There is new growth everywhere around our place... The puppy, the plants, the insects... Even the kids are growing at an alarming rate... I cannot keep them full!
Below, one of the many Borage plants that seeded itself from last years single planting....
The theme of this garden bed (above and below) is all shades and textures of green, and a bit of orange and yellow- also know as "always room for one more."
Creeping Jenny streaking through the Woolly Thyme
The strawberries are blooming prolifically...
Artichoke- a repeat performer from last year too.
Three little zucchinis
An organic lettuce mix... looking forward to trying the freckled leaves...
Kale with beautiful magenta stems. At least it looks good- I'll be the only one eating it, chances are...
Lily, keeping us in suspense
Peas, starting their climb
Lupines, spread beyond their plot from last summer...And below, lovely dogwood blossoms. These always remind me of my Grandma Millie as they are some of her favorite flowers. The first photo was taken a few weeks ago- the second two just last week... I love their transformation- I'm not sure which stage is most beautiful, but the whole show is amazing.
The first rose blossom of the year, on my "Julia Child" rose bush.
A good old standby Rhody- the neighbors say this one used to be as big as a small house!
My herb garden- totally wild this year. Naomi's chives, which she likes to snack on and subsequently torture people with her onion / dragon breath, are nearly squeezed out by the aggressive oregano and thyme. They will have to be moved so she can continue her sinister tradition. 
Two chrysalises are still hanging- three have emerged butterflies.
Time to release the butterflies outside. The kids decided they would like the small herb flowers. They were correct.
Naomi helped one to come out of the container- she was so thrilled to be holding it, ever so gently, a few minutes before it flew away.
Look closely above- you can see the little black proboscis (straw-like tounge) reaching out for a thyme flower.
It would be so exciting to come across Painted Lady caterpillars in the yard somewhere, and to think that perhaps they came from "our" butterflies. Of course it may not be so, but you never know. I know at least three little people who would have no doubts!
The first rose blossom of the year, on my "Julia Child" rose bush.
A good old standby Rhody- the neighbors say this one used to be as big as a small house!
My herb garden- totally wild this year. Naomi's chives, which she likes to snack on and subsequently torture people with her onion / dragon breath, are nearly squeezed out by the aggressive oregano and thyme. They will have to be moved so she can continue her sinister tradition.We have been studying invertebrates, and most recently, insects. I ordered Painted lady butterfly caterpillars, and we receive d them in the mail and watched them eat, grow, change into chrysalises, and the emerge butterflies. They whole process was incredible, and awfully fun to watch close up. The children enjoyed it immensely, and had a controlled situation in which to observe what they'd learned first hand. Of course they often find and observe bugs on their own, but having them for such a long period and watching their life cycle was quite different. I would highly recommend this activity for anyone- child or adult!
Two chrysalises are still hanging- three have emerged butterflies.
Time to release the butterflies outside. The kids decided they would like the small herb flowers. They were correct.
Naomi helped one to come out of the container- she was so thrilled to be holding it, ever so gently, a few minutes before it flew away.
Look closely above- you can see the little black proboscis (straw-like tounge) reaching out for a thyme flower.
It would be so exciting to come across Painted Lady caterpillars in the yard somewhere, and to think that perhaps they came from "our" butterflies. Of course it may not be so, but you never know. I know at least three little people who would have no doubts! 