Wildflowers

This morning we woke to the sound of thundering hooves. The heat wave was over, the morning air was cool, and Mufasa was celebrating. Jackson joined him for awhile but, for the most part, Mufasa was racing around the pasture by himself. Flash rarely joins in these antics; at 18 he's content to watch the others ricky-race around.

After chores, Brett and I went to the farmers market. Score! Fruit is starting to arrive: cherries, apricots, peaches, strawberries and blueberries. We also bought beets, chard, baby greens; cheese, bread, pasta and salsa. We were pretty loaded down walking back to the car.

At 9:30 I picked up my neighbor and we headed off to hike a bit further up in the Sierras. There were wildflowers everywhere. I am going to try and learn the name of at least one new plant every time we go.

We thought these were wild lilac but it turns out they are called Deerbrush. They were growing thickly, crowding the side of the trail and fragrant.


I did my best to keep up with her. She just celebrated her 70th birthday and I can barely manage her pace, huffing and puffing up the hills behind her. I'm 54, I'm in awe.

Lupine is one of my favorite wildflowers; that and California Poppies. She took me to a meadow with Harlequin lupine. Aren't they cool?

One of the two "new" plants for me today was Mountain Misery, which got its name because it grows everywhere and can get gummy and stick to your shoes. The early pioneers were not fans of Mountain Misery.

The other name I committed to memory is Monkeyflower. Yes, I picked the plants with the two funniest names. Its easier to remember them that way. I particularly like Bicolored Monkeyflower.

The views were spectacular. ...but not much snow on the peaks.

 Our trail would have been under snow normally at this time of year. I hope this drought ends soon; we need next winter to be very wet.

Oak Creek Flowers

There is a dense hedge of yellow flowers spilling out of a planter along the sides of the house. I have no idea what they are but I like them a lot. Can any of you help me with identification?







There are also roses growing up out of the yellow and green mound; hugging the front steps. Again, I don't know the variety but they are very fragrant which is the most important trait (for me) in a rose.




We're still waiting to hear from the lender. They appear to be okay with the residential delineation and are now focused on finding comparable properties, close by, to determine its value. Sheesh. And, there is no ETA on when they will finish. I had to laugh at all of the comments about me being calm. Camille called me today to see how I was doing. We talked the other day and she said she had never, NEVER heard me so stressed -- which stressed her out in turn. I think I'll be bald when this is over. I don't jump up and down screaming or crying. I glare at my computer screen and get migraines.


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Trying to be Spring

Spring comes to Southern California in February.  But, we live in the mountains where frost isn't unusual in early May.  My garden is confused.  Most of the plants are still dormant but there are signs of life.  My rhubarb has cautiously poked a few curly leaves away from the root, little leaf toes poking their way to the sun.  There are a few brave flowers as well.  Daffodils are appearing, although they haven't started blooming for the most part.

 Hyacinth, one of my favorites, are almost done.  Done?!  The weather has been so cold that I haven't had a chance to lay down on the grass and stick my nose into the middle of these fragrant puffs. 

A few daffodils have opened.  

Brett is out mowing with the weed whacker today.  He promised to be careful of the daffodils.  I have them everywhere.  Under trees, on the slopes, amongst the boulders... they are my favorite flower and I have planted a lot of them.

Kersey has recovered well from her ACL flare up.  She's back to bouncing around.  Thank you all for your concern -- she sends you all wet doggy kisses and a slap of her tail against your leg. 

Macro Monday

Foxgloves

What's Growing In March

We have strange weather this week but I suppose that is normal for March.  Most of this week has been clear and warm with nights that bring fog and frost.  This weekend we have a huge storm coming in, potentially the largest of the year.  Rain will start Friday night, Saturday will be a downpour, and then Saturday night through Monday we will have snow.  Lovely.  In the meantime, here is what is growing in the gardens.

Rhubarb!  (most important)

California poppies everywhere

Gophers busy by the artichoke plant.  If they kill it...  AARGH!!!!   You will hear me scream in New Zealand

Cala Lilies

Daffodils are still going strong.

Freesia

Hyacinth and pansies

 I've also decided to participate in a daily prompt over on my poetry/writing blog "Hoofprintsin my Garden."  There is a link in my sidebar (go to the far right and hover your cursor over the grey boxes.  One of them is a link) if you are interested in reading my responses for the next two weeks.  The prompt for yesterday was "Who Am I?"  and today I'll be writing about when I knew I was an adult, and how that felt. 

Sunday Stills: Wildflowers and Flowers

California Poppies are everywhere.

They are even growing in the water fountain...

Fuji apple blossoms

Dutch iris

Snapdragon

Spanish lavender

Jupiter's Beard

Catmint

Thyme ...and more poppies.