Freezing Daffodils

This happens every year. We get very cold weather and the daffodils are up and blooming. They hang their heads sadly, so I put on my warmest coat and go out proceeded to cut  the droopy ones. I love to give them away.

                                               Would you like a bunch..just let me know!

Mason Bee Project

Mason Bee or Orchard Bee is the common name for species of bees in the genus Osmia, of the family Megaachilidae. This non-social native bee is very helpful in the pollination of early spring fruit trees, flowers and vegetables. The bluish- black metallic bee does not live in hives, but rather in hollow stems, woodpecker drillings and carpenter bees left over destruction.

These bees are active for a short period of time and do not connect or share nest or interact with each others life's.  Since they are so passive they may be observed at close range without fear of being stung. This makes them great additions for our home gardens and yards.  Although they do not produce honey, their presence adds activity and pollination to our plantings.

Last year I ordered two Mason Bee Hives so I would be prepared to put them up very early in the spring before the buds emerged. Last Saturday was a great day for outdoor projects and I had my two best workers to help. Callum (2) and Thatcher (4) helped their Dumpy(Grandfather Kirts) place the homes for me.

We placed one on the barn post and the other on the Gazebo. I will let you know how it goes. I am all for finding new pollinators for my gardens.

 

Nothing better than extra hands in the garden!!

Signs of Spring

Yes!!!  It is now officially Spring. I have been searching high and low for signs of Spring. Here is what I have found.

                                                                      Hellebores

                                                                            Snowdrops

First Daffodils

 

                                                                  

                                                                           Crocus

 Wind Flowers

What do you have coming up?

Sanibel Moorings Botantical Gardens

Sanibel Island is one of my favorite places on this planet! I have visited this great island probably 3 to 4 times a year for over 30 years. So I am always so excited and surprised when I discover a new hidden gem on the island.

I just returned from a wonderful week on the Island. I have been hearing about the Botanical Gardens at a Condo Complex, but did not expect what I found.

The Sanibel Moorings Resort was built in 1974 and the garden began at that time as well. Over the years many gardeners have left their footprint on this 6 acre oasis. This very unique wildlife oasis is home to hundreds of native plants and non-invasive tropical plants. It includes collections of bromeliads, cacti, hibiscus, orchids, palms, fruits, and cycads and in a wildlife friendly environment.

The Complex offers tours and self-guided tours as well. It is a $5.00 donation but so worth the time and money. Just check in at the Office for the guide!  All the plants are labeled and a wonderful brochure provides great information. I will be returning each visit to Sanibel.

 

These images are just a drop in the bucket.....go check it out!!

 

Scenes from Sanibel.

This island is so incredible. Here are some scenes. More to come.















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Sanibel Island

This week I am at one of the places i love so much. Sanibel Island. more to come all week. Here with my daughter and her husband. Great place to relax and enjoy life.















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Location:Nerita St,Sanibel,United States

Just a Few Hours in the Car

So what a difference just a few hours in the car can make. I left 20 inches of snow and 20 degrees temps on Sunday and drove to Athens GA to meet my daughter and her husband.

When I arrived in Athens it was 75 degrees and the daffodils were blooming. Plus the pansies were in full bloom.











I was also delight d to see the camellias were blooming as well. They were spectacular. I have never seen the. In bloom as they are not grown in Kentucky.

They might just be worth a move.

















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Not much to say. 20 inches in 24 hours. Where or where is spring ?














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Location:I hope snow Insulates........

Winter Repeating Itself

Yesterday it was 60 degrees, the snow was melted away and even my bees were venturing out. Oh but hold on, today we are under a Winter Storm Warning, with over a foot of snow predicted.

I went out yesterday before to see if I could see any signs of Spring. Yes, but they are late. But here is what I found.

Bees starting to clean out the hive.....I hope they are not searching for food yet!

 Parsley peeking out from under the mulch and leaves, always one of my first herbs,

Daffodils inching their way up, needing some sunshine

 I love the blue green color of the Pink leaves as they brave the early spring air.

Hellebores blooms or Lenten Roses seem late this year, can't say as if I blame them.

 

At least the snow will act as an insulator and give some protection. Maybe next week I will be able to get out and do some clean up. I am ready!!

Repurposing Used Items

This evening after a quick trip to the attic, I decided to bring some spring into the house. I love taking old items and using them for plants or in the garden. So Voila...

 

 

The cage is from Kalee's Shabby Chic Collection and the bird is ceramic. I bought it for my Mom when she was at the Assisted Living home.  Growing up we had a pet bird named "Pretty Bird". Mom loved our birds, This one sings when you put a battery in it.  All these items were in the Yard Sale Pile! No more. With the addition of a nice plant, the objects are repurposed and  on to bigger and better things!

 

By the way .....this is for sell on my Etsy site.

BasilbeckyVintage