Weeding, weeding, weeding. . . It's a pleasure to be out in the morning before things heat up.
Sitting on the bench under the willow would be nice but there's something elemental about sitting in the dirt and getting up close and personal with nature.
Well, not too close. The Arum Dracunculus smells of carrion . . .
And the leaves of the Spider Plant (Tradescantia) can cause a rash.
Better perhaps to observe from a distance.
This is the second time I've found this Box Turtle burying herself in the mulch. Both times, after she's moved on, I've looked to see if she might have laid some eggs but nothing showed up. It's possible the resident blacksnake has a taste for eggs -- John removed him/her from the chicken house a few days ago.
The Japanese iris are blooming now.
It's always a treat to see these elegant flowers.
They're just outside the little greenhouse, in easy reach of the hose as they love moisture.
As I was snapping their pictures, I heard a thump inside the greenhouse and went to investigate, As I suspected, it was the blacksnake and it was totally discombobulated by my sudden appearance. It exited through the holes for the hoses between the solar panel and the hot water heater.
I'll be back, it said.