Springtime in Heather's Garden

I cleaned up and planted a few annuals plus a couple of perennials in Heather's Garden earlier this week.  It was a beautiful day for gardening...warm in the sun and cool in the shade, my kind of day.

It won't be long now before all the new plants grow some roots and start to fill out.  

Even after all these years, watching plants grow never seems to get old.

Heather's garden here in the hills has several clusters of stones, a few shells, a piece of driftwood and other decorations.  I noticed a small pile of stones behind the church so I decided to add them to her garden.  She liked to accent her garden with stones so I think she'd like this.     

Photographed at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery near Eagle Butte, Alberta on June 24, 2024.

What a Little Rain Can Do

A couple of weeks ago in my all time favourite garden in Medicine Hat, Alberta...

The lupins, irises and globe flowers were in full bloom as well as the Dwarf Korean Lilac.  The latter has a sweet fragrance that filled the entire yard with its intoxicating aroma.  Much of the vibrancy is due to several inches of rain (which is something of a rare event here in southeastern Alberta)...adding that extra richness in colour tone that is so pleasant and deeply attractive. 

These photos were taken while the owners were away in France, so, for about two weeks I had the yard to myself for picnics, the occasional drink (or two or...) and, of course, lots of gardening.  I live in a nice apartment that has a lovely balcony with a view that I fill with plants each summer and enjoy immensely, but having free run of a spacious yard like this was a real treat.  That's definitely a cause for celebration.   

I hope everyone has a private and comfortable place to enjoy the abundant gifts that nature provides.

Photographed on June 12, 2024.

Pelicans

Saw this pod of pelicans about a year ago at the Bullshead Reservoir just north of Eagle Butte, Alberta.

They would repeatedly swim in one direction then turn around and swim in the opposite direction, all the while excitedly flapping their wings.  Not sure what that was all about but they seemed completely consumed by the activity.

As soon as they spotted me they retreated to the rear of the reservoir, away from prying eyes.

It's always a treat to see pelicans.

Photographed on May 30, 2023.