Yard Update

The yard is changing every day.

The different varieties are lilies are showing themselves.

The lantana is doing its job attracting butterflies.

A darling new ice plant has been added with such pretty color.

An elephant ear has also been added as well.

This variety's leaves start as green with purple veining.

Then they turn almost black with a gorgeous silvery underside. This plant may be as tall as me by October so it will be fun to watch grow!

This is the first time we spotted a skink on our property! These guys are great for the garden by consuming the naughty insects.

The gardenia has been blooming like crazy.

The fragrance is incredible!

The butterfly bushes are blooming.

Our thornless raspberry vine is doing well. We thought the fruit would be bird safe wrapped  between our deck fence with no perches. However we caught Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal enjoying one on the deck. They managed to remove one in mid air! We have since added netting.

The chrysanthemums are blooming beautifully.

We are patiently awaiting rose of sharon blooms throughout the yard! This one is my favorite since the plant itself is marvelous.

We have a bunch of holly hedges in front. I am surprised there are still red berries at this time of the year. I always thought of these as cooler weather plants but I was wrong.

We have sweet coral bells too.

The most exciting thing going on is the start of our first figs! Fresh figs are very hard to find since it is a delicate fruit that needs to be picked only when ripe and consumed quickly. In the future when we have big harvests, we can dry or freeze them. I really want to bake fig bars!

Another favorite plant of mine is the kaleidoscope. It is an evergreen with constantly changing leaves.

Here is a macro look at the butterfly garden at the moment.

Always remember to take time out so soothing nature can be enjoyed.

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val