California poppy and spider~Macro Monday 011810

During one trip to Paso Robles, we stopped at Tablas Creek Vineyards. They had some California poppies growing out by the parking lot and I wandered over to take a look. I didn't even see the spider until we got home and uploaded the pics, but it works for Macro Monday today! Bugs and plants!

Pansies~Today's Flowers 011710~Sunday Stills Challenge

I LOVE pansies! I love their beautiful colors and they always bring a smile to my face. I mean, who can resist their charm? Today's Flowers and Sunday Stills Challenge for January 17, 2010

sunflower update 011410

I currently have one sunflower that has opened its flower and several more which are ready to open! I'm so excited!!! Sunflowers in January! That means after these grow and bloom, I can clean them out and plant Tithonias in the same spot, for some summer color! But, for now, I'm going to enjoy my sunflowers!!! To see other gardens and flowers, please visit: http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/

Sunday Stills Challenge~garden~Favorite Photos 2009 and Today's Flowers

My two favorite photos from my garden? Oh, my! I have so many! I love my header, and that sunflower was from last year's crop, so I'll hunt for two different photos! Here goes! I like the bottom photo because it shows my front fence, bougenvilla, gate, and the shadows that fall upon it. And, the top photo shows my African daisies from last spring. I've replanted them and they are sprouting, especially now that we are having days here in the desert in the 70's! Sunday Stills Challenge and Today's Flowers for January 10, 2010.

Ocotillos~SkyWatch Friday 010810

Ocotillos grow naturally here in the desert southwest and I found these in our nearby hills. I went for a walk on New Year's Day and saw these. Hummingbirds like to alight in them and when it gets warm, they will be covered with green leaves and their red blossoms will open, but for now, they stand stark against the morning sky. SkyWatch Friday for January 8, 2010.

Smoke Trees~That's My World 010510

My dad was always fascinated by smoke trees and I guess I've inherited his curiosity. While we don't have any in our yard, they are often spotted out in the desert, along the sandy washes. A lot of water is required to scratch their seeds so that they can sprout. That's why they are found in and near washes. And, their roots go far down into the sandy soil! In spring, when it is warm, they are covered with purple blossoms, but now they stand starkly against a blue sky. That's My World for Tuesday, January 5, 2010.

Desert garden~Today's Flowers 010310

No, these aren't in my garden. They are in my neighbor's garden. She's a landscaper. I love to wander over to her yard, camera in hand. Aren't they colorful? Today's Flowers for Sunday, January 3, 2010.