The Canada Lilies are in bloom along the entry trail at Rhododendron cove
Hostas are also called Plantain Lilies. Up close the individual flowers definitely look like lilies.
We have fixed the fence and Cody has been running free in the yard for a few weeks without getting out. That doesn't stop him from trying though.
Glad to be getting the rain,but the timing could be better.
I planted these bean plants for the first time this year. I haven't gotten any beans yet to see how they taste, but at least the flowers are pretty.
I got these planted a little later than I should have. I planted a row along the back of my garden so the cucumbers and beans could grow up them. They aren't quite big enough though.
Today I visited the gardens of my friend Rhonda. She has some beautiful flower gardens (she calls them weed patches but they are far from it.) She also collects succulents. This is one of her basket arrangements.
I am getting ready for the ArtWalk coming up on Friday July 22. I spent a lot of time framing today so todays picture is of 2 of my newest pieces. If you would like to see them in person come visit me at 109 N. Broad Street in Lancaster. (That's the Chamber of Commerce right by the General Sherman Statue) The Art walk runs from 6-9 that Friday and my work will be on display during business hours for the following week.
These come up every year in a garden down by the road. They are really too tall to be there and for the past several years I have pulled them out. This year it seems like there are more than ever. I am guessing the little side bulblets are coming off and starting new plants. I guess I will need to dig them. Hopefully I can find a spot for them at the back of a garden somewhere.
Mike and I went to Lilyfest for a little while today. There were lots of flowers, but this one caught my eye. It is a small flower, maybe an inch and a half across, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in color. Unfortunately I didn't find out what it is called.
There is an area at Ceasar Creek State park where you can hunt for fossils. You are only allowed to take those that fit in the palm of your hand, and you aren't allowed to break them. So this one got to stay there.
There was a trail running back behind our camp site that led down to the lake. The dogs enjoyed playing in the water and Cody kept trying to bite the waves.
Caesar Creek Lake is a strange conglomeration of land owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and operated by U.S. and state agencies. Along the trail to Horsehoe Falls there is this bridge. We let the dogs "run" to me, since there wasn't really any where they could get loose. They weren't sure about the wobbly bridge. Tucker almost came all the way to me, but then he turned back and ran to Mike and wouldn't come across until Mike was behind him. The waterfall was near dry and not very impressive.
We found this guy on the Clear Creek Butterfly Survey today. We found a total of 10 species along the transect.
After a long day of driving I found this Queen Anne's Lace growing near our hotel.
We took a short hike at Cherokee Marsh near DeForest WI. this morning. These are just a few of the many plants in flower in the prairie.
This morning before leaving Wisconsin we stopped for gas and I took a few pictures of Pinky in DeForest. He has been standing there since the '60's.
The flowers growing up on the hill seem to be a bit smaller than the ones closer to the house.
My Swamp Milkweed is finally blooming. Hopefully the Monarchs will find it. I haven't seen any yet this year.
Found this guy on a walk at the AOA conservation site. We were looking for butterflies, but only saw a few. We did have our first Monarch sighting of the year though.
We had a nice warm hike out at Clearcreek Metro Park. This beauty was blooming along the Creekside Meadows trail.
I finally got these in the ground today. I thought the unopened flower had an interesting texture.
Blooming today at the edge of the pond.
I had an early drive this morning, so I was watching the sky. Luckily I found a place to pull off and capture the hazy start to the day as the sun rose over the hay fields. It was already almost 80°F at 7am.
This tree is growing in the middle of my strawberry patch in my raised garden. I need to get the area cleared for more garden space. If anyone is interested in a 4ft tall tree (or a bunch of strawberry plants) let me know. I know I said I was going to do this last year...but it really needs to go.
We got out early for a hike at Cantwell Cliffs and Rock House. This is a view out one of the 'windows' at Rock House.
Portrait shoot with Jessica's bird tonight. While he still wasn't sure about having a camera in his face, he sat much better for the pictures this time.
Psycho Puppy says "My chair! and get that camera outta my face."
Zinnias are one of those flowers that are very interesting up close. It is a composite flower with florets which are technically each a full flower.
This is only the second Monarch that I have seen this year. She was going between the Milkweed plants along the road at Lake Logan and laying eggs.
