On a wing and a prayer

Everything has it's beauty,  

But not everyone

sees it.

_ The Wisdom of Confusious   

                 

Cicada

   I thought I would share with you some of the wonderful things I have spotted in my garden this year. You may wonder why I would think the Cicada as wonderful. Some would consider it ugly but if you look at its wings they are so intricate, like lace. Then there is the sound that they make. Sometimes it is almost deafening but also like music that we identify with hot summer days. I love the song of the cicada.

   The other day when I went to get the paper I noticed that my front light was still on. Frustrated because it is on a timer that I seem to be having trouble setting, I went in to put the paper down and then fix the light. I forgot momentarily, a habit of mine lately, but remembered and went back to see if indeed it was still on. That's when I noticed a beautiful moth, a White-lined Sphinx, perched on the light and all my frustration disappeared. I grabbed my camera and got a few great shots, this is one of them. I am always amazed by the symmetry and color of these amazing creatures. If you're lucky it will spread it's wings to reveal the loveliest shade of pink. Absolute perfection.

White-lined Sphinx

  Last year I found a Pandorus Spink Moth in my driveway. At first I thought it was a leaf and went to brush it away until I realized it was alive. It is one of the most amazing moths I have come across, like the White-lined Sphinx, it has a lovely shade of coral pink on it and beautiful shades of green.
 I actually saw another one the next day and thought it was the same one until I looked at my pictures and realized that the markings were a little different and one had a damaged wing. So don't overlook the beauty of the moth, there really are some amazing ones out there.

Pandorus Sphinx Moth

   As far as the butterfly goes I don't know about you but I was getting a little concerned. There really seems to be a lack of them this year, especially with the Monarch population dwindling. If you are a butterfly watcher you would have noticed how each year we are seeing fewer and fewer  Monarch's. I think I saw more when I was in the East Coast than I did here all summer, which may have been about five.

Monarch Butterfly

  If you are concerned and would like to help one of the things you can do is to plant flowers to attract butterflies and provide the nectar that they need. One plant that they need for their survival and is lacking the most is Milkweed. Considered just that, a weed, people are cutting it down and the Monarch's depends on it. Now I'm not suggesting that you go and plant Milkweed unless you have the room for it but plants such as Butterfly weed which is in the Milkweed family is a good alternative.
  There is also a website, ebutterfly.com where you can record and keep tract of the butterflies you see and share with other butterfly enthusiasts.

  Last year I was lucky enough to witness the migration of the Monarchs, it was amazing to watch. I was out having my morning coffee and was looking around when I noticed a constant stream of Monarchs flying over head. It was really something to see.

Eastern Black Swallowtail

    Speaking of migration, a few weeks ago I was sitting outside and noticed a lot of dragonflies overhead, they looked like small birds just gliding along with the breeze. Taking a better look I noticed lots and lots of dragonflies and it seemed like they were migrating.  I have never seen so many of them at once and had no idea that they migrated but it turns out they do. It was an amazing sight and the next day they were still at it.

Male Emperor Dragonfly

I have been seeing a lot of Dragonflies the past few weeks and have managed to capture a few of them on camera. They don't make it easy, they are always moving and seem to notice every little move you make, but with a lot of patience and a bit of luck, they eventually take a break and you have your shot. 

Ruddy Darter

Ruddy Darter

   I love watching for butterflies and dragonflies and am always happy to see a new one to add to my ever growing list. I am always on the lookout for new plants to attract them to my garden and just bought a Dwarf Butterfly Bush. It's the same great scented flower just a smaller version. 
  This is a great time of year to buy plants on sale. If you are thinking of trying to attract butterflies and dragonflies, it's a great time to get the plants.  I also bought a Butterfly House this year. I didn't have any visitors from what I can see but it looks nice and who knows, maybe next year.

Red Admiral

Cabbage White - notice there is two of them.

   Last year one of my sisters, who is also a butterfly watcher was telling me about the Giant Swallowtail and how it was being spotted in our areas so to keep a look out for it. Not long after didn't I spot one in my herb garden, I couldn't believe my luck.
  It was interesting trying to get a good shot because it never seemed to stop so I just kept on shooting and eventually got some great pictures.

Giant Swallowtail

  This year, as luck should have it I saw another Swallowtail on my Butterfly Bush. This one was a Black Swallowtail and was every bit as magnificent and every bit as busy. They do not seem to want to sit still unlike the Monarch which seems to be a lot calmer. So patience is key.

Black Swallowtail

  This year I have seen several Morning Cloak's.  When it's wings are closed it blends very well with nature, resembling wood,  then it opens it's wings and wow, you see the most beautiful colour.

Morning Cloak

                                                                                                                                                                                     And then there is the Question Mark. I was so excited to see this butterfly. I had no idea what it was, moth or butterfly so after taking many pictures I looked it up. You can identify it by the white dot and comma on its wing. It looked like a leaf and was very tattered and torn. Apparently they over winter which can lead to the tattered wings. There is also a Comma, which has no dot.

Question Mark

  So when you are out walking or just relaxing in the backyard, keep your eyes open, look up and you will be amazed by the beauty of these flying wonders.

Happy Gardening!

If your grow it, they will come.

"If you go out and watch nature closely,

you will find something so joyful that

it will completely fill you."

Magnificent Hummingbird

   This morning, as usual I went outside with my coffee, crossword puzzle and camera in tow, you know just in case.
  I was busy working on my crossword when I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye.  I couldn't believe it, it was a  Hummingbird  which I had been hoping to see all summer. As I fumbled about to get my camera ready off it flew,  but I have to say I was happy just the same, finally a Hummingbird  had come to my backyard.

Magnificent Hummingbird

  Now they say that once a Hummingbird knows that a food supply is there they will come back year after year. In the past two years I've had one Hummingbird visit each year, is this the same one?

Magnificent Hummingbird and bee

  Anyhow, I sat back down only to be visited once again and once again missing my chance for a picture. So I thought, okay it came back once maybe it will come back again. I took up my position in one of my little nooks and sat waiting, camera ready and sure enough it came back one more time.

  You cannot imagine how excited I was, not only did it come back but I got some wonderful pictures. It was definitely worth the wait. I looked it up and from it's markings, think it is a female Magnificent Hummingbird, and magnificent she was.  Also,  I now know which plant it seems to really like and will make a point to plant a few more Hummingbird loving plants around the same area next year.

   She didn't bother with the Hummingbird Bush which is in full bloom or with the food I put out so you never know what will be the draw. The best thing is to keep trying an assortment of plants that they like and keep the faith.  It worked for me. Who knows maybe next year I'll get two.
  Oh and don't forget the camera when you're out in the yard, you never know what you may see.

  Happy Gardening!

Come sit for a while

My 'reading' room

Wrought iron chair

"Every garden needs a place where you can just sit and listen to the leaves" 

  I love summer mornings where I can take my coffee and sit outside. It's a great time to have a look at the garden, see what needs to be done that day and to just sit and enjoy the garden. I usually do this sitting on the deck in a swivel rocking chair, it has shade at that time of day and I can see most of the yard

Deck bench

  When planning my garden I wanted to make sure there were areas to sit, little nooks so to speak where I can sit and enjoy the view.
  Also seeing it from different vantage points gives you a better idea of how everything is working together. What looks good from one spot may not work from another. Certain plants or a small tree may be too tall or short, they may be blocking the view of something you wanted as a focal point.

  So walk around your yard,  have a good look around before deciding where you would like to sit and what you might be doing in that area. Is it a spot to just relax, is it going to be where you sit to have your coffee in the morning or an evening drink. When does the sun hit that spot, morning or the afternoon? Consider how private it is if you are looking to tuck yourself away.
  I have a great swinging 'egg' chair that I can curl up in and read or just while away the hours enjoying the birds, out of view surrounded by my garden.

'Egg' chair

'Zen' garden bench

 My 'Zen' garden has a bench that adds character to the garden as well as a place to sit and relax for a moment. Although this is not a bench built for comfort it provides you with a place to sit for a moment of peace and contemplation. It is a perfect spot first thing in the morning when it is quiet and peaceful or early evening when the air is getting cooler and the day is slowing down.

  When I was in Maine earlier this summer I came across a beautiful garden bench. It was in a lovely library garden in Camden. The bench was surrounded by garden on the outside and a small courtyard in the centre. This is a perfect spot to sit and enjoy their garden or flip through the pages of a book you just checked out of the library.
  I love, love this bench. Unfortunately I couldn't take it home.

Library bench in Camden

  So take a moment to plan so that all your moments spent relaxing, enjoying your surroundings are quiet, peaceful times. If for no other reason but to take a moment in the day and enjoy the beauty of nature, your efforts will be worth it.
 There are no rules, find your spot, take a break and listen to the leaves.

Happy Gardening!

Library bench in Camden

Food and Shelter

My most popular birdhouse

"Our Task Must Be To Free
     Ourselves. By Widening Our
  Circle Of Compassion To
     Embrace All Living Creatures,
  And The Whole Of Nature ...
     And Its Beauty."
                               -Albert Einstein

Sparrows having a bath

   I love birds. I am amazed by their beauty, by their ability to glide effortlessly through the sky, and by the fact that they can build complex nests with only a beak.
  One of my favorite things about having a garden is the birds it attracts and I work hard at trying to do so.

Small birdbath

  Water is a great way to bring birds to your yard. Besides drinking water, birds need water to keep their feathers clean and as a place to cool off in the heat of the day. Be it a birdbath or a simple clay plate, birds will love it. Use your imagination when looking for a container, the options are endless as long as they are clean and shallow.
     Make sure that your vessel is not to deep but deep enough for them to have a good splash.

Stone drinking vessel

  Early morning, while you're out dead heading your flowers is a great time to put clean water in your birdbath or what ever vessels you are using.
  It is not enough to hope that the rain or sprinkler will fill it, it is important that you check to make sure it is staying fresh and clean.

Copper drinking vessel

  It is also important to place them in an area that has some protection and a place to dry off after a bath. Trees are of course the easiest solution but are not always an option for everyone.    A small shrub or tall plants work well or a covered area in your yard  would also work well.

  Food of course is another way to attract birds to your yard.  The same applies to food as water, Clean, Fresh and Protected.
  If you have a Hummingbird feeder, change the feed and wash out your container every couple of days. You can make up a simple syrup and keep it in the fridge for several weeks.
  The same applies to your dry food, check it every couple of days to see if it needs filling or changing.

Green birdhouse

Goldfinch having a feed

  Think of the birds that are in your area and put out food that appeals to them. You can also try to bring new birds to your yard by placing out food that they like. I have been doing that with Hummingbirds and am still hopeful that one of these days they will pay me a visit. If you are consistent with your food they will know it is there and come to rely on it.

  Then there is Shelter. Birds need a place to nest so try to provide a couple of bird houses.
  Not all birds use a house. I've had Mourning Doves nest in my hanging baskets and on top of my arbor. I've had Robins in a small decorative planter by my front door.
 If nothing else they add character to your garden and hopefully, if you're lucky they will become occupied.

Coconut Birdhouse

  I seem to have luck with two houses that are on free standing poles. It could be the fact that it is hard for other animals to get access to them but I used to have one on my fence that was occupied every year so I'm not sure what the appeal is. I just buy a variety of houses and hope for the best.
 So if you want to attract wildlife to your yard remember to provide water, food and shelter. They give us the pleasure of their company so it is our job to protect while they are there.

Basking in the sun.

  Flowers of course are a great attraction for all wildlife so don't forget about that when you are choosing your plants. Some birds love thistles, Hummingbirds love color, scent. Rabbits I think like them all.
  As you can see by the picture of this Rabbit he is feeling quite content after feeding off my flowers and is now basking in the warmth of the sun. I think he feels safe.
  All creatures great and small.

Happy Gardening!

Reap what you Sow!

Simple Syrups

      Step into the garden,
     lift your face to the sun
              and Breath.
   It will help you remember
      all that is beautiful and 
          right in the world


                      
                                        
                                                
                                                      
                                             
                                                     
                                                         

Lavender drying

  A few weeks back I started to dry my Lavender. I took a cookie tray, lined it with a piece of parchment paper and laid out the Lavender. I then put it in my laundry room where it is cool and dry.

  Once dried I removed the flowers and started to think about what I  might  do with it. I have in previous years made Lavender cupcakes, (the Lavender is in the icing) and I have made Lavender sugar cookies. Both very tasty but I was looking to try something new.

Dried Lavender flowers

  I had read about flavored honey's and thought this would be fun to try. I took two cups of Ontario Honey and placed it in the top of a double boiler, then I added 6 tablespoons of dried Lavender flowers, gave it a stir and let it simmer over the water for approximately a half hour. Then I let it cool and strained it into jars. I filled 4 half pint jars. 

 You can warm it longer and you can add more flowers, it all depends how strong of a Lavender flavor you want.  I have to tell you I was so pleased with the result.

 Now one thing is for sure, you either like the taste of Lavender or not. I for one love the floral taste of Lavender and Roses so I love, love, love this honey. It is perfect over crumpets, tea biscuits, fruit, ice cream etc. Let your imagination be your guide. 

Lavender Honey

  The next thing I decided to try was making Simple Syrups. I had read about them and seen them in many recipes, especially in cocktails. 

  I ended up making three different kinds. The first one was with Pineapple Sage leaves, the second with Anise Hyssop leaves and the third with Lemon Balm.

Anise Hyssop

  Making these is exactly as the name implies, simple. Take one cup of sugar, one cup of water and place in a medium pot, bring the mixture to a soft boil and stir until sugar has dissolved.  

    Add a handful of whatever leaves you are using (approx. 25) and bring the mixture back to a boil. You can turn the mixture off at this point and leave it steep for about a half hour. I turned mine down to low and let it simmer for about fifteen minutes and then turned it off letting it sit for another half hour. Again it all depends on the strength of flavor you are looking for. 

   The flavor of these syrups is amazing. If you like licorice, Anise Hyssop is for you.

 This is one of my new favorite plants. Not only is it a late bloomer which in my books is a definite plus, it attracts Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds also a plus and it has an amazing licorice flavor. You can use the leaves and flowers for various baked goods, syrups or whatever else you can think of. Does it get any better than this?

  I have tried the Anise Hyssop syrup and the Lemon Balm syrup over cut strawberries and it is delicious. On the week-end I made Pavlovas. I used strawberries marinated in the Lemon Balm syrup over whipped cream in the Pavlova. It was nice and fresh, just a hint of lemon.

Lemon Balm

  I saw a recipe for a Gin Martini using the Pineapple Sage syrup, it would also pair nicely with Vodka. You could use them in iced tea or over ice creams. You could try using Mint, Lavender or even Rosemary. It is so simple to make and herbs are abundant so have some fun playing with flavor. Refrigerate the syrups once made and they will keep for about two weeks.

  The other thing I decided to make was Nasturtium Vinegar. I have made this before and it is so pretty and easy I just had to make it again. 

Nasturtium Vinegar

Nasturtium

  You can eat both the flowers and leaves of the Nasturtium plant which has a nice peppery taste. Think of adding them to a salad and then making a dressing using your Nasturtium vinegar, or slice some tomatoes and add some Nasturtium flowers a little cheese such as goats or feta and then drizzle with some Nasturtium vinegar and oil. The possibilities are endless.
 I  have also in recent years made flavored butters and oils which I hope to do again this year. The butters are so versatile and easy not to mention pretty and can be frozen which is a bonus. They can be sweet or savory and you can use them in cooking or just as a butter for various delicacies.  
  Another thing I would like to try is flavored salts and sugars. Those are easy to do, just add dried herbs or flowers to the sugar or salt, cover them and let them sit for a few weeks. You can then use them as is or grind to incorporate the herbs. I made the mistake of not drying the flowers and believe me it dosen't work, so be patient and dry, dry, dry.
  So if you have herbs in your garden go out and clip some and play in the kitchen, don't be afraid to experiment with flavor.  If you don't have herbs maybe it's time to give them a try, there easy and fun to grow. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and whatever you decide to do, have fun.

Happy Gardening!
                                      

Bringing the outside in

Peach Rose

Pink Rose

              

                     Believe in beauty.
                            Let its Magic heal your soul.


 I don't know if you are like me but I used to hesitate to cut my flowers and bring them in. I'm not sure what the reasoning behind that was, maybe I was thinking it would leave a noticeable hole in the flowerbed or take away from the overall look of the garden.

Hyacinth and Daffodils

Coneflowers

The only time I didn't mind was in the Spring. Bringing spring flowers inside is like freshening the house, getting rid of that winter staleness.
 Hyacinth is one of my favorite spring blooms. It's scent wakes up the sense's with the promise of summer close behind.
  Lily of the Valley is  another favorite of mine, I love their fragrance and their delicate little bell like blossoms. I have a round white vase that I got from my mother and it works perfectly with the Lily of the Valley, the stark contrast of the green against the white is beautiful.

  I like to place flower filled vases in areas that I tend to be in most often like the kitchen, hallway, bathroom or dining room.

Coneflower

 In the kitchen I place them on the window sill and try to make sure it is a flower with a lovely fragrance, that way when the sun shines in it will heat the flower releasing it's scent. It just makes it that much more lovely to have inside.
 One of the Roses I bought this year has the most powerful scent that just by bringing one rose into the kitchen, it can add fragrance to the whole floor of the house.

Dried Rose buds

 I also dried some of my rose buds this year. My Rose tree was overgrown and I needed to cut it back so instead of throwing away the buds I decided to dry them. They have a wonderful peppery scent and I have placed them around the base of my candle holder.
 Hopefully when the flame is lit the heat will stimulate the roses and emit it's scent.

 Coneflowers are another great flower to bring in. I have planted about ten different varieties so now I have plenty to bring in. The nice thing about Coneflowers is that they last a long time and stand up nice and straight.
 Some flowers do not have a very strong stem so think about the container you are going to put them in or pair them with a another flower that will give it support.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea do not stand up well in a tall vase, they are top heavy and need support. The best way is to cut them short so that it's head rests on the lip of the vase. You can do the same with Peonies, just remember to give them a good shake before bringing them in so you don't have ants everywhere.
 Don't forget about fall cuttings. Some of the fall flowers we may not think about are Sedum which make a beautiful Thanksgiving centre piece as do Oat Grass. They dry beautifully and  last a long time. Think of flowers in your garden that dry naturally, they will be a good one to bring in.
 
 So don't hesitate to bring your flowers in, just plant more flowers so you don't feel like you are stripping the bed.
 When you think of it, having flowers in your home that you grew yourself is a lovely reward for all your hard work. It brightens our home, our senses and our spirits.

Happy Gardening!