My Pirate's Pictures

As I mentioned in my previous post, My Pirate has started taking pictures.  He's using the camera on his iPhone 6 plus and is processing his shots through the app Snapseed.  Scrolling through his pictures, I've discovered a theme.  Whenever we go tour a garden he snaps multiple shots of plants that he wants to add to our garden. 

Maihuenia poeppigii, shot taken by My Pirate

When we toured Greg Shepherd's garden, My Pirate took multiple shots of this spiky cactus in his side yard.  I love his shots.  So, when I was at Xera Plants, I picked up the cactus, Maihuenia poeppigii, for My Pirate.  He was thrilled with his new gift.  

Maihuenia poeppigii, shot taken by My Pirate

Here's what the tag said:

Maihuenia poeppigii, zone 6b (-5 to 0)  This succulent Cactus relative is native to the highest elevations of the Andes and it revels in fast draining soils and full sun. Slowly spreading to form colonies in summer it is replete with bright yellow flowers.  The silver thorns contrast wonderfully with the green leaves'. To 4" tall and spreading. Full sun and occasional summer water to speed growth.  Cold hardy and excellent in containers.  Protect containerized plants from winter wet. mye-WAY-nee-uh.

What plant do you secretly hope someone will buy for you? 

Kousa Dogwood Blooms and My Pirate

It only took the life of the blooms on the cornus kousa dogwood tree for My Pirate to heal from his concussion.  He's back to work after over two months at home recuperating.  I am grateful.

During our two months together at home, we played in the garden and bantered like a retired couple.  I was worried sick about him for the first month, but my worry eased as I saw him improve.  I gave up my early mornings photographing the garden and switched to the breezy evenings.  My Pirate and Barnaby kept posing and 'helping' me take pictures.  Until finally, I  told My Pirate to grab his phone and take his own damn pictures.  He has a good eye and I'm going to add some of his shots to future posts.

So, we've become that disgusting couple that has two hobbies in common.  What's next?  Matching outfits?  Oh wait, we already have that one covered. 

Thank you for all of the encouragement and kind words while My Pirate was healing!  We really appreciated it.

Wednesday Vignette: Lucifer

I do not like orange flowers in my garden.  Orange in the garden reminds me of orange traffic cones.  Orange says pay attention and be cautious.

Yet, somehow my neighbors' Crocosmia 'Lucifer' that is on our property, says, "Pay attention to this fabulous white grass and be cautious with the hummingbirds."  

Hummingbirds may be tiny but they are fierce.  Last week, a hummer bitch slapped me for getting too close to the feeder.   I'm developing a complex.  But, I will continue to try and photograph them.

So, who do you think is the star of this photo?  The Lucifer or the grass? 

And don't forget to stop by my friend, Anna, at Flutter and Hum to see her latest Wednesday Vignette!

Photobomb

Aphids live in my garden. I accept that they are part of the food chain. And they almost look pretty glowing in the evening light.  But, they keep photobombing my macro shots.

Brown chicken brown cow! I hope that these ladybugs snacked on that aphid under the leaf following their afternoon delight.

Look at those water droplets on the aphid's feet.  I didn't see it when I took the shot.  Oh, my bleeding heart. 

This one posed for his shot.  Argh!  Have you no shame, aphid?  I'll just keep reminding myself that you are fast food for all the birds and ladybugs in my garden.  

Vignette Wednesday: Last Poppy Bloom

The last poppy bloomed in my front garden this week and a heat wave in the 100's is forecasted for the weekend.  I'm busy preparing for the garden for the heat.  Hoses are strewn throughout the garden and the soaker hoses are on high!  But, I wanted to take a moment to say farewell to my spring garden.  Poppies are simply luscious as they unfold in the morning.  I treasure them. And if you receive a poppy in a bouquet from me, just know that you are loved. 

Princess Victoria Louise Oriental Poppy

As a young girl, I looked forward to my Mom's orange poppies blooming.  And I loved the poppy seed heads that sounded like maracas once they dried.  I leave the seed heads to dry in my garden too.  And kids walking by, take them and listen to their newfound maracas.  It makes me happy.  I'll always have a clump of poppies in my garden.

My friend, Anna at Flutter & Hum, started the weekly Wednesday Vignette meme because she has an eye for color and design.  She's a garden designer, architect, color expert, and she has taught me to see my garden in new ways. Thanks, Anna!