I like gardening, but...

The winter really did a number on the yard. All of the sago palms were frozen and are completely brown. I'll have to cut all the fronds and let them start over. The gingers died back and now the stalks are falling over. So I guess it's time to get moving and clean things up. 

There are already signs of Spring popping up. Mounds of oxalis, also know as pink wood sorrel and windowbox sorrel, are beginning to bloom along the sidewalk. Some folks think it's a weed and should be drowned in chemicals. Not I said the little red hen. It's a cheerful and beautiful little gift from Mother Nature.

Oxalix rubra

Azalea blossoms are starting to pop and one of the first this season was my favorite - the George Lindley Taber Southern Indica azalea. Mine is still on the small side, maybe 2' x 4'. They can reach 4-6' in height and width when mature.

George Lindley Taber azalea

Roses in March is not the norm for most gardeners. I'm lucky enough to live in a sub-tropical climate and my Joseph's Coat climbing rose has blooms all year. Not a great many, mind you, but at least 1 or 2 all the time. I love how the blooms are clustered for an instant bouquet.

Joseph's Coat climbing rose bush

The toad has resurfaced. I still don't know where his permanent home is but today I caught him climbing out of the empty Oriental planter on the patio.

Southern toad (bufo terrestris)

Southern toad (bufo terrestris)

A northern mockingbird has decided to sit on my porch roof every morning and sing me a wake-up song. Well, I like to think he's singing to me. More likely he's trying to impress a girl mockingbird. Either way, he has a lovely voice and makes waking up a little easier. Did I say he was loud? Yeah buddy!

Click the caption to hear a mockingbird sing

Northern mockingbird (mimus polyglottos)

Sunday Dinner in the Yard

The squirrels ate themselves silly yesterday. I quit putting a new corn cob on their feeder when I got to the 5th one. Two of them fought all afternoon over who got to sit in the Moon Maiden feeder. There was more chasing than eating.

 

The Big Chill




The master of all he surveys (Cardinalis cardinalis)



The only things moving in the yard, or even the neighborhood, right now are the birds and me with the camera. The ice storm has coated all the trees and bushes in crystal and there is 1/2" of sleet on the ground. I've only seen one squirrel today and he just grabbed a few bites of corn and took off back to his warm nest. There are dozens and dozens of birds in the yard, though. Many parts of the country see this type of weather often, but for the Gulf coast it is practically unheard of.



The maple tree is coated in ice and the raised garden is full of sleet.





This little pine warbler (Setophaga pinus) is none too happy about having cold toes



Even frozen, the ginger plants give off a spicy smell



 

Flurries and Sleet and Ice - Oh My!

WHAT??? 

Snow flurries, ice and sleet are predicted for the coast on Tuesday and Wednesday. Good thing I've been too lazy to get the garden ready for planting. I usually plant English peas and onions during January but if I had, they would get killed for sure in the storm heading our way. Since Easter is late this year, I might be able to have fresh peas and spring onions for dinner if I get the planting done in the next 7-10 days. My vegetable garden is 16' x 4' and about 12" high. I need to add another 4x4 around the sides this year and raise it a little more. I get a year older, the veggie bed gets a timber higher - funny how that works out.

Taken in October 2013 after the last summer harvest

My garden angel