Monday, February 20, 2017

Springing into spring

Look! The golden groundsel is blooming! So pretty! We've had a couple of good rains this month so hopefully it's going to be a beautiful spring.
 Our daffodils took a beating from last night's rains.
Since the weather turned pretty this afternoon and I felt better (James and I for the past week had variations of the flu that's going around), I tackled more pruning jobs in the yard. James mowed my debris piles. I figure I'll prune as I can when the weather's nice, and I'm able. And oh, James took down the wooden arbor that had been covered with passionflower vines and stood over the concrete bench (above). The wood was rotting. Bummer.

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Purple martin chapter done

Heavy sigh. It's true. My years of trying to attract purple martins and start a colony have officially ended. We bought the three-story house in 2009 to celebrate my big 50th birthday. Finally, a pair built a nest in May 2013 and laid FOUR EGGS! I was so excited. Right before they should have hatched, the eggs vanished, likely the victims of a rat snake (yes, we had a predator guard up). I was devastated. In 2014 and 2015, we added gourds to the house, hoping that would attract new martins. Nada. Last year, I didn't bother to put up the house. Between fighting sparrows and not seeing much martin interest, I gave up. My heart wasn't in it any more.

Today, James and I met the new owner of my purple martin house (yes, I sold everything). Michelle, who's had martins before and owns Red Sun Landscape Design, said she'd keep me updated and send photos when she gets martins. That'd be so wonderful to see the house full and busy with happy purple martins! I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for you, Michelle! Good luck!

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Welcome, spring?

Gulf fritillary on last of quince blooms
Hi! Remember me? It's been a while since I've blogged. Typically, I go into hiding when the temps drop and the sun disappears. But lately, we've had a few nice days, and I've ventured outside to begin my pruning tasks. This afternoon, it's 84 degrees out there! Welcome to spring in Texas! It could be blustery and cold one day, and the exact opposite in 24 hours. 

Speaking of spring, it's begun for sure..... 
Tenpetal anemone
First daffodil!

Maximilian sunflower stems need my attention

Rusty blackhaw viburnum leafing out!

American robin
Fragrant mistflower needy, too.

I've tackled most of the inland sea oats.

Mexican hats ready to get growing!