoying our lush sanctuary amid the loud chorus of cicadas, while dodging random clouds of insects, and watching the live entertainment provided by bird and squirrel antics and the latest garden bunny who dines nightly by the stone birdbath.
This cool yard-o-rama photo, showcases our garden with its amazing effect.
The Boston ferns are loving this warm wet weather. Pairs nicely with chiso (Japanese herb also known as Beefsteak or Perilla) and geraniums.
The garden is bursting back to life. Can’t wait to get my hands dirty with all the work that awaits!
The garden bursting back to like. Can’t wait to get my hands dirty with all the work that awaits!
The last couple of days were spent working in our earthly paradise. No, we don’t own a cottage, but enjoy working in our own backyard. Over the years we’ve transformed it from an overgrown selection of weeds to a gorgeous garden that we love to spend time in – and we’re not the only ones.
As soon as I ventured out, it seemed the birds were waiting for me. As I went about preparing the birdbaths and feeders for the first time of the season, I could hear the excitement in the air through the chirping and different songs of those awaiting my efforts. One robin even hopped into the large birdbath to inspect the soapy residue before I had a chance to rinse it out in his impatient anticipation of cool waters.
Once the baths and feeders were all cleaned and filled it was a riot in the wisteria as sparrows and cardinals jockeyed for position. It’s always a joy to watch these incredible creatures. As my husband and I looked upwards to the sunny skies, we saw another familiar figure. Circling above our heads, riding the wind currents or stalking prey, was one of the neighbourhood hawks. That we’ve had the opportunity to see these majestic birds in this busy city close up when they’ve landed on our roof or perched in nearby trees simply amazes me – so equally beautiful and terrifying they are in physique and plumage – a sobering and foreboding reminder on this beautiful afternoon.
old sage hands 