Colorful spring

Last year this time, I had only a few blooms here and there to enjoy. After another year of growth, and planting new starts,  I am now enjoying a much more colorful landscape. Thanks to a warm rainy days, the blooms are plentiful this spring.

 

 

 

Also, the hummingbirds have returned ...at least a few. I'm hoping for more as spring turns into summer.

Then, there was the day that I captured this colorful visitor...I think traveling through, as I have not seen it since.

Too much rain

It started raining in the early hours of the morning and rained almost continuously throughout the morning and afternoon with the wind blowing strong. Then the wind blew furious and the rain poured, creating this scene... viewed from the back of our house.

This is normally not a stream, but a ditch. The only time it contains water is with run off. Last summer it was a very dry ditch.

The road is...

Underwater!

If only there was a way to regulate rain! Come July, we will no doubt need some of this moisture.

Bearded Irises

Last April, while visiting family, my brother Robin gave me  six bearded iris bulbs,
with the green leaves still attached,  from my father's home place. Upon returning home I choose two different locations, amended the soil somewhat and planted them,... hoping for a few survivors,.. and a bloom or two this spring.

 

Much to my delight they multiplied!  Blooming, with the promise of more blooms to come.
Thanks Robin!

Now, if there was just some way I could protect them from being whipped about by the wind. Unfortunately here on the hill, even up against the house, that is not possible.

Spring!

Spring...wonderful spring!

A few of these...

A couple of starts of this...

But, unfortunately... a lot of this.

and this...

Weeds of all kinds!

 I spent the better part of a day lifting wild garlic and a variety of weeds out of  the mulched areas. Now, it's time to weed and feed the lawn...and time to plant...

Maybe, just maybe in time I will be able to enjoy lots of spring blooms and colors,

...and the weeds will be few.