Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Backyard Babies



My intention was to give my small vegetable garden a quick watering before lunch.




But on the way to the vegetable garden I noticed that the first peony of the season was blooming.  Thinking this was a "baby picture" moment, I took a detour into the house for the camera.



As I was preparing to take the peony's picture, a speck of blue caught my eye.  Since this is the first Japanese iris to bloom, it was necessary to capture it with a photo too.


Across the yard I noticed one bloom on the bearded iris.  Just yesterday it was only a bud.  This is such an exciting time in the garden.  Each day brings new surprises.


 
Plants that were too new to bloom last season are bursting with blooms this year. 




If you're feeling a bit down, a little walk around your yard, your neighborhood or a local park may be just what you need to lift your spirits.  Everywhere you look there are signs of new life. 




Today I discovered new life of another type in my backyard. 
Yesterday there were 4 bluebird eggs in this carefully constructed nest.  If you look closely you will see that one of the eggs has been replaced with a fuzzy little birdie.  Now this really is a "baby picture" moment.  In fact I attempted to get a better quality photo, but the next time I checked mama bluebird was firmly planted on top of her babies so I quietly closed the door and tiptoed away.


I headed back to the vegetable garden which is where I was supposed to be all along.  Once there I noticed my radishes are getting ready to be harvested.  Before I got the hose turned on to begin my watering, the skies opened up and my camera and I sprinted toward the house.



No need to water that garden now.
A well timed shower in my opinion.






28 comments:

  1. Wow, you have got some great pictures here, what kind of a camera do you have? Loved all the new babies, thanks for sharing. I woke up to everything covered with snow and the wind is blowing hard! ;/

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  2. What a sweet nest filled with some little somethings in it. You have a lovely garden, which you must lovingly tend. I'd love to walk in such a pretty place. My garden is a patch, though all I have room for. I have considered turning the entire front lawn into a garden, but the thought of that mean old plow going by all winter helps me come to my senses. Now where does your garden gate open to?

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  3. Such a lovely garden! Both flower and vegetable. ☺

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  4. I always appreciate a well-timed shower. God's water does so much more for the flowers than the city water can. He has been very liberal to us lately. Your irises are wonderful. Such variety. That little bird is so sweet and soooo vulnerable. We'll soon be seeing a lot of those. I enjoyed a tour of your yard; very nice. :D

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  5. Now that is what this gardening thing is all about. The walk around the yard bringing surprise after surprise. Looooove it!!!

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  6. Dear Kim...so, so pretty...so lovely! Thank you for sharing! Hugs ♥ Teri

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  7. Lovely flowers, sweet birdie, nice pictures! Wish we would get a shower of rain...we need it!

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  8. So much beauty!
    Your photography is great!
    xo

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  9. Kim, your garden is beautiful and filled with lovely flowers. What a sweet surprise to find the nest with a baby bird.

    Hugs,
    Donna

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  10. Perfect post capturing sweet moments of life and the joy of new life all around us.

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  11. Beautiful photos, Kim. Your garden is really pretty and I love the garden gate.

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  12. It is definitely spring in your garden! Love the bearded iris...and the new birdie in the nest...and the young rose with beads of water. The delights of spring!

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  13. What a wonderful post. Your garden filled yard is beautiful just like the inside of your house.
    I love all of your photos. What a great time of year.
    A happy day to you my friend. : )

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  14. Hi Kim,
    You have a lovely garden.Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful day. Blessings aways

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  15. Gorgeous garden! Love your first peony of the season, our have buds so it will be soon. Your arch is lovely too. How sweet you have bluebirds nesting :-)

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  16. I admire you and your gardening skills so much. What beauty you are able to share with us throughout the entire year, and I for one look forward to them all. You are right, it certainly can lift one's spirits. Thank you!

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  17. We're in the midst of a big drought here in south Texas.

    Your flowers are so beautiful..... I've never seen an Iris with such vivid and beautiful colors!!!

    Love, love, love the garden gate!
    Hugs,

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  18. Your garden is so beautiful, Kim! The two toned bearded iris is gorgeous. I also loved seeing the baby bird along his siblings bright blue eggs. Wonderful photos!

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  19. Oh my...be still my ♥! What I wouldn't give for such a beautiful backyard!!! Outstanding & I know it is loads of work to get it in this wonderful condition.
    We have many of the same flowers...peonies, iris, roses...but it will be awhile before mine pop out. I was thrilled to see new shoots coming up from my white peony..a gift last year. Can't wait to see how it looks!!

    Thanks for letting me walk in your gorgeous garden, Kim. I'm completely GREEN with envy, truly!

    fondly,
    Rett

    p.s. Someone did a beautiful tablescape beneath an arch just like yours. I'll try to find the like...it was awesome!

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  20. Julie: Thanks for your kind words. My camera is a Sony Cyber-shot, model DSC-HX5/HX5V. Snow? I can't imagine such a thing :), but I'll bet it's pretty.

    Vee: Thank you for your kind comments. I do remember your neighbor and his curious plowing techniques. Grrrr. As for where the garden gate leads, it is a walking trail that meanders through the neighborhood.

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  21. Kim, your garden treasures are absolutely beautiful, and the new life coming forth from the nest, beautiful too. You are so right a walk in a garden is so uplifting. Thank you for sharing .
    Sue

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  22. What a pretty and productive garden you have. It's so lovely to see new life everywhere:-)

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  23. Your peonies and iris brought back memories of my Mom. I have a few iris, but no peonies. Beautiful photos!

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  24. That first blue iris is UNBELIEVABLE!
    Brenda

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  25. Your garden is gorgeous, Kim! What a treat to walk through such a lovely area.
    Your pics are always so beautiful!

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  26. Your backyard is so pretty!! The little birdie baby is indeed precious! You need a little camera fixed on that nest so we can see them hatch. :-) I have been watching one of the Raptor cameras that are online and it has been so entertaining watching the Eaglet's grow.

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  27. Iris is my very favorite flower. Your's are just beautiful. Have a nice day! Twyla

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