Years ago I planted the flower above which is called Dame's Rocket. It has since been labeled an "invasive" plant and everyone is warned not to plant it as it will take over the world. After almost 20 years it has behaved much nicer than my phlox which has bullied out many of my other plants. So in my garden anyway, it is not invasive nor has it spread to my neighbors yard. In fact it has stayed much in the same area all these years and hasn't spread much at all.
The plant above did spring up this year and it is a white Dame's Rocket. It's growing next to the neighbor's white fence and looks a bit bland. Waiting to see if it reseeds with white or pink/purple plants next year.
We've had at least three pairs of geese hatch out goslings this year. I managed to catch this family a couple of weeks ago hunting bugs and tender plant shoots on our lake bank. The goslings only stay cute and yellow for about a week and then start to look like gangly teenagers.
Above is a native shrub called a Pagoda Dogwood, it loves growing amongst larger trees. It has snuggled in nicely between a pine and an oak tree. Later the blooms will turn into dark little berries that the birds and ducks love. I have seen the woodducks fly up from the ground to grab the berries in their mouths!
This white bleeding heart was seeded by a pink bleeding heart in the back yard. I dug it up last fall and moved it over under the pink crabapple. It's still a baby plant but I hope it increases in size next year.
The purple Alium plants have done well have have spread a bit, I'm very happy for their fun shape and lovely color in the spring.
I've been seeing more clover this year as I asked my husband to not remove it anymore. So many of the natural plants are disappearing as people continue to spray weed killer on them. Even in our yard some plants that I tried to save and that we've never used any herbicides around have just inexplicably died. I have only one elderberry left and keeping my fingers crossed it survives.
There are two of these honeysuckles in our yard, they must be around 50 years old now. They were planted by the original builder/owner of the house. They are a pale pink and have a sweet smell.
Next to the compost bin we have some native plants that some call weeds. The large leaved vine is called "Virginia Creeper", other plants you may recognize, dandelion, creeping charlie and some boneset, jewel weed and other plants.
This pretty plant has the fluffy little white flowers. It's always been here and I'm not sure of it's name but it grows happily with my other plants. I would love to show you images of bees on my flowers, but unfortunately there are very few this year. I have seen a couple of large Queen bumble bees and a few smaller honeybees, but I fear that our extremely harsh winter and other things have taken a toll on the poor creatures. I'm hoping with warmer weather I'll start to see more move back in to the area.
One thing I am extremely pleased with is the sound of the frogs singing, they have been very active and we've had some nice rains to refresh our lake, so I'm hoping to see a few of this critters in our yard soon. Other birds at our lake this year have been Great Blue Herons, White Egrets, Trumpeter Swans and a Bald Eagle or two. I try and post a few images at a later date.
Things have been moving along here in our area and now we (fully vaccinated) can cautiously venture out without masks except where noted by the businesses. My dentist and Dr.'s offices still require masks. That reminds me, a few weeks ago just after my vaccine was fully effective, I noticed floaters in my right eye. I called my Ophthalmologist's office and they were able to get me in that afternoon. Thankfully no emergency issues with my eye, I have a follow up appointment in a month. I'm also trying to catch up with other Dr. appts. so will be visiting one or another almost every week for a month! My husband still hasn't even made his appts. yet! Men!!
Anyway!! Hope you are all doing well and enjoying spring so far. Hoping to get back here and post again before it is summer! Thank you all for visiting and please leave a comment. As you know the spammers have been awful, so I'll publish your comment as soon as possible. I almost always reply too.
Hearts and Hugs to you! ~~~ Diane