May 17, 2026
This was Monday....
Gradually the week has warmed up, until the last two nights, when the temperatures have held above 10C (50F), and all my seedlings have stayed out on the verandah overnight. Today it is 23C (73F), and finally it is verandah weather for us as well as the plants!
A few things got accomplished. We replaced the rotting framing on raised garden bed #4 with thick cedar boards that Hubby milled for this purpose. Number 4 was the third bed we created either in 2017 or 2018, framed with poplar lumber the previous owner had left, so it has lasted pretty well.
Our lilac bush is going to put on a really good show this year. There are tight little grape-like bud clusters all over it.
Back in the bush we saw moose tracks, and when the camera chips were checked...
A curious Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Found while bush wandering, a beautiful blooming aromatic patch of Trailing Arbutus, and later in the week, on another hike,
I followed my nose to the Trailing Arbutus in my yard too. They smell so sweet. We had our first oriole yesterday. I ran in to get my camera but he dashed into the pines to scold me. We had a crazy rainfall in the wee hours today. A lot of soil splashed out of the tomatoes I transplanted into bigger pots yesterday.
ReplyDeleteWe have had several orioles come through this year, and actually saw 4 at a friend's place nearby. There is one singing loudly this AM from the very tip of the crab-apple tree.
DeleteA good 3cm of rain fell here. Wonderful to see everything so lush and green again.
Blogger is playing silly tricks again. This post just now arrived in my reading list. Spring, I think, has finally arrived and has resolved to stay. The last two days have hovered around thirty degrees, however, and that’s too hot even for mid July. I am glad that you got some rain and the landscape is transformed. And the birds are there to serenade you. Heavenly! Best wishes - David
ReplyDeleteThe heat and humidity were brutal yesterday. Too hot, too soon....we are not acclimated yet. We soldiered through with outside spring chores, but it was definitely a two shower day!!
DeleteHeard the Whip-poor-wills yesterday AM for the first time, from every quadrant around!!! There seem to be more this spring...yeah!!! Still haven't heard the Great Crested and the Black-billed Cuckoo, and haven't heard Veery's beautiful notes, although have heard the quick, 'veer' note. I find that they seem to need to settle in for a couple of days after arriving, before you hear the lovely ethereal evening and morning song. Meanwhile, the Wood Thrush is filling in..beautifully.