Sunday, May 1, 2011

Spring Overload


Walker Mountain from our back pasture. April 21, 2011

It's been a great spring--minus the scary tornadoes.


Tiger Swallowtails
April 19, 2011

These tiger swallowtails and another black swallowtail were feasting on the mud left by a flood along Walker Creek.


Blue Phlox April 19, 2011

The blue phlox has already bloomed in our woods . . .


and the redbud trees...


. . . as well as the wild strawberries in the back pasture.


Box Turtle April 24, 2011

I found 3 large box turtles while hunting for morel mushrooms--not sure where they were going in the woods but I was glad to see so many of these turtles around.


Garden Spring Flowers

I've been torn between working in my garden and walking in the woods. Too bad everyone doesn't have that dilemma.



Pink Tulip after rain. April 28, 2011

I plant tulip bulbs every fall even though they seem to only last a few years. I can't remember when I planted these large pink tulips.


Columbine April 28, 2011

This native columbine "came up volunteer" (an old saying of my mom's when anything just came up in her garden without her planting it). The blooms were especially beautiful this spring with the creeping phlox I planted years ago. Of course, the woods are full of columbine--they seem to like the steep rocky slopes.


Shooting Star April 24, 2011

I planted this native shooting star several years ago. The delicate green leaves are at the base whirled around a single stalk of flowers. The flowers are quite small--you almost have to get right down to appreciate their beauty. Shooting Stars don't t grow on our land but I was able to buy a start from a native plant nurseryman. It blooms for only a few days, the light green foliage decays after a month or so. I was lucky I didn't plant anything there the first year or else it would be gone.



Lilac April 25, 2011

The lilac shrub was filled with blooms.


I also surround myself with lots of pansies from local greenhouses--they get their plants from local growers or else grow them right there in the greenhouse. The prices are usually good too.


Teapot Planter

At one greenhouse, I saw some violas in a teapot planter which gave me an idea to use my recently broken teapot. My husband glued it back together for me and I put some violas in it. I think it makes a better planter than teapot now.



Country Eggs

This has nothing to do with my post but wanted to show you the beautiful country eggs I've been buying from a friend. He supplies the local gourmet restaurant with eggs so they have to be good.


Carolina Wren April 23, 2011

I put up an old birdhouse on my garden shed. A pair of Carolina Wrens built a nest in early spring. She was disturbed every time I went inside the shed. But, now it's quiet with the last fledgling leaving on April 23. But, I saw a new pair checking out the birdhouses on the front porch so I hope to see more activity and I can watch them from my computer.

Spring happens so fast!

9 comments:

  1. Sounds like things are coming along well for you. We are at least three weeks ahead of you weather and bloom-wise. It's nice to see your tulips just starting as ours are finishing. Enjoy the warmth!

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  2. It looks like you are have a beautiful spring. We found some wild strawberries for the first time this year.

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  3. This could have been my post from Middle Tennessee including buying the country eggs. That fab mountain view is unique, however.

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  4. webb-I have both early and late tulips. That pink tulips is pretty faded now.

    Marvin--wild strawberries are great but so little!

    Donna--country eggs are wonderful. I'm going off to get some more today.

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  5. Hi,
    Enjoyed the photos! Where the tiger swallowtails really big? They look like they could be the recently described Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail. Wish I had the time for a visit to the mountains, lovely this time of year as your photos show.

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  6. Randy--These were large butterflies so I think they are the tiger swallowtails. I recently heard about the Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail. Now I know why it's not in my field guide since you say they were recently described. Thanks for telling me and I will look that up.

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  7. Ohhhh...that little baby wren is the cutest little thing!! I love that stubby little tail. You live on such beautiful land. Your view is incredible. You must cherish it... Beautiful, beautiful wildflowers...

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  8. Wow, great photos! I really enjoy this time of year in Virginia! Love the baby wren

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  9. Wow..a beautiful garden and backyard...I would be like you..not know where to go..so many beautiful things!

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