OH My....The Tree Swallows Stopped By

Wow...WHAT A TREAT!    When I was a child one of my great memories was when the Tree Swallows would come through town in swarms...we would follow them as kids in hopes that they'd do one of there dives into a local Wax Myrtle Bush. Then we would run in and see how many we could touch...

As I walked out back today...the sky was dark with birds...In the back of my mind, for years, I had hoped by letting all those Wax Myrtles take over my back yard I'd have a pay off  some day...Well today was that day!

It was just magnificent....There were thousands of swallows everywhere...So many in fact that it sounded like it was raining on the tin roof of the chicken coop LOL...and  Yes, I was willing to risk it...though I did place a shirt over my head..... :)

It was so much fun to watch...it only takes one bird to land...then the WHOLE swarm tries to take over the Wax Myrtle for a luscious treat of berries....The tree turns black with birds as they all try to cling to the flimsy branches...

This time I watched, rather then chase after them as that little kid so many years ago..it took alot of self control I tell ya! I never realized how many..and how beautiful they are...They shine an iridescent blue, green shade over their black wings...just remarkable!

There is only a few times a year when we get such a sight in Florida...While they make their way to and from the North....Since it's been such a mild winter..I'm unsure if they are coming or going really.

At one point as I took my camera down to really take in the moment...I was sitting right amidst the swarm...they were whizzing just a foot from head, and they were everywhere.....Oh how I hope they come back this weekend...I would love to share this with my Daughter...who was off at school today :(

So like that great old movie line "If you build it...they will come" I have come to realize that in a garden "If you plant it they will indeed come" Wildlife is amazing that way! So plant something in your yard to bring in the birds and the butterflies...or what ever else you may love...And don't forget while your at it....sow some seed! Please let me know you visited by just saying Hi in a quick comment!   janine

The Azaleas are blooming!

This very large Cuban Tree Frog is hiding safely in this birdhouse NOW.....As I removed the flagstone around the old pond I stumbled across quite a scene...this big guy was halfway down the throat of a rather large Black snake, either a Racer or a possible Indigo...when I startled him he regurgitated the Frog.....Grossss...watched the whole thing......The Frog literally screamed aloud and jumped into the hole that was once a pond.....The DH scooped him into the birdhouse..I know he's an invasive species...but really it was a bad day, he gets a repreive.....Mr Snake climbed into the rose bush so I got a peeksy at his belly...it was indeed black...here's to hoping an Indigo has moved in...

Wow...what a mess...and another large project I have before me...Any suggestions for this area?

Once the Flagstone was removed from the old pond, I placed it around the front two sides of the new Above ground pond...surprised me how many were actually there. We are getting there...we will be pouring concrete caps on top of the RR ties, as a bench around the top...

the Fish are very happy in there new home...

Here in Florida we have quite a shortage of rocks...so I collect them everywhere I go and place them here and there in the garden...Some of these rocks are from The Hudson River in Upstate NY, some  from Lake George in NY, and also Maryland....And quite a few of my small flat black rocks are found right here on our own Florida beaches...No One ever sees them.....past the shells...ssshhhhhhhh...our secret! People collect beach glass, and seashells, I look for black shells and black rocks....

Can you believe the Azaleas are already blooming! I would love to have an entire garden dedicated to this bush! They have my heart!

This little guy, Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus)

 has not stopped blooming since June....It has impressed me so much...

Rosa "New Dawn".....Don't forget...It's almost time to cut the roses back! An easy way to remember when to prune Roses in Florida...... Valentine's Day...a little tip I got when Giles Rose nursery was still around...

This is the most beautiful stand of grass ever! It's over 8 feet tall.....and I still have yet to figure out what kind it is......It's been suggested it's a large Fakahatchee...but I haven't been able to confirm that yet! Anyone?

It's been a great weekend...to be outside....so let the housework go,,,and get out there and spread some seed! Enjoy your week!  janine