tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68088579818681599732024-03-19T00:02:20.570-05:00Rock-Oak-DeerGardening and living in beautiful San AntonioShirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.comBlogger706125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-13162622616030823402022-07-31T13:33:00.000-05:002022-07-31T13:33:02.276-05:00Honoring Mary Irish<div>The <a href="http://sanantoniogardencenter.org/" target="_blank">San Antonio Garden Center</a> has established the Mary Irish Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mary Irish, a noted horticulturist, author, lecturer and gardener passed away in August 2021, leaving a list of accomplishments that included 10 books on southwest and Texas gardening with an 11th book currently at the publisher. Mary and her husband Gary spent many years in the Phoenix area where she was Director of Public Horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden. After 25 years in Arizona she and Gary retired to their native Texas and settled in Castroville just west of San Antonio. She embraced her new gardening adventure by creating a <a href="https://www.maryirish.com/tex-mex-border" target="_blank">Tex-Mex border</a> of locally native plants and even turned up to purchase plants from a Castroville gardener during their city-wide garage sale. Mary appeared on <a href="https://www.centraltexasgardener.org/resource/mary-irish/" target="_blank">Central Texas Gardener</a> and the show's producer, Linda Lehmusvirta, wrote a wonderful <a href="https://www.centraltexasgardener.org/2021/09/a-unique-treasure-mary-irish-1949-2021/" target="_blank">tribute to Mary</a> containing excerpts from her books.</div><div><br /></div><div>I met Mary several times while attending her fun and informative talks, and while picking up plants at the sales she conducted for the <a href="https://www.sabot.org/">San Antonio Botanical Gardens</a>. She was an advocate for growing locally native plants and enthusiastically sold me on one of her favorite South Texas native plants, Mexican Plumbago, which I still enjoy in my garden. As an excellent teacher her talks went beyond basics to explain details such as how certain plants survive drought. She was also entertaining as a speaker, and I remember she showed a hanging basket of Agave americana pups which elicited amazed laughter from the audience since we all knew how quickly they would grow to massive size in our climate. She was on the editorial board of the American Horticultural Society and among her most interesting projects was her stint as lead horticulturist on the gardens at Sunnylands in California. What a fascinating experience that must have been!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCoFqwM8-iVY3wrSIRwKKmpc70oBWVwL0a2ZiAtTvEDGh0XIrL5FFxHSVtXPugKvZ4oEWpQWRbBthsNXN74RQMKLeKMX7czmdyE0cHLaJZnm8Shk5KmiW-uQaVJZBlDUgfWOEgMu6SWyxwUFOq43IJ7_3yP0QI79brM9dD3D7k3zQA3kTOz_WaZy5/s800/Mary-cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="800" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCoFqwM8-iVY3wrSIRwKKmpc70oBWVwL0a2ZiAtTvEDGh0XIrL5FFxHSVtXPugKvZ4oEWpQWRbBthsNXN74RQMKLeKMX7czmdyE0cHLaJZnm8Shk5KmiW-uQaVJZBlDUgfWOEgMu6SWyxwUFOq43IJ7_3yP0QI79brM9dD3D7k3zQA3kTOz_WaZy5/s320/Mary-cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Central Texas Gardener</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mary had many fans in San Antonio, and local garden designer Charles Bartlett has provided an initial investment in a scholarship in her honor through the San Antonio Garden Center. As a board member and co-chair for their annual scholarship luncheon, I enjoyed the chance to do something special for Mary who had inspired me and so many others. The Mary Irish Memorial Scholarship Fund, with the generous initial donation from Charles and anticipated follow-on contributions, will award annual scholarships to local students majoring in Horticulture, Botany, or Environmental Science. We believe this is a fitting tribute since Mary was especially interested in encouraging women to pursue STEM careers. Applicants should email their interest to info@sanantoniogardencenter.org. Contributions may be sent to <a href="http://sanantoniogardencenter.org/donations/" target="_blank">The San Antonio Garden Center</a> for the Mary Irish Memorial Scholarship fund.</div><div><br /></div><div>I thoroughly enjoyed working with Charles to establish this scholarship to honor Mary Irish in a way that we are sure she would have approved.</div><div><br /></div>Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-22029770249121778552021-12-24T11:10:00.002-06:002021-12-27T12:44:36.669-06:00Merry Christmas! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The San Antonio Botanical Gardens (SABOT) hosted a new Lightscape holiday light show which originated in the UK and is now presented at botanical and public gardens in North America. It was well done, and so my photos and videos are presented for your enjoyment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stars of patterned light greeting visitors on the entrance walkway sets a festive mood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiud2KuT-bDDW6Lcten2FUdkwUisWxosnFJ_fjucVjAi2An4_41JBvxKUsb_X3s2_cm-Yu5z8f1zV6eyiOuWYxW9MfcJhPqeEoK1SFN6GKGLyyLwIvekSbFtthIE1CBkq1LFVDc0cpT383ViXq2X1oH8ykXcYYUcxB1jB18BLrIz8Ms1qHGPyMenkvZ=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiud2KuT-bDDW6Lcten2FUdkwUisWxosnFJ_fjucVjAi2An4_41JBvxKUsb_X3s2_cm-Yu5z8f1zV6eyiOuWYxW9MfcJhPqeEoK1SFN6GKGLyyLwIvekSbFtthIE1CBkq1LFVDc0cpT383ViXq2X1oH8ykXcYYUcxB1jB18BLrIz8Ms1qHGPyMenkvZ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRV7ohlp1wb1yMbI1ikZfFzZy217d29BWfbawLQOsS-5lJmboh6KaoaKYzvCmehr3Hega5UldUaH3q1cX8mBaDjOnh1Imri5fAZ9NE44WNPY2KR5Zq1BcEfK4TZ61ydh-mPocJWHMFAIYDxktcP4XSUV2jH-FwzJ59f_XZbe6dPmcgkJjb327M1kDY=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRV7ohlp1wb1yMbI1ikZfFzZy217d29BWfbawLQOsS-5lJmboh6KaoaKYzvCmehr3Hega5UldUaH3q1cX8mBaDjOnh1Imri5fAZ9NE44WNPY2KR5Zq1BcEfK4TZ61ydh-mPocJWHMFAIYDxktcP4XSUV2jH-FwzJ59f_XZbe6dPmcgkJjb327M1kDY=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A beautifully lighted Live Oak near the entrance is a traditional holiday sight in San Antonio.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja0MC1kM-qKL67ZlSAE3cVaNsWUJ7jMeY5zVvmesEYcHA3y02_4NSW-WCk2lHCX83M4mimwEvP4hcd7wWfBE4LRaZ7m2qm_J8Bg6wKUSjMDuujvKNGJewFc6xAJj91NBP3uXfCKUmSwb7QcJkiJidhgEWdVr6B3d6OOWffkbZHouDn46pROgkTbcKU=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja0MC1kM-qKL67ZlSAE3cVaNsWUJ7jMeY5zVvmesEYcHA3y02_4NSW-WCk2lHCX83M4mimwEvP4hcd7wWfBE4LRaZ7m2qm_J8Bg6wKUSjMDuujvKNGJewFc6xAJj91NBP3uXfCKUmSwb7QcJkiJidhgEWdVr6B3d6OOWffkbZHouDn46pROgkTbcKU=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The gardens at SABOT have been decorated for the season in past years but have not been open for night tours until this year. I am so familiar with the gardens that it was fun to see how different they appear at night. The culinary garden just inside the entrance is typically not so colorful and I loved the feeling. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp6ung73uVUxWImJCeQT5rd817iz_PVtR61TKMbweUt91ATl9pK-GMKMVumZvD6GIwhzNHJFkBgtiQz9T0OktkFE9eC4AVKmib1PdLJ5v3SEMKb2e_AHNaSqplR7mlG9UNbjIe_8qGv8CXDDZ7shAk2DKHZsWq6yExHgYYGhTb8_owez2Yah-zTnPG=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp6ung73uVUxWImJCeQT5rd817iz_PVtR61TKMbweUt91ATl9pK-GMKMVumZvD6GIwhzNHJFkBgtiQz9T0OktkFE9eC4AVKmib1PdLJ5v3SEMKb2e_AHNaSqplR7mlG9UNbjIe_8qGv8CXDDZ7shAk2DKHZsWq6yExHgYYGhTb8_owez2Yah-zTnPG=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Attention to detail is fascinating with stars showing the way in transitioning between areas along the one mile trail.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi0aAzWk6vNvkjHYPL0p8atCkOMddzfpO2jv6z1S1GFbc3ztedWx3jf076QOnA7jBvZbPFso_WKt7Ha7ePWGMkbm1KAkYz6Dc8UHnFyglKV4oW30NUXvh_FaWUyZZ7JaWNHHUxhlEzF8i129lV4_RUASpMdQBVQLFY6-TpmXVi4T6EVxUWWnVAwxOh=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi0aAzWk6vNvkjHYPL0p8atCkOMddzfpO2jv6z1S1GFbc3ztedWx3jf076QOnA7jBvZbPFso_WKt7Ha7ePWGMkbm1KAkYz6Dc8UHnFyglKV4oW30NUXvh_FaWUyZZ7JaWNHHUxhlEzF8i129lV4_RUASpMdQBVQLFY6-TpmXVi4T6EVxUWWnVAwxOh=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SABOT's iconic conservatories are even more striking in colorful lights.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUWC6Ypz0HYm6qGxyJHGjzrEJWI79bZMfmAGKCEtZu2xY-FJaGCUE0JCgkuXNE-n7svH9tC01LSbsYsrM4wfxGC_d38xZTBWOfKIrXDKo7iyUN6k1lli9i8VWf76yoCUHkCGsMSPwjuEYtgVCx8YCCDtoWu3vjPcU5vlKa8GaYt1BesOxxyFrmW5By=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUWC6Ypz0HYm6qGxyJHGjzrEJWI79bZMfmAGKCEtZu2xY-FJaGCUE0JCgkuXNE-n7svH9tC01LSbsYsrM4wfxGC_d38xZTBWOfKIrXDKo7iyUN6k1lli9i8VWf76yoCUHkCGsMSPwjuEYtgVCx8YCCDtoWu3vjPcU5vlKa8GaYt1BesOxxyFrmW5By=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicnQTbiowIh8vCN60fENmsPWwkByqEjWjOwEN7RsZFUXSVeGTD4NJtz9VyC4pR9CuPxiEI4oc_IDWUmxC2_S2iwaJ8e-qJmYVI3dWsob5PFYy9RfAW_pzDR1KUVpS8Vlm0dlhmkFUnFglzTHbUAM88njJWbwUeQdYDHC0xWg4gRv7-Hd4oZD2ZZyoD=s1024" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicnQTbiowIh8vCN60fENmsPWwkByqEjWjOwEN7RsZFUXSVeGTD4NJtz9VyC4pR9CuPxiEI4oc_IDWUmxC2_S2iwaJ8e-qJmYVI3dWsob5PFYy9RfAW_pzDR1KUVpS8Vlm0dlhmkFUnFglzTHbUAM88njJWbwUeQdYDHC0xWg4gRv7-Hd4oZD2ZZyoD=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Through a lighted arbor</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnKLf-kRgGpqnkTH57N6iqPcBcAggX5KmnNce2z_o_yH7ssheEgkqetW-Fn9-DunTUygVUfOx2Iv8o6C6lUSZh-nO6ESaipU51-Hqn2RY9hYWjEAI7IAfYEQNrkAm6ELKzv2rgF7IFsWWynEDLlPWxZ-2UjM2F9ofqwPJsBLHAr9RGXDnYybpACaFz=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnKLf-kRgGpqnkTH57N6iqPcBcAggX5KmnNce2z_o_yH7ssheEgkqetW-Fn9-DunTUygVUfOx2Iv8o6C6lUSZh-nO6ESaipU51-Hqn2RY9hYWjEAI7IAfYEQNrkAm6ELKzv2rgF7IFsWWynEDLlPWxZ-2UjM2F9ofqwPJsBLHAr9RGXDnYybpACaFz=s320" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Colorful plants spotlighted under a full moon have me taking notes for our future holiday displays.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX0hKDMNzJMCtLzKO4kTIHiBmaJ7Z6Kq0-usEFgB9nvnJU8mxJspewnLh8G7WsTou93y3h4eZH6uwX1Gf79WD_XQ_CbFN8PVruh0WvYQ6-cfrTXdUhIpyn9tySRnTTr24SibQM8-7U1LpTgGRj4Gzl5MH6VcuPYlN8prxdmYVz63ni6KDaPk4Wortu=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX0hKDMNzJMCtLzKO4kTIHiBmaJ7Z6Kq0-usEFgB9nvnJU8mxJspewnLh8G7WsTou93y3h4eZH6uwX1Gf79WD_XQ_CbFN8PVruh0WvYQ6-cfrTXdUhIpyn9tySRnTTr24SibQM8-7U1LpTgGRj4Gzl5MH6VcuPYlN8prxdmYVz63ni6KDaPk4Wortu=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb6FM9lE-4PN-j3EmpfpHKyytk4u84TCbUNUf1YoCHpUU0plM2T_I7SO-DlB6eG1HeWvhdWSDtaEVeBxvpRcb38B_lG50wNNAPuSMkZ8LLIvvKVNFLggeirUuTcKSk5F6GHOikMNppz_QqDMM5ToHoeKXxiiVrhWI3TBxDqV9CXvHcqaIDtdQqY0Lo=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb6FM9lE-4PN-j3EmpfpHKyytk4u84TCbUNUf1YoCHpUU0plM2T_I7SO-DlB6eG1HeWvhdWSDtaEVeBxvpRcb38B_lG50wNNAPuSMkZ8LLIvvKVNFLggeirUuTcKSk5F6GHOikMNppz_QqDMM5ToHoeKXxiiVrhWI3TBxDqV9CXvHcqaIDtdQqY0Lo=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Techy modern light patterns lead into the conservatory courtyard.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvNJGujXveI_tq3Y3SxqMVOeZp4EFXuVpkuYMlZY0mAawhVURLdQNCj8es6XbWq7OTASJCRsQRah2OoRuTZbdzhoc953eyPojcZnKoNKrDhVuheLZK9sEq38eQJ4AL-6d8enAdx6i-_GUCJjPZHj74MOS93s1guMkBYeJw5D-ULpL6fVdPRhG9jz5U=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvNJGujXveI_tq3Y3SxqMVOeZp4EFXuVpkuYMlZY0mAawhVURLdQNCj8es6XbWq7OTASJCRsQRah2OoRuTZbdzhoc953eyPojcZnKoNKrDhVuheLZK9sEq38eQJ4AL-6d8enAdx6i-_GUCJjPZHj74MOS93s1guMkBYeJw5D-ULpL6fVdPRhG9jz5U=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Fire gardens are a specialty of Lightscape and it was a wonderful experience. The courtyard features a large pond surrounded by walkways and glass conservatories so it's the perfect spot for fire in the garden.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_1_d3CF7CvWyN1lXcFZoRwMeK4f5MvrsmbR3-LM9SY98QOPZjDz4bgAk0p_3X7_9Gt9BDVMJ5hFhCcPPjxWeGMmZFfBak_2T3nD8yvK0FRA0vK6rn6-k71LI8hm722SM23RzKfHBDVH4vIjfRzKHOVUdyqEPh75yo93JnRXwLcl58gk1Hpz5XtxbX=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_1_d3CF7CvWyN1lXcFZoRwMeK4f5MvrsmbR3-LM9SY98QOPZjDz4bgAk0p_3X7_9Gt9BDVMJ5hFhCcPPjxWeGMmZFfBak_2T3nD8yvK0FRA0vK6rn6-k71LI8hm722SM23RzKfHBDVH4vIjfRzKHOVUdyqEPh75yo93JnRXwLcl58gk1Hpz5XtxbX=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdsOxsrRPIeuH3Dcf7nCS4Ia5IBI9fkXUEargtI8KOSMx7xrR6n0QGXfBB6LVx270ne1eqsRzaFBI69ZhIKyaEYk3zv92avR_q5Ih3WQCj02cvlHtTbX-mOw73UhmPXNOueVu0oyeacAztvdC2XGxlSTEBbaRgUwPgcqgDuyXkEf9IYdsVciljP4RS=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdsOxsrRPIeuH3Dcf7nCS4Ia5IBI9fkXUEargtI8KOSMx7xrR6n0QGXfBB6LVx270ne1eqsRzaFBI69ZhIKyaEYk3zv92avR_q5Ih3WQCj02cvlHtTbX-mOw73UhmPXNOueVu0oyeacAztvdC2XGxlSTEBbaRgUwPgcqgDuyXkEf9IYdsVciljP4RS=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTaDowcZsznXOwYvyKIMZbBoLi3KI1Mk5zTxyrCvZxv9rYqob8PyiySXfFbX1pqC9BPauNBu6DUX2Wx43rO7R3rwY1VFPMtTvmFddaM69iHPCL04x1X198gygBQkzmAck8bFHHCgjnAPeq7xMwxmGbHs0CGTBGPbzbxgVo_lFVxeQ-k1_MNdx5T_SG=s4032" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTaDowcZsznXOwYvyKIMZbBoLi3KI1Mk5zTxyrCvZxv9rYqob8PyiySXfFbX1pqC9BPauNBu6DUX2Wx43rO7R3rwY1VFPMtTvmFddaM69iHPCL04x1X198gygBQkzmAck8bFHHCgjnAPeq7xMwxmGbHs0CGTBGPbzbxgVo_lFVxeQ-k1_MNdx5T_SG=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>All the displays feature music and this was so beautiful with Silent Night playing quietly in the background. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxB7vSWfKIXooN4biarh9Cf8qIxAMojrVA232qfSa63mIwmJtwBA6pw7YqKS1d87OXlLHalEOJnYj0keYVvGQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div>And the view from above.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhieBDHmLK7nXY-7Bk_sNQDeDsr4Ao8KavIpLQebRlmm22ALWk6sjcE_X-jo3uDHDk3qMrXEp67mBldcDZyqNFjEqZqCmLT3bnBgq8pw_1C0gMCHaNmz4hBJZPAsEQtMU9vtkkwFKeLQe_L4CjaVJkRt3E-JvSwcjx2gziFZCyoL3JKjxdRpsAX7M4c=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhieBDHmLK7nXY-7Bk_sNQDeDsr4Ao8KavIpLQebRlmm22ALWk6sjcE_X-jo3uDHDk3qMrXEp67mBldcDZyqNFjEqZqCmLT3bnBgq8pw_1C0gMCHaNmz4hBJZPAsEQtMU9vtkkwFKeLQe_L4CjaVJkRt3E-JvSwcjx2gziFZCyoL3JKjxdRpsAX7M4c=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More lighted plants featured throughout the show.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiof3ZzLpil9lE42sUs4_nTj3mmGg8VSa6Dnrlat4IXIq56DegHGmtCKJMzZYn-CVZFkvYtrlnyn_-PPOWjpMYeV0bX2JOKZIpK9X-K0ZBwM9KzKyp_nbQnxFfdCN5hZ6-z2LC1sy2pZEvZX6u1IVZp3B6pFpDMtyuC-HktB0_yZuXK_ybhMv9XvSO9=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiof3ZzLpil9lE42sUs4_nTj3mmGg8VSa6Dnrlat4IXIq56DegHGmtCKJMzZYn-CVZFkvYtrlnyn_-PPOWjpMYeV0bX2JOKZIpK9X-K0ZBwM9KzKyp_nbQnxFfdCN5hZ6-z2LC1sy2pZEvZX6u1IVZp3B6pFpDMtyuC-HktB0_yZuXK_ybhMv9XvSO9=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS7BZlyidEPh1YfirqhXuaA7AoTXaAFVQ21Ey3P80iDm0Q_jpmXAssEAjBJ_fAX3f9Sk6KNmWLZtTfF5JkubyZKD5OelFfMErxw11HayBbpD5W6kVmDeQduBMnLgvkqG2vMmNKbJcC2G8IKQSyGSkIwEfvCJpWgOW9G_2YAo1jgqyb0NDWLX34cKt9=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS7BZlyidEPh1YfirqhXuaA7AoTXaAFVQ21Ey3P80iDm0Q_jpmXAssEAjBJ_fAX3f9Sk6KNmWLZtTfF5JkubyZKD5OelFfMErxw11HayBbpD5W6kVmDeQduBMnLgvkqG2vMmNKbJcC2G8IKQSyGSkIwEfvCJpWgOW9G_2YAo1jgqyb0NDWLX34cKt9=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBJLx-4vUTiGvtT0qU4xkkUOS9ELGmiuK_jVeIW96DaJnXhwkPZL3LZb2v0aEUgMgoMMBpHzOkeG7mAsXlaX_mEMqZyAeblbbUkJa1QGrbatBaVWsZIYQvbTLhUeLbEBY5bxGT5qHLMBtotLgbyWcUqMTa5Izl8FC8wB2mnCPPBGuJG3kuM5Rax8ck=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBJLx-4vUTiGvtT0qU4xkkUOS9ELGmiuK_jVeIW96DaJnXhwkPZL3LZb2v0aEUgMgoMMBpHzOkeG7mAsXlaX_mEMqZyAeblbbUkJa1QGrbatBaVWsZIYQvbTLhUeLbEBY5bxGT5qHLMBtotLgbyWcUqMTa5Izl8FC8wB2mnCPPBGuJG3kuM5Rax8ck=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cacti getting the dancing light treatment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzisY1ThLFV9V26xh49UwRo7yYW0_eqKCOGW5jaf2AMmQRlqUmkIu35MRFF4nITNdyoLzERL_56i3oav8VhcA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div>I must not have noticed this gazebo before since I don't remember seeing it previously. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFKgI4wjKLS8-EDaDAMnS1bpSvJqRzrpU074TU7vcxd_4OpfV9cJ8sdV-Be4wAjvEUXUfUtsv4liFUVwcxVKF6p9VPGaoWeLTo2UiNpYN2wLHA-Eo-M2g2xdyuH2QDi8aVJ8j-wv3EMMYG9A9nSDCOlxZgVRb4eCCNXGHoriSV6PQZQdHR5CkeISj-=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFKgI4wjKLS8-EDaDAMnS1bpSvJqRzrpU074TU7vcxd_4OpfV9cJ8sdV-Be4wAjvEUXUfUtsv4liFUVwcxVKF6p9VPGaoWeLTo2UiNpYN2wLHA-Eo-M2g2xdyuH2QDi8aVJ8j-wv3EMMYG9A9nSDCOlxZgVRb4eCCNXGHoriSV6PQZQdHR5CkeISj-=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lights sweeping the lake to the sounds of "Christmas Time is Here."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxxnGrhx6EUvNPrMVXXp1R_Di_aw0CXxDuxdiNC2P8-oxV27U5Yqzhw26Z4fRGKX5Vj89Wzy0gkOxevrhikDw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a San Antonio crowd favorite features thousands of twinkling Bluebonnets in front of the Auld House log cabin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHFlWpuUis9nVF4ABfEBuBwuqfSi35pU9_IeABlrMRuYlSZs9EFFoHMxWnawz2-GkXwbrBNOUkDd2DuXh1yUAjgKerR_FYN2pM4YHXE8sGUvm99GvTdZtHXWVbVl8v0U7ky0wX9-6FnJ-AQn-GHJq8eIdAbuSNoAmP6g7Vz7rFfVgsEjEXdrTh0b5N=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHFlWpuUis9nVF4ABfEBuBwuqfSi35pU9_IeABlrMRuYlSZs9EFFoHMxWnawz2-GkXwbrBNOUkDd2DuXh1yUAjgKerR_FYN2pM4YHXE8sGUvm99GvTdZtHXWVbVl8v0U7ky0wX9-6FnJ-AQn-GHJq8eIdAbuSNoAmP6g7Vz7rFfVgsEjEXdrTh0b5N=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">George Strait appropriately singing "It's Christmas Time in Texas." "There many not be snow in San Antonio...."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyrsYHEQ9S6NrSuoUamBAUyZ0h68HsaG3lCwN4RKJ___fdBPfEpwvQKNJX1B3W2eujb6Mn_rfjoLPLCrBMgUA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nice touch with white tops detailed just like real ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirRIjtcAHjR83GVnaq9AIP0v1kmKXI_LwEFEbShjtgwPvEqxqOHhQeHzKlULa_wX3DcfJcc8z_nZgwfisYm_CftwGshP5B1LVZfbRjPMwdT38kYfsQkbsMd9Mzbzw8t4t_Dr57U4Oqx62W0dDLmwlHTMvobpFugNfAwFvzcbM9boousIAOIJBJxdGg=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirRIjtcAHjR83GVnaq9AIP0v1kmKXI_LwEFEbShjtgwPvEqxqOHhQeHzKlULa_wX3DcfJcc8z_nZgwfisYm_CftwGshP5B1LVZfbRjPMwdT38kYfsQkbsMd9Mzbzw8t4t_Dr57U4Oqx62W0dDLmwlHTMvobpFugNfAwFvzcbM9boousIAOIJBJxdGg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bluebonnets reflected in the cabin windows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_oUlKp-bsSYbPI8UrwKY_zoe_OZEVR69q6ES9gaxj8ltSMkB1F6katIdrcv4ymbwnA360MLugzrIfZKCkl627YpySfyebKflH5CTvm6Vndk9O8BDDCzBmVrcTFYVo7i2t67aZS88nYCbEygaiE5cP_Ragg4tKGySLc-XHCncEQ0iu1QJPQiVlRNPp=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_oUlKp-bsSYbPI8UrwKY_zoe_OZEVR69q6ES9gaxj8ltSMkB1F6katIdrcv4ymbwnA360MLugzrIfZKCkl627YpySfyebKflH5CTvm6Vndk9O8BDDCzBmVrcTFYVo7i2t67aZS88nYCbEygaiE5cP_Ragg4tKGySLc-XHCncEQ0iu1QJPQiVlRNPp=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4KBvh3ZrNQtNrnmQZvrTGGrNriy7Teq4PhrT7IOFzC0Krbfc2sdZm_ZijDnjJ2khGedWtBNUD3xfJ5LtH8w3TiBTFe2NXDEZ79X4qmU4dwmus8S-CwUigOUI1h-kujA-tzCSwzhqG2lBDCabLT8gnwSyT_5847C_9krh7zSN4U_CxLWScNlCsctle=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4KBvh3ZrNQtNrnmQZvrTGGrNriy7Teq4PhrT7IOFzC0Krbfc2sdZm_ZijDnjJ2khGedWtBNUD3xfJ5LtH8w3TiBTFe2NXDEZ79X4qmU4dwmus8S-CwUigOUI1h-kujA-tzCSwzhqG2lBDCabLT8gnwSyT_5847C_9krh7zSN4U_CxLWScNlCsctle=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back to modern with lines of light dancing across a huge hillside and highest point near downtown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmcdiq2e1Yh0BS1O9RvY4EuSmLEW-LBJies-y0Li_Zx4A7dZNlOLcETUTxXlqVfHGNJan3eNuYML9-MT_MPrKIdGPDizS4FrzZVcswKfbNJvygcheGigMSC3pmd8M4g3xh51R-s9SaYJnU-SSqkFRv36lUU5vAT8FBd24l2C60vuXvNsgVZ7ltLAZp=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmcdiq2e1Yh0BS1O9RvY4EuSmLEW-LBJies-y0Li_Zx4A7dZNlOLcETUTxXlqVfHGNJan3eNuYML9-MT_MPrKIdGPDizS4FrzZVcswKfbNJvygcheGigMSC3pmd8M4g3xh51R-s9SaYJnU-SSqkFRv36lUU5vAT8FBd24l2C60vuXvNsgVZ7ltLAZp=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv_LnSajCZBHI8gUoWj_K4qVHtx4R1AxaovskGN5vyDSxZdd7CA29mXf2gfLeA8-jEEiMKlpMsabftFkOFJacInBlA8Jk4PltDY_iX8RS49LkLFAN3VZvsR_3CQD-UNNXgA3R2hTvE6UCqEiqI4euHBZ-JWBBI7-PA32-MEUfqXYIvQvx-RluRp8p8=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv_LnSajCZBHI8gUoWj_K4qVHtx4R1AxaovskGN5vyDSxZdd7CA29mXf2gfLeA8-jEEiMKlpMsabftFkOFJacInBlA8Jk4PltDY_iX8RS49LkLFAN3VZvsR_3CQD-UNNXgA3R2hTvE6UCqEiqI4euHBZ-JWBBI7-PA32-MEUfqXYIvQvx-RluRp8p8=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We stood for quite a while watching lights dance across the hill. Very well done and, like most of the displays, best viewed as a video with audio.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzA2csN77uoy1YwAdv0yI8dHpNdA-eTOtH2bOWe7n_Apv7fro_3fS_yxYKcyUTcuyek1lLUGFzhREGqtPe1Gw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">#LIGHTSCAPE for social media posts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAMLov6FzSWQl3XPQBcNoh0bHYhjyouRX-4l05q3Ubu31EK4VswiczIZuy3wWdKvXiFyxtk-dELSEWivQNOna34Sga6SmrzIfvgyxBqBFPCh6mMXypaWaH_pmeMjfjLDzutywCxCZjK0f9BuMvBFc_3uOmpR5wlk4Y0qT8EFg4uCqoX0Lln2GgrE8T=s1024" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAMLov6FzSWQl3XPQBcNoh0bHYhjyouRX-4l05q3Ubu31EK4VswiczIZuy3wWdKvXiFyxtk-dELSEWivQNOna34Sga6SmrzIfvgyxBqBFPCh6mMXypaWaH_pmeMjfjLDzutywCxCZjK0f9BuMvBFc_3uOmpR5wlk4Y0qT8EFg4uCqoX0Lln2GgrE8T=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Musical fountains as well</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwls7cuNiq6r5KuhOa-M8yi8yE8qB4RE9jkd78bXst_F84yDo2FKoJ-Rxf8Zii-J3vQSov2JfJS_hemRqwP9Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stars again leading to the grand finale. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzb9er2lBuUryd0MXLTjeRQmzNmQr3UCo3rkqGcke6qphwXCkI9nHCp6-qJbybXfo2mwx5eqg6HkeXKGtOf79VtZYrAEcQaBA8VX4zATL-sgnYhSxDYbW1tC9DTNKu00J7HgKJ0QvjzEzmmdj4CUCutKA3KKmrO_09TMi1fkGJPe2QzXiwjj9pBpzm=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzb9er2lBuUryd0MXLTjeRQmzNmQr3UCo3rkqGcke6qphwXCkI9nHCp6-qJbybXfo2mwx5eqg6HkeXKGtOf79VtZYrAEcQaBA8VX4zATL-sgnYhSxDYbW1tC9DTNKu00J7HgKJ0QvjzEzmmdj4CUCutKA3KKmrO_09TMi1fkGJPe2QzXiwjj9pBpzm=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The majestic Winter Cathedral is a signature piece for all Lightscape shows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhCZ0XCqXsJFtJWgp33P0O8GHTKkcsYFOFrrrXjrr7VymDTg4DLRIIzIJSdF_VFVIB18LxpHrOK8apI3-3yRBx-hu86Yo7xlF6ezMra1jidI1sLe_4YR3JfvEq6q-Wjg_5VuSK_U2ODRx_Quwzi_JU9xTeEb97ru9rLuedUiJlgLOblcYaAxDJu_pb=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhCZ0XCqXsJFtJWgp33P0O8GHTKkcsYFOFrrrXjrr7VymDTg4DLRIIzIJSdF_VFVIB18LxpHrOK8apI3-3yRBx-hu86Yo7xlF6ezMra1jidI1sLe_4YR3JfvEq6q-Wjg_5VuSK_U2ODRx_Quwzi_JU9xTeEb97ru9rLuedUiJlgLOblcYaAxDJu_pb=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_ik6bsqxJ9ibp3_VMnQ0t1V8oAF1Xb2aZb5Uh2_cYvAu2H28d_gncC1Ahvt7WlkuEodkiAmi4tncJQW8L79Bl4ZETtJzOl-4o4ViMiX3THqbADl5Fvfq6C6L4SJJWtAFlFfEgcOg_yAKUN90GZgIs0dicKc8NkjmqTnWcBMHt-De2Ihuho3wrdRPC=s1024" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_ik6bsqxJ9ibp3_VMnQ0t1V8oAF1Xb2aZb5Uh2_cYvAu2H28d_gncC1Ahvt7WlkuEodkiAmi4tncJQW8L79Bl4ZETtJzOl-4o4ViMiX3THqbADl5Fvfq6C6L4SJJWtAFlFfEgcOg_yAKUN90GZgIs0dicKc8NkjmqTnWcBMHt-De2Ihuho3wrdRPC=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These stars were intriguing in that they maintained their shape and detail across the plantings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWzvr40zm8zAJwxD725_Dns7c_h_bzc5rbx5HiEoo4K0vI6AMsbpzFlTmnwdu-n-DTtm9_ZWOL8USZkPO8mjj7MREJB8bLrQcXMsfemiS27Ttm7tNxGkAmIF7FgaZzL6B5jbs3mBck083IyBZwpKgMjVcO4Lzm73CyGDfblx1nOXqSrRoucecce9Qv=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWzvr40zm8zAJwxD725_Dns7c_h_bzc5rbx5HiEoo4K0vI6AMsbpzFlTmnwdu-n-DTtm9_ZWOL8USZkPO8mjj7MREJB8bLrQcXMsfemiS27Ttm7tNxGkAmIF7FgaZzL6B5jbs3mBck083IyBZwpKgMjVcO4Lzm73CyGDfblx1nOXqSrRoucecce9Qv=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back out past the live oak and more traditional trees near the gift shop.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjothBUUpfEBffOxinF5K-4nzB_ewCIcfWOWPN2R6hFzHg0Q3UzYCDRlIjjmdIzUPGRPLP2_Q42Hxe_E_NPcbYg6ClCZMMlL7c36d8agwjmfLJ8A1GbrpTNOAkd-zQOeo9bqVVruNGmvozz6OF5djVUqDVmFRXdOp8CNnAMdho3P2X_Png5VLmGM-Yi=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjothBUUpfEBffOxinF5K-4nzB_ewCIcfWOWPN2R6hFzHg0Q3UzYCDRlIjjmdIzUPGRPLP2_Q42Hxe_E_NPcbYg6ClCZMMlL7c36d8agwjmfLJ8A1GbrpTNOAkd-zQOeo9bqVVruNGmvozz6OF5djVUqDVmFRXdOp8CNnAMdho3P2X_Png5VLmGM-Yi=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were gifted "Family and Friends" tickets by Marjesca Brown (@woodswanderinggirl) and Michael Eason (@texas_flora) as thanks for our support of her efforts to save one of the last bits of natural area in a city park. Michael curates the rare plant collection at SABOT. Thank you both so much and we enjoyed every minute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.sabot.org/lightscape/">#Lightscape</a> runs through January 2nd and will return to SABOT for the next four years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div>Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-47481739179133192202021-07-19T12:50:00.002-05:002021-07-19T12:50:50.890-05:00Return to Windmill Meadow Farm<p></p><p>When Paul and Nancy Person invited me back to Windmill Meadow Farm in April, I jumped at the chance to see how the farm had changed in the two years since I last visited. The place has a magical quality about it, yet it is so absolutely Texan. It's surprising for me to realize it had been two years since I visited <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Windmill Meadow Farm</a>, but then we did basically lose a a whole year in 2020. Come take a look at what my friend Melody and I experienced on our tour.<br /><br />The old red pickup truck had been moved closer to the restored wooden windmill which serves as the farm logo and adds a nice welcome. If you follow their <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Instagram</a> feed you'll also recognize this as the backdrop for photos of their guests with the stunning flower arrangements they create at the farm.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgDs_lIl9KblmFNQkC8WED1bKhuxFUBZHk9eQw1rxwHL1RBEACuZlBR2ZRoYdb-zsbcmGDLSzJWorocyJ5VwczF25qSteZJ8JlBdP5GtO-556B83iznYXm55wk5r2OZTSv2OnMb5Hqnc/s514/IMG_5214+%25281024x768%2529.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgDs_lIl9KblmFNQkC8WED1bKhuxFUBZHk9eQw1rxwHL1RBEACuZlBR2ZRoYdb-zsbcmGDLSzJWorocyJ5VwczF25qSteZJ8JlBdP5GtO-556B83iznYXm55wk5r2OZTSv2OnMb5Hqnc/w640-h480/IMG_5214+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Native Live Oak trees were still recovering their foliage from the devastating freeze we experienced in February. <br /><br />Since I last visited, they have added farm tours and floral workshops by appointment. Our first stop was the onsite shop where we inhaled the amazing fragrance of masses of fresh flowers. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ps21h3aaIcol8aMMywSMpjzwx5jqrGz8W5P7eLQtlfEgjknBAR4RvJYIcm37iVREsX8n3e5-1mfBBzvi8wTgnZe96jyeUiCMpVlfSxiNUdZLytWhY_a7a4oq_OEIBZysuQWVl8kXAHo/w400-h300/IMG_5134+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Behind the workshop we checked out seedlings in progress like these Zinnias for summer arrangements. Since they grow most of their flowers from seed Paul keeps a detailed list of planting dates.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZlL4RvK6UIM1Em6UEUG1GxjXEskfNlpSb6VCxRz67_6-vRvoaIx29-38KaRrgdylTj02B4gi35wgqbQizsgWvCL_neB01RYA6UgpLITXKYsGNhLd1sJ8H6TQDSeOxdK-GwSLEqFI5so/s320/IMG_5135+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then it was out to enjoy a tour of the flower fields which have been expanded since my last visit. Row cover protects plants in the winter so there are plenty of fresh flowers in spring.<br /> <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxb0Ua7XdnulK1BxdG41V06OUn-7LFfnGBkyOoXwxRuvNKoMXvWt0OpkRu2Iog6_oG2gWVEx_TAP-xow8EW8WGGJszv76hfusBjMnrzzfKcbNiF1FI9360bPdwhOhNcswoG4h9V3fVnU/w640-h480/IMG_5163+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> So many blooms!<br /> <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6X1DNKykNoz2j2UxRQPkeMP_PFjrIn5Oxrod5eA2lDKFugY6dymh7TPlZ39xaRd3Y9-t1_Sg4ql43g2fme6p5Q6yiSF2GY8bwXcPgPKfM3352F5LexX-lp-9KOaUarCOeCsi0t3_z6M/w640-h480/IMG_5181+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Melody enjoys growing plants from seed and Paul was ready with answers to her many questions. She's growing Dahlias this year which are also Nancy's favorite. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQ3jyQmbJtTsuBub4SXllKST0ZdUCceukfDu4Rj8pxnSzIBEbN9Jv4h33mszLH6sEcnMqf5XgPp9DAJDDBk5d0OM8IuLmcVwT68Wag1xASvx9hciqGQyZG3TJ91x3gMID7a-oh46mIJE/w400-h300/IMG_5206.JPG" /></a><br /><br /> <br />While Paul and Melody chatted I took some time to explore on my own and talk with Nancy while she worked.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5j0VGFv1T0WlUBTA9SkigHZmOAc77wSsX_bHA_57Km_JIroFVtusPmoVUzkDAogR98KZ6mDTqUC1-l6kmziO8-KoLhWRcJK7fc3X3BIB8yR478VhL9R8UWTDYjtHrG_vGlrg9f4LUy8/s320/IMG_5169+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /> <br />An unusual variety of Snapdragon with open florets.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegJDa-uQAtMgZ4vK96HIpPRtVlFNYS_V1TkIVvSidLlAUdodn_-4PK0tPOx6b4-XxZ-PaWEqC_Nsr1A4j2Pyk0c4xNU9dZ65HgSNUC977y29j4s9da5UcxponpdeEDYoaY_irM3DIzys/s320/IMG_5186+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Ranunculus in soft colors<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2N-tZyX4ibf341-WF0p-ZWcQQn8JKdOLR8zfGE85i_bVs5EOQzulf2i1_VP8XJoyRCmUFs_jcMG4P7Rp29RyPtm_ODUt8LbfecmVLLhv2kaWaUZ-Ay74gdVgNWk795RM0eDE1wgaz9U/s320/IMG_5148+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCpGHkKJDDQikv5jKOW_WVWt6IcVop9w5ViMEtGR7iRA3nDHCBhHdqrBnoCZcrr_AhkvYGho0V5JUjc43ATqPoBLhBF1ZSl6nS6S0YGTx_a2fALVtu51GSaEQv39_SQeOVeHAlWutSH4/s320/IMG_5174+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi0y-nWRcyahb91hbyLrFBDAiD4Fvo4_rMvcazZX38wSoZeOAMkjmbcUZ94L3v2mikmZb8HnbZDdAuxh6otgPSkUT_lDKQeKZF2GEGrx3QP3yAnJXn7syPd_I4h5qH3Y1z7iBwU22cMs/s320/IMG_5166+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Poppies for Spring!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpupwSYJg8oz6oakShpTzvWBGU-SyLWyjImfTzbmFh_F4lXvstwujQiAIWCxfQ4FdY-v_lIeFvvdVjaYvSIwOmQlWUZT7uzqVyw_BTKlcYh_yban20B3AesPpmEuw910ADJHpTAMq1wSY/s320/IMG_5149+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p>Rows and rows of Poppies!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSCe8rAxyWoacMn3yC1U2oRxOZm-g1K_3UY2ubO_G-Srb-FNxrYSKFm_j9wWSOcNtwk64_CT3LmTPZUgY3aywusk8NSFXwtcg2HPcWZHLEkIsBgbbLzaxbjr0w9TxfkrHkOT_t8u6bo4/w640-h218/WMF+Poppy+Collage+2+%25281024x347%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />They even have flowers with my name on them! Foxgloves are a favorite and a challenge to grow in San Antonio. We treat them as annuals so it's wonderful to see them here. Fredericksburg stays a bit cooler in the summer, especially at night.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bQug8Xys4o2iGLcR8L02mQ_6bgTpiam9RLE3vnilYzLa7sATwxt2o-wfHF0WxALmVtN021l6g4j0WWlBn0bdHHiuRyTN2xwCU_2pW6euz3Vk3ZYPVN6ou7HDLH3tWlakyzSpZ58-8Ts/w350-h400/Foxglove+collage+2+%2528896x1024%2529.jpg" /></a><br /> <br />With all those flowers to arrange they need a few non-flowering fillers for color and contrast. My favorite is Bells of Ireland with its bright chartreuse color. </p><p> <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGt10qLfcxmgSfwjk7eo9i_XI3m-CZF3CmPrLoxL389drU1mmB-Au85ZXp_f0cE-oVBE6FCz-vHpQ9H5hwZsORKWi_5DAlckmRYOki2eN7e6K8kGnRdiIfzIvb2mySyYJezvnQGylrOU/w400-h296/IMG_5191+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Curly Willow leaves will be stripped leaving just the curvy stems to place in arrangements for interest and texture.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHS9D-2R7CjdBfhcBklDyvZqlWh74sXGjDOFsoa6Lb1mKQKSiXr5I-PRw6hA5GDFT17QOE0vQZ23e7bv4-a3Kvd022Yz1W6RLkzhiGW1gam5QgyH1ywANGr6y-fNW4JjhfaMGrCvAt-0/w400-h300/IMG_5153+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A pause to enjoy native Antelope Horn milkweed in bloom. Milkweed is an important food source for the Monarch Butterfly and essential to keeping the population healthy along their migration route.<br /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TDVE_RlclEV5afFSJ1xSzjE8DnyTNdIZ3HyR3j9jZJ_6LAoRM8iAZy6TQ_bvJPx0WOvtIxmXdTIyn9fB1n_Xvet8X_Uq0tcgjUXNFb0TvKtOd_DVbmv1IlW8ZUWFcDLuuRSlc4nSLG8/s320/IMG_5160+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /><br /><br />We enjoyed a break in the new cedar gazebo and a nice chat with Paul and Nancy about their life with flowers.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ8dUxX8ArEbE3MczJJXAkbvmKmO99gOEpodNH64mmeopBi8pAK20ePx_T7TdzUVN3aT3XEHaLISR3sFxs-beY3oozu2kBVUyLbJcivpSjYfxBuDoFnCLij8fSglBC-PJDKp7I9f523g/s1024/IMG_5173+%25281024x768%2529.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ8dUxX8ArEbE3MczJJXAkbvmKmO99gOEpodNH64mmeopBi8pAK20ePx_T7TdzUVN3aT3XEHaLISR3sFxs-beY3oozu2kBVUyLbJcivpSjYfxBuDoFnCLij8fSglBC-PJDKp7I9f523g/w640-h480/IMG_5173+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Cedar Cobweb bracket adds a special artistic detail.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfD-uscVB1e6Cxn0xsBD9OgHuGDapiFoEJ9778040U63edPaNASiHMeS7dZrKqDXZb9xO_pKtg-KZfrriSr_yWoURMZ1QYkq-XjBfenBOCnvVoHFbC2W8K9h2KDdOU9_uJwI_N0T6p6GU/s1024/IMG_5200+%25281024x768%2529.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfD-uscVB1e6Cxn0xsBD9OgHuGDapiFoEJ9778040U63edPaNASiHMeS7dZrKqDXZb9xO_pKtg-KZfrriSr_yWoURMZ1QYkq-XjBfenBOCnvVoHFbC2W8K9h2KDdOU9_uJwI_N0T6p6GU/s320/IMG_5200+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />At the shop we relaxed and watched Paul made custom arrangements for us to take home. As he worked he talked about the language of flowers. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPmdTKODo36zKLL6DIDfs7CLFBihsiuKbn3sgQ0lY1djXHyUMdONOeQXcUwaZukrnBZgzIlWHh9cXmWps2GuqGDnGok_GX9PTlmsRbxlAROmycquGG7VwAAYr5nNijQ2_Im6VbcOAJRQ/s1024/IMG_5226+%25281024x768%2529.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPmdTKODo36zKLL6DIDfs7CLFBihsiuKbn3sgQ0lY1djXHyUMdONOeQXcUwaZukrnBZgzIlWHh9cXmWps2GuqGDnGok_GX9PTlmsRbxlAROmycquGG7VwAAYr5nNijQ2_Im6VbcOAJRQ/s320/IMG_5226+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Windmill Meadow Farm offers flower deliveries to Fredericksburg and nearby towns by request or subscription. If you live in the area you can arrange to pick your own flowers at the farm. A new gazebo near the shop will be the site of floral design workshops.<br /><br /> With one last look at the beautifully restored wooden windmill we headed home with our flowers arranged by Paul. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwZymKhj7j-i3Kzs31GSgQw6zno7jNS4QuWvZCPwxRhxS6kjZX2mRjAY7tEg4QQIWn5Kv79BsIbdO_XnDKwy2kZLPmVZdVea9wEYIK66kPW9jJNRON1G4VEYH1o0hCJgDuTzzV2OTdPw/w480-h640/IMG_5231+%2528768x1024%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Back home Melody placed her gorgeous flowers in her own vase on the kitchen island. So pretty from all sides that just one view won't do!</p><p><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDywJQvraSivNb8U7VBxZbk7lPdc_7ysqGNk8I9vLsKiVez6kEKLp9OY5mSQYt4_uybRrmcNXgJqlsyovXj10W5ujmzm_dfw9fR_C-WIBNZgknhxoxDqsQtwKA_SRNoB1ToYeB_TjSNe0/s320/IMG_5527.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-wt9yVHJHp8VTR8XlLb4g9FTXWV7DkO7xRdzJZJxyXi5mr5_IVk6YBheQadHYXRGV_TBG_eRSJlPykUtK5tUZTvPzerf8AuBQCh5pen0Tx5Ccatt6hOwF_N6rC_gfk3QYA-vXbuieJE/s320/IMG_5528.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mLrMDyR3_1QJEiAv2hSTgR5TNfFkvTeH454PKZ3N_vf6qp2ClvzDlLjbP43rxyByKQnqc7p22RsgZgXVf4piwNme1KTsGZ_rMVxkFnsAvtKUk6YCirOx8w7hd5gDXuvcXQYLuMnNPtU/s320/IMG_5526.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><br /> And of course I turned mine into a slide show/gif. Gorgeous! <br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYdZWcx4n9hXFzeKa9Oq3bnc7Szhxp5AdZAsQ0N1tKMEpkhASF89s2ecYpKZcFXvXNFcNBX8RovOb5VOIXcsoOdbTbsiO31AwEyqplpo-Lfsfnl4Kyg73F-AUCrC667pCF3Gb2J9CDWY/w300-h400/20210414_155114-ANIMATION.gif" /></a><br /><br />Following Paul's instructions I changed the water daily and made fresh stem cuts every 2-3 days. I also inspected and removed any stems that turned mushy so most of the flowers looked beautiful for a week.<br /><br />Thank you so much to Paul and Nancy for another wonderful visit to the farm and we especially enjoyed visiting with them and learning more about the business of locally grown, truly fresh flowers. </p><p><a href="https://www.windmillmeadowfarm.com/">Windmill Meadow Farm</a> is open for tours and floral classes by appointment daily. You can find Paul and Nancy at the <a href="https://www.fredericksburgtxfarmersmarket.com/">Farmer's Market in Fredericksburg</a> every Thursday from 4-7 or at other events throughout the year. Follow on <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Instagram</a> to see the beautiful floral arrangements either their visitors create or they deliver to the many B&Bs and other venues in beautiful historic Fredericksburg. <br /></p>Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-43209607745763829732021-01-30T13:32:00.008-06:002021-01-30T13:32:56.253-06:00Cedar Waxwings!<p>A huge flock of Cedar Waxwings swooped in for a drink at our birdbaths on their way north this morning. They also searched the trees for berries but there isn't much left as we've had several visits from these very social birds already this year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYp5YMAmM3ERIAkjMc7Nnehi45u06WTjtbE8iTDSa7vcp4gx1mO-TM8b0Lw8S4qrfHpalET8xcYOx1WFd06bzDAmYXM8UrKGz2ASJC0MK0I5R04tY8CTYr091XH50HdaScndVlAR-4w0/s972/IMG_1703+%25281024x683%2529-ANIMATION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="972" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYp5YMAmM3ERIAkjMc7Nnehi45u06WTjtbE8iTDSa7vcp4gx1mO-TM8b0Lw8S4qrfHpalET8xcYOx1WFd06bzDAmYXM8UrKGz2ASJC0MK0I5R04tY8CTYr091XH50HdaScndVlAR-4w0/w640-h427/IMG_1703+%25281024x683%2529-ANIMATION.gif" width="640" /></a></div><p>Distinguished by their bright red wing tips which are waxy secretions and those yellow tail tips look like they've been dipped in paint.</p><p>Their visits create quite a commotion. If you've ever hear their high-pitched squeals in unison you won't be surprised to learn grouping of waxwings is called an "ear-full." </p><p>So happy to accommodate these beauties on their journey.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-38263052987148363232020-12-14T15:27:00.025-06:002020-12-15T09:49:48.024-06:00Cancelled?<p>No, this blog is not being cancelled though it has been a while since I posted. Lately I have favored more direct social media like Instagram. That is until I was labeled as possible misinformation. My offense? Posting a photo of a t shirt.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YHHLVRrASJDvQINZdwCwK0s6a8xiT-GlY90nKVRmvr34AZVWGWYgfCLKdV1bUSa0G6HeQllL-3znOuRoy8KaByp7dtSsYp_yu1vJi1AKv_cJKI1i5m7yM_IQay1GMhPlkQaBiW9-RCQ/s3648/20200828_081436.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2873" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YHHLVRrASJDvQINZdwCwK0s6a8xiT-GlY90nKVRmvr34AZVWGWYgfCLKdV1bUSa0G6HeQllL-3znOuRoy8KaByp7dtSsYp_yu1vJi1AKv_cJKI1i5m7yM_IQay1GMhPlkQaBiW9-RCQ/w253-h308/20200828_081436.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><p>Neal received this shirt in August when he was given a shot in the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine trials.</p><p>We had both signed up for the study at Clinical Trials of Texas (CTT) the moment we heard about their need for thousands of local participants. These are Stage III trials meaning that the vaccine had already passed basic safety testing on a limited basis and was ready for a wider population. A chance to help out in a low risk scenario with a 50-50 shot at getting vaccinated early was our motivation.</p><p>We were interviewed about our health and placed in the queue after initial qualification. He was contacted for an appointment in the Moderna trial and I was to await notice of the Pfizer trial. Neal went in right away and got his shot in late August and a second shot a month later.<br /></p><p>I thought it would be fun to post the shirt and a little about his experience.</p><p>Not so fast. The genius Instagram censors decided to slap me with a label and I deleted the post immediately.</p><p>San Antonians stepped up in big numbers so the Pfizer vaccine trial also filled up before I could get an appointment. Last week it was my turn to get the shot and a cool blue t shirt. My trial's sponsor is <a href="https://www.jnj.com/coronavirus/media-center" target="_blank">Johnson & Johnson</a> and the trade name is ENSEMBLE.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfNKBbdtAfsTh6-KlL_iKs9RBPo6Kq6P7bifyfW5_ceAfPdN43W_mNayA678nxbY0KgqEprS46D3M6SkKIqE8n2lADn7k_I84UiVa9_B5QgcQ2gCmFYcCQ1hBUNo8gozrtsnHmq3tTKc/s4032/20201212_140557.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfNKBbdtAfsTh6-KlL_iKs9RBPo6Kq6P7bifyfW5_ceAfPdN43W_mNayA678nxbY0KgqEprS46D3M6SkKIqE8n2lADn7k_I84UiVa9_B5QgcQ2gCmFYcCQ1hBUNo8gozrtsnHmq3tTKc/s320/20201212_140557.jpg" /></a></p><p></p><p>According to our initial briefing and the J&J website this vaccine is the best option for worldwide distribution as it can be shipped and stored in a refrigerator at 35-45F or even on ice instead of a specialized deep freeze. ENSEMBLE is the first to test just one dose instead of two which also makes distribution easier in remote areas.<br /></p><p>The participant process is straightforward but time consuming. I'd compare it to starting over with a new doctor, they will ask every detail of medical history back to childhood and that takes a while over the phone. Then you review it all over again at an in-person appointment which takes up most of the day. You will have your blood drawn and the nasal swab Covid-19 test. If you qualify after a physical and consult with one of the study doctors you will get either a vaccine or placebo saline shot the day of your appointment. </p><p>We downloaded an e-diary app to track any reactions and/or
symptoms experienced after the vaccine. While we are considered
volunteers, participants do receive some compensation for their time via
an e-payment card which is funded based on meeting certain milestones.
All of this is explained in detail during a preliminary briefing and in written documentation which you sign along with consent forms. While the study lasts two years, we were assured that ethics required they reveal whether we had the vaccine or placebo once FDA approval is granted and a viable vaccine is widely available. This will likely occur during the next year.<br /></p><p>The staff at CTT is excellent and patient focused. Expect to sit a while in a very cold waiting area which was good for the busy staff but it took me a while to warm up once I got outside on a very warm 89F November day. I was advised to be especially careful the next few weeks because contracting Covid-19 on top of the vaccine could worsen symptoms. Otherwise, the biggest risk factor seemed to be spending most of the day indoors with a group. Masks are required and social distancing is clearly marked on floors and chairs. <br /></p><p></p><p>I received my dosage on Thursday afternoon. Friday morning I awoke feeling quite tired and somewhat stuffy similar seasonal allergies. We were given an oximeter to keep track of our oxygen levels and pulse so I began to test every half hour or so. I was surprised to note my oxygen level did drop slightly for several hours and I had an elevated temperature for about the same length of time. None of my symptoms met the specified level at which I should call their emergency line so I recorded them in the e-diary which continued to prompt me for input. By Saturday afternoon I felt just fine and still cannot say whether I had the real vaccine or placebo.</p><p>This morning, Monday, I received a call from a CTT researcher to review the symptoms I reported over the weekend and check my progress. After consultation with the doctor, she told me to begin reporting just twice a week until my follow-up appointment in January. Neal also experienced an elevated temperature along with a sore arm after his vaccination in August.</p><p>A bit more about our experience with vaccines. Neal was quick to volunteer for this study even though he was once intentionally injected with live Swine flu vaccine which he was not allowed to decline as an active duty Air Force officer. He was very ill for several days but did recover well. The same year I believe I had both the Swine flu and the Russian flu within about 6 months though I was not tested. I was very ill for about two weeks and took several weeks more to feel back to normal. For that reason we have both taken the annual flu shot for 42 years in a row. With no ill effects unless you count a sore arm and occasional tiredness the next day. That's nothing compared to being ill with the real flu which is something neither of us choose to experience again. During our years riding crowded Metro trains in Washington DC winters we did contract an occasional virus and possibly a mild bout of flu. We strongly believe that our annual flu shots help prevent flu and/or lessen the symptoms if we do get it. <br /></p><p>So why did I decide to blog about this instead of my usual social media post? I thought you might have a few questions and it's way easier to write long responses on a laptop keyboard than my phone. The above paragraph likely would have triggered the censors at Instagram to slap another potential misinformation label on my opinion and personal experience. More importantly, this is where I can say what I think and add my own labels.</p>Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com13San Antonio, TX, USA29.4241219 -98.4936281999999891.1138880638211539 -133.6498782 57.734355736178841 -63.337378199999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-75108547110773848142020-05-10T16:22:00.001-05:002020-05-10T16:22:20.693-05:00National Wildflower Week 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
National Wildflower Week is always the first full week in May and usually ends on Mother's Day. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center used to celebrate with a wonderful tour of Austin gardens which focused on native plants and wildflowers but they discontinued the tour a few years ago and I couldn't find much information out there. I did find the following quote on a <a href="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-wildflower-week-first-full-week-in-may/" target="_blank">holiday calendar website</a>.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #767676; font-family: "roboto" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"<i>...commemorates the colorful blossoms that bring our landscapes to life. Whether they are on mountainsides, pastures or our own back yards, wildflowers create habitat, help conserve water and reduce erosion.</i>"</span></div>
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I'll celebrate with a tour of the colorful blossoms that bring my "own back yard" to life each spring.</div>
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We've had a bit of everything during our spring wildflower season in South Texas.</div>
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This week Greenthreads <span style="font-family: inherit;">(<i style="color: #58585a;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thelesperma filifolium) </span></i></span>hit their peak so we'll start in the front garden. Their seeds originally blew in on the wind or floated down the street on rainwater and I just let them grow. We never water or cultivate them in any way. A combination of annual and perennial, they will fade in the summer and return in the fall.</div>
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Texas Bluebonnets (<i>Lupinus texensis</i>) are amazingly resilient even after they were hit by a light frost in late February.</div>
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They weren't slowed down a bit and bloomed beautifully on schedule.<br />
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I've been pulling their spent stems and spreading the last of the seeds this week.<br />
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While we're on the subject of blue flowers, Heartleaf Skullcap (<span><i style="color: #58585a;">Scutellaria ovata) </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">are pretty blue flowers which<i style="color: #58585a;"> </i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">only show up in the spring. The gray foliage will soon die back and </span>the roots bide their time underground until next spring. If I accidentally dig them up when dormant I just tuck the roots back under the soil and no harm done.</div>
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A recent addition are Texas Bluebonnets in the front yard, mostly around the Yucca Rostrata. We pull these as soon as they scatter most of their seeds. Bluebonnets for all their blooming beauty are ugly seed setters. Bright yellow Damianita is a native wildflower as well though this plant seeded over from a purchased plant so it is cultivated.</div>
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Our May wildflowers had a close call with a neighbor's lawn service. I found this note on my door one recent afternoon. He was obviously at the wrong house; actually, the wrong street entirely. There has always been confusion over street names and numbers here because the street name changes on a curve which is not so obvious and the numbers start over. You can see the curve in the Yucca photo above. All the houses in the background are on a different street. The intended recipient's house has the same number and is just up the hill about a block away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEcvW1JZcl9TR-pDcDwD1-wgd1Hf6AJZYwY9kSg3MHu-B8X6hQp4_AKNjzkr0TsmESddFVROq1x0IgbjkCncB88pas6GSrMQYAMZSQUGHpeUVaT-h7Y-iEsN8r7nyb_48z3jtvD2APd4/s1600/20200501_152017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEcvW1JZcl9TR-pDcDwD1-wgd1Hf6AJZYwY9kSg3MHu-B8X6hQp4_AKNjzkr0TsmESddFVROq1x0IgbjkCncB88pas6GSrMQYAMZSQUGHpeUVaT-h7Y-iEsN8r7nyb_48z3jtvD2APd4/s640/20200501_152017.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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When I called they advised me that he did not spray anything on my yard. Our security video confirmed that he did not spray. An App 3 mix has weed killer and fertilizer both of which could kill our native Buffalo Grass "lawn." <br />
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Weeds?<br />
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Let's see what he saw that day.<br />
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<i>Gaillardia pulchella </i>or Blanket Flower<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HyuxqUaIf4CG7muxJMmH8BST4s0ttz-3LfckpjraUt8p8B1d4hndZcGOhWaIC2ijz-XPg9AsJm4LSwFa06HdZBkW7En2HDF6o8KiFvVJ3zqsSf5dzugbWJ0YqkWqP1_C1qNK9ex0oek/s1600/IMG_4326+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HyuxqUaIf4CG7muxJMmH8BST4s0ttz-3LfckpjraUt8p8B1d4hndZcGOhWaIC2ijz-XPg9AsJm4LSwFa06HdZBkW7En2HDF6o8KiFvVJ3zqsSf5dzugbWJ0YqkWqP1_C1qNK9ex0oek/s640/IMG_4326+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Monarda citriodora </i>or Beebalm<br />
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On video the lawn guy was seen scratching his head and looking confused by this scene. <br />
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We've had ongoing problems with burnout streaks in our Buffalo Grass and now we think it's possible weedkiller is flowing downhill through our yard to the creek during rains.<br />
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I mentioned Bluebonnets are ugly seeders and the brown spots in the photo below are Bluebonnets going to seed. Not something we want to leave in the front landscape for weeks.<br />
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The cat prefers wildflowers to a perfect lawn too.<br />
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Happy Wildflower Week and Happy Mother's Day too.Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-76977621403464258292020-05-06T19:33:00.002-05:002020-05-06T19:33:26.725-05:00Wildlife Wednesday May 2020Investigating the decline of a potted agave is the subject of this May's Wildlife Wednesday post.<br />
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First task was to dump out the pot. The agave was in bad shape, with many crowding pups, so no loss. But it was a surprise to discover large tunnels in the soil under the agave. Watson, the game is afoot!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA2YBq-TfrCh45s7o72SF4_Adzb6zAhIYRAsiJav3LdJPblJHxeqayd9bk_v7__lrNrQlag71lZ-xFRRo-mpxc00-wbk1sPiijl1TdfD06AoGseHmZutv54W_J2K8Gb1M9jhEq_ttUbA/s1600/IMG_4183+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA2YBq-TfrCh45s7o72SF4_Adzb6zAhIYRAsiJav3LdJPblJHxeqayd9bk_v7__lrNrQlag71lZ-xFRRo-mpxc00-wbk1sPiijl1TdfD06AoGseHmZutv54W_J2K8Gb1M9jhEq_ttUbA/s640/IMG_4183+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And there was a resident of those tunnels, which revealed itself to be an Ox Beetle. At least according to <a href="https://mygardenersays.com/2020/05/06/its-bird-time-wildlife-wednesday-may-2020/" target="_blank">iNaturalist</a> which I am learning to use after taking an online class sponsored by the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. Online gardening classes are a bright spot in the current status of staying at home more.<br />
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These Beetles are huge! Biggest I've seen in the garden.<br />
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They are said to dig holes about a quarter in size. This exit opening was much larger.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc5VMMjrYw-YrS5gtOR_4ZZ3LPwnASkfVA0MriS6EhAFurlzpgU0gssa70HbfDEFiIDoQt0Karw01DDEAi9j-HUUgWKNJHfphD4ADoal2sE1GFcrUb8Ckykm-zoCfsDz_fpBBMBqoF_E/s1600/IMG_4184+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc5VMMjrYw-YrS5gtOR_4ZZ3LPwnASkfVA0MriS6EhAFurlzpgU0gssa70HbfDEFiIDoQt0Karw01DDEAi9j-HUUgWKNJHfphD4ADoal2sE1GFcrUb8Ckykm-zoCfsDz_fpBBMBqoF_E/s640/IMG_4184+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mesmerizing...like some Japanese film from the 60's. The bug that ate my agave. But really, it was just tunneling.<br />
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Ox Beetles are native to an area ranging from Florida to Arizona. For observation we placed it on the bottom of the pot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUclzF62T7r4OUZPU0N3DS6AdeVi_epkQMpxXZQzV9fnA2IIXkDye-ccuItGCjFXiIprb4oij2BCbih1W1FbmLkGQIw5R0NEDe4Aq5lLYgiNorRYBomqwW619bk9g22KFcKj0zyilN1B4/s1600/IMG_4215+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="786" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUclzF62T7r4OUZPU0N3DS6AdeVi_epkQMpxXZQzV9fnA2IIXkDye-ccuItGCjFXiIprb4oij2BCbih1W1FbmLkGQIw5R0NEDe4Aq5lLYgiNorRYBomqwW619bk9g22KFcKj0zyilN1B4/s640/IMG_4215+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Most likely a male, he was easy to flip over for a moment to show the detail on his belly. Nice pecs. Note the eyes on the end of protruding thingies.<br />
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Ox Beetles are beneficial in the garden because they recycle decaying vegetation and aerate soil. So this guy simply took advantage of the root bound agave and likely caused no harm at all.</div>
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After enduring a bit of our hassle he was happily released into the garden and not expected to return.</div>
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Doe, the female deer, are hanging around the compost waiting for treats as I do a lot of springtime cleanup. They just dropped their fawns. Probably hungry. Hi girls!</div>
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Wildlife Wednesday is hosted by <a href="https://mygardenersays.com/2020/05/06/its-bird-time-wildlife-wednesday-may-2020/" target="_blank">Tina at "My Gardener Says..."</a> on the first Wednesday of each month.</div>
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Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-44799817680593996912020-04-12T13:58:00.002-05:002020-04-12T13:59:11.891-05:00Happy EasterI've always enjoyed spending time in the garden and even more so these last few weeks. This year has been especially nice with rain and cooler weather so I'll share a few inspiring views from this morning:<br />
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An Angel with a broken wing<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOaY7z28DDH37GxaEexMVH37NNo69XRdhju95kJUW48OyOhvlvkkPzRlUPFFXwe65l5qIUY4F9BqmhJSS5Q9zXKH-KlmzQ-qqMZYFtM1BwpRwV0qVcLR2AwX1oMFOim0MPGxQTs7QXy0/s1600/IMG_4002+%2528703x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="703" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOaY7z28DDH37GxaEexMVH37NNo69XRdhju95kJUW48OyOhvlvkkPzRlUPFFXwe65l5qIUY4F9BqmhJSS5Q9zXKH-KlmzQ-qqMZYFtM1BwpRwV0qVcLR2AwX1oMFOim0MPGxQTs7QXy0/s640/IMG_4002+%2528703x1024%2529.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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Belinda's Dream roses<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmMolXaETI0NwtQnkmHgYRVrn2fQnLB1XqLvzARMFtZ1rwq4ibBsKWdb6h66_oE7vOw1unkhaiwADcob4BTy2DEQvZb0H897gBJWoLsrCjX38T6Rv9rnJh6BgqnpGuCkuPzs3rDhFjY0/s1600/IMG_4017+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmMolXaETI0NwtQnkmHgYRVrn2fQnLB1XqLvzARMFtZ1rwq4ibBsKWdb6h66_oE7vOw1unkhaiwADcob4BTy2DEQvZb0H897gBJWoLsrCjX38T6Rv9rnJh6BgqnpGuCkuPzs3rDhFjY0/s640/IMG_4017+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Flower Bed with pink Phlox (I'm guessing this is Phlox Pilosa)<br />
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New Grapes forming on Blanc du Bois vines which we grow for the birds.<br />
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A view of the circle garden overflowing with blooms this week.<br />
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Poppies courtesy of the neighbors<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXHSBYgzmQe1_3VmRwC4pyudiTU0-vAyhbmJ9ncRmnYWs7EZQSoJymnzunPdG_wxVIjoX-4HO_BpScItKRXwoM-JaYzEm55Hg0Wdjh5ASD1lstZ6MwhGGB0RE-StPwlj80juhDeYz5mU/s1600/WP_20200410_15_08_03_Pro+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXHSBYgzmQe1_3VmRwC4pyudiTU0-vAyhbmJ9ncRmnYWs7EZQSoJymnzunPdG_wxVIjoX-4HO_BpScItKRXwoM-JaYzEm55Hg0Wdjh5ASD1lstZ6MwhGGB0RE-StPwlj80juhDeYz5mU/s640/WP_20200410_15_08_03_Pro+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enjoy your Easter!<br />
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<br />Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-490578929415195682020-03-04T21:11:00.001-06:002020-03-04T21:11:06.112-06:00Wildlife Wednesday March 2020: Raptor encounterCaracara or Mexican Eagles have taken up residence in our neighborhood. Sightings are excitedly reported on the Nextdoor website most often when a neighbor spots one for the first time. It's no wonder since that bright orange beak and sharp black and white coloring stand out against our late winter landscape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDDSeWn8R8hm7QrkDrfmjng6YUUe9rVpZCr7WQ7b-B26lJXHW_Z8bLwQLO28zoN6PBu5xYPZmpDbR2kLcYegm4JaSi2XuK3IdDagcmnUOvlYNKOcr8OSa90u6SboYSPwc1tHmVut9Zgk/s1600/IMG_0866+%25281024x683%2529-ANIMATION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="890" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDDSeWn8R8hm7QrkDrfmjng6YUUe9rVpZCr7WQ7b-B26lJXHW_Z8bLwQLO28zoN6PBu5xYPZmpDbR2kLcYegm4JaSi2XuK3IdDagcmnUOvlYNKOcr8OSa90u6SboYSPwc1tHmVut9Zgk/s640/IMG_0866+%25281024x683%2529-ANIMATION.gif" width="640" /></a><br />
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So why did the Caracara to fly away? The appearance of an American Black Vulture was the likely cause. While the Caracara birds live full time in the trees behind our fence the black vultures appear when something dies. We have an abundance of common wildlife in our little wooded area. With so many skunks, possums, raccoons, and other animals roaming around there's going to be a few deaths along the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cX-oawtOk7_TOBzQMWEPuuwv0DwwgJpiXRLKMf3Av8_e4KJp7cBLuupmveraiviIf1XU-8n9KHFOJ-API_q4P6Z0HiIbb8Q6bUEWf_FUGmqTYd9LzoQnr4llQ7TFyp841zb_V3670Wo/s1600/IMG_0881+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cX-oawtOk7_TOBzQMWEPuuwv0DwwgJpiXRLKMf3Av8_e4KJp7cBLuupmveraiviIf1XU-8n9KHFOJ-API_q4P6Z0HiIbb8Q6bUEWf_FUGmqTYd9LzoQnr4llQ7TFyp841zb_V3670Wo/s640/IMG_0881+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Turkey Vultures are more common around here but the American Black Vulture seems to turn up when there's something to eat.<br />
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They both hunt by looking around on the ground and using their sense of smell.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusUBwPgo2sLj3Fp-jokG2zQ4XO_pWM51O7wwg2NNSiGl_oUQdo1Dh1ZFfW8moMlVE502v_EElzvikzbgtzQ5uInaDob7xo8S7fqf-D8uzD4l73tuyDYs7yJqTQagQxZai8Okjla-v318/s1600/IMG_0883+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusUBwPgo2sLj3Fp-jokG2zQ4XO_pWM51O7wwg2NNSiGl_oUQdo1Dh1ZFfW8moMlVE502v_EElzvikzbgtzQ5uInaDob7xo8S7fqf-D8uzD4l73tuyDYs7yJqTQagQxZai8Okjla-v318/s640/IMG_0883+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The Caracara decides to leave whatever it is to the vultures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdISVvxIyeaXuVY4FqdV3hVj0DTFT_mvnYcQXolEoRz2YjE900ci4nGGsKKYjLL5e8gklgJVwnzC1b6CLG3METK_efx2P9oMSCBumQ_ox8Eo-EgqiEkb7ChWzG8vZcBlwdY_3RSOWGvw/s1600/IMG_0887+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdISVvxIyeaXuVY4FqdV3hVj0DTFT_mvnYcQXolEoRz2YjE900ci4nGGsKKYjLL5e8gklgJVwnzC1b6CLG3METK_efx2P9oMSCBumQ_ox8Eo-EgqiEkb7ChWzG8vZcBlwdY_3RSOWGvw/s640/IMG_0887+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can find more on Wildlife Wednesday at "<a href="https://mygardenersays.com/2020/03/04/march-of-the-butter-butts-wildlife-wednesday-march-2020/" target="_blank">My Gardener Says....</a>" where Tina has a post on the cutest birds she fondly calls "Butter Butts."Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-70350662039738279732020-02-05T21:01:00.003-06:002020-02-05T21:01:23.026-06:00Wildlife Wednesday February 2020: Another Squirrel's Tale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our resident Squirrel is at it again! Nest building season.</div>
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The deck is littered with her clippings. </div>
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Even the chairs have to be brushed off before we can sit.</div>
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Her success rate is low. Chewed sprouts are promptly dropped to the ground or deck below and she makes no effort to retrieve the lost clippings. At this rate I wonder how she will ever complete her nest.</div>
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Time out to check the watering can. We keep bowls of water for wildlife throughout the garden so no need to dip into the can.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gNL0rJuQFW0GQ-JegiLKlUZPV8a4wGojgVezjYI2bgpkDfE2RmUWF7ZwoxJfkYTG71JUJYwORJ1OBtqvEwniMugfhjpe2HOKXPEe8zIPbfgyHEK15R_l-oKzgvZe7WgGBMy60dvTAp4/s1600/IMG_3803+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gNL0rJuQFW0GQ-JegiLKlUZPV8a4wGojgVezjYI2bgpkDfE2RmUWF7ZwoxJfkYTG71JUJYwORJ1OBtqvEwniMugfhjpe2HOKXPEe8zIPbfgyHEK15R_l-oKzgvZe7WgGBMy60dvTAp4/s640/IMG_3803+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then back to clipping oak sprouts. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-oc9OnyJEBzJFpyOQAhjnSUTPhtf_9bYAcpMRLMUZYcZSajGvMlA3Lveq3tcQMU52WCZu_VJ7_990HzYr-5k9WcWdxRyCMTNImpEsOGp3lzy5WOqvRoyYGZonoPsxByqes_RFMhz5kA/s1600/IMG_3818+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-oc9OnyJEBzJFpyOQAhjnSUTPhtf_9bYAcpMRLMUZYcZSajGvMlA3Lveq3tcQMU52WCZu_VJ7_990HzYr-5k9WcWdxRyCMTNImpEsOGp3lzy5WOqvRoyYGZonoPsxByqes_RFMhz5kA/s640/IMG_3818+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The view from the golf course includes multiple birds and turtles. Egrets, Cormorants, whistling ducks, Egyptian Geese? Egyptian Geese are "introduced" in North America. Primarily found in Florida, Texas, and California. More study is needed here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBX5LJEDeEYpjaSxXpD4WRBJ6i7oPu8R4VGrrOv1EbwlmmxuxJFgSYytcAXmP_Pf2Qiw0zksU1YHmczenZYFd3bWhBiHIeMmTtSfaYU2zoBhZqupoK7iG5BPHuBu_zcNym8x2TLCg29Y/s1600/IMG_0032+%25281024x725%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1024" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBX5LJEDeEYpjaSxXpD4WRBJ6i7oPu8R4VGrrOv1EbwlmmxuxJFgSYytcAXmP_Pf2Qiw0zksU1YHmczenZYFd3bWhBiHIeMmTtSfaYU2zoBhZqupoK7iG5BPHuBu_zcNym8x2TLCg29Y/s640/IMG_0032+%25281024x725%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whitetail deer mating season is finished and this big guy is on his own as new fawns will arrive soon. He will naturally shed his antlers soon.<br />
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He has been injured in the flank. Possibly in a fight with another buck. Looks like it's not deep and will heal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxi8ZtL_cXgTl2bpIqRM3vYj75RvtkrJqHfJPDKZx5xi2g2YsrHC4UI3pEbX2v_5z_GIyNekRErA0Bas5ppRNZxoLyCXAM1P1RRFljmEjTBJRgc3wqm3MBHIavHhl3Gg7SVm27HjISFpQ/s1600/IMG_0706+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxi8ZtL_cXgTl2bpIqRM3vYj75RvtkrJqHfJPDKZx5xi2g2YsrHC4UI3pEbX2v_5z_GIyNekRErA0Bas5ppRNZxoLyCXAM1P1RRFljmEjTBJRgc3wqm3MBHIavHhl3Gg7SVm27HjISFpQ/s640/IMG_0706+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Joining <a href="https://mygardenersays.com/2020/02/05/february-is-for-wildlife-lovers-wildlife-wednesday-february-2020/" target="_blank">Tina at "My Gardener Says..." for Wildlife Wednesday</a> on the first Wednesday of each month.<br />
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<br />Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-9327363033879515752019-12-31T17:11:00.000-06:002019-12-31T17:11:05.195-06:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We'll spend a quiet evening at home...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWyH6b2ASRPQDCJ22UFbYZDy7teK36UirAutACSmbm03K6E7-F_3wzVfDPAqPR4Ej_c6hKP0FWX01s2HXJvn-Wikw2RZPpGoC2u4Lc81CuVOT2IfKGS170W_wIH9DEUeeokpKt07Oc2s/s1600/IMG_4222+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWyH6b2ASRPQDCJ22UFbYZDy7teK36UirAutACSmbm03K6E7-F_3wzVfDPAqPR4Ej_c6hKP0FWX01s2HXJvn-Wikw2RZPpGoC2u4Lc81CuVOT2IfKGS170W_wIH9DEUeeokpKt07Oc2s/s640/IMG_4222+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...Until the nearby megachurch lights up the sky with fireworks at midnight!</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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<br />Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-5098586239192274062019-12-24T17:43:00.001-06:002019-12-24T17:43:50.247-06:00Merry Christmas!<span style="color: red; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas to all!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz2BKNYwTDbqi4dbeSYkcfzwirKh_kN3LjDj78mescQMH21w0HE9Pt7kTmlehaQ55pTOVqLNosJkvDXauuO13zqVmW5Jpi1E_5xJxM3eTZ0zWjttn2KjNPUhyphenhyphen1p7b4fVPoI846p8QS7o/s1600/IMG_3667+%2528683x1024%2529-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz2BKNYwTDbqi4dbeSYkcfzwirKh_kN3LjDj78mescQMH21w0HE9Pt7kTmlehaQ55pTOVqLNosJkvDXauuO13zqVmW5Jpi1E_5xJxM3eTZ0zWjttn2KjNPUhyphenhyphen1p7b4fVPoI846p8QS7o/s640/IMG_3667+%2528683x1024%2529-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Photos from my Instagram feed this week)</td></tr>
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And our annual fireplace gif tradition:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dtqQhZVQrxyVWQU7JIXRhyphenhyphenUIoMLSqd989P1frMuWSwwo2aL0BI3ATV6cUw7uvFsL7VUyHDKEde0Pv4tSy01k3Z4fKp6iGAcTixJGtSx7VjvKO1wB1PzV02AQ8ci4uCnIBESWv8Q7iz0/s1600/IMG_3648+%25281024x683%2529-ANIMATION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="972" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dtqQhZVQrxyVWQU7JIXRhyphenhyphenUIoMLSqd989P1frMuWSwwo2aL0BI3ATV6cUw7uvFsL7VUyHDKEde0Pv4tSy01k3Z4fKp6iGAcTixJGtSx7VjvKO1wB1PzV02AQ8ci4uCnIBESWv8Q7iz0/s640/IMG_3648+%25281024x683%2529-ANIMATION.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-49460691757518976432019-12-19T16:21:00.000-06:002019-12-19T16:21:51.515-06:00Pretty in pink (and red) Holidays at San Antonio Botanical Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens are looking good this year. Just a few finishing touches left before the final phase of a multi-year update opens. I treated myself to an annual membership recently so I plan to check in there at least once a month.</div>
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Pink Muhly in the parking lot is fully fluffed out in early December. It might appear that a cloudy day isn't the best for photos but our sunshine can often be so intense as to wash out colors like this. Silvery artemesia adds just enough contrast. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFJSn7byVb-tVCWZLLNDGMhxXrtyk57zBaedts0ZUGyHfzpfPeBjHZpt_CnLYEAYc48vlj1iVV7yf015Xq1V3Wbss31CKiCpwWRWTid1wDwn5a1X5JFbl7Ty9t_GCudkIcg4xGLM4oeo/s1600/20191205_122908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFJSn7byVb-tVCWZLLNDGMhxXrtyk57zBaedts0ZUGyHfzpfPeBjHZpt_CnLYEAYc48vlj1iVV7yf015Xq1V3Wbss31CKiCpwWRWTid1wDwn5a1X5JFbl7Ty9t_GCudkIcg4xGLM4oeo/s640/20191205_122908.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The parking lot is now a "parking garden" and the plantings were designed by Christy TenEyck of Austin. A new entrance (right) is easier for visitors to find and the front plaza designed for assembling groups. A re-grading of the site allows for level entry instead of a rather steep uphill climb up from the old entrance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxP5wcT8rWB2UhbKa7SBTc1H87kYSYozWvJhWKBJNv4kX2k4ad5fe3XTdJIWV9i_XHjkF5oyOdfsksGb1ZdioL6WlsLabd7-kBTe7SrtHSneKkwDozWvsQh7X9BfC1G7MfMnur0jfMTI/s1600/IMG_3993+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxP5wcT8rWB2UhbKa7SBTc1H87kYSYozWvJhWKBJNv4kX2k4ad5fe3XTdJIWV9i_XHjkF5oyOdfsksGb1ZdioL6WlsLabd7-kBTe7SrtHSneKkwDozWvsQh7X9BfC1G7MfMnur0jfMTI/s640/IMG_3993+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The old carriage house is beautiful but imagine walking up and down that steep ramp multiple times each visit and trying to gather a group on the narrow space by the door at the bottom of the ramp.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpNKhs_uYzOiB5rUQ1AJTTW-lqwtEggBn1N5dZr4zs-VjDWUgl6YE0FSr1pB89CIQIyEdRj-lQp4nV41j3fGkP7qeQ-ZIKPAI2524XqwrdDrF7S6F6F_2G2sbTx21P4PZoSud_vbpvWY/s1600/20191205_113007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpNKhs_uYzOiB5rUQ1AJTTW-lqwtEggBn1N5dZr4zs-VjDWUgl6YE0FSr1pB89CIQIyEdRj-lQp4nV41j3fGkP7qeQ-ZIKPAI2524XqwrdDrF7S6F6F_2G2sbTx21P4PZoSud_vbpvWY/s640/20191205_113007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stopping in at the new discovery center we can see what's in bloom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaST95FYc71pU4GW8ZdqJgZ0HfUq-j4tS_Pb7AHY7Srqh9__czzq-Kf5hc95VW3XYjrjPefN0hswHj6ljsRL-5Xv-BmgVi_ljJ6wJjcR55K5-7ZtNfZ1LLBD_h1HcHCfNVCpCGWZsNk-M/s1600/20191205_110256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaST95FYc71pU4GW8ZdqJgZ0HfUq-j4tS_Pb7AHY7Srqh9__czzq-Kf5hc95VW3XYjrjPefN0hswHj6ljsRL-5Xv-BmgVi_ljJ6wJjcR55K5-7ZtNfZ1LLBD_h1HcHCfNVCpCGWZsNk-M/s640/20191205_110256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What's happening at the gardens this week? It's tamale season and they are right in sync with the community.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcLXSUf3MFrVdXIyMlTMwe80Ory5m1rwx7m_5QPdO1Y0bbDwAIMiNUBBiiuniBXNC8Io0IN6HN5zB_zZFVw8v4DBS_EuZbdwWyLMUHEcWfbc6KALCFpPE_GeE6Fo_J1-k3wSLCyAZ6o8/s1600/IMG_3986+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcLXSUf3MFrVdXIyMlTMwe80Ory5m1rwx7m_5QPdO1Y0bbDwAIMiNUBBiiuniBXNC8Io0IN6HN5zB_zZFVw8v4DBS_EuZbdwWyLMUHEcWfbc6KALCFpPE_GeE6Fo_J1-k3wSLCyAZ6o8/s640/IMG_3986+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#SABOT with free WiFi throughout the gardens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf1ZqsyDEeb4UB35NFudJLSe4dlLJtKgJNHz3fnP4p4cyjMtMsRer0ClBO0W005bK5hnjO9efxvWu0D4k0qP7QWEn-i90zDM-fkkFCIT2juFSP3cNJOcEUUNCvu7J925tMVIAjzCwKho/s1600/20191205_110403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf1ZqsyDEeb4UB35NFudJLSe4dlLJtKgJNHz3fnP4p4cyjMtMsRer0ClBO0W005bK5hnjO9efxvWu0D4k0qP7QWEn-i90zDM-fkkFCIT2juFSP3cNJOcEUUNCvu7J925tMVIAjzCwKho/s640/20191205_110403.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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First stop is the conservatory and orchid/tropical house set with poinsettias. SABOT doesn't have a big holiday display but their nice subtle touches are appreciated.<br />
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Always lush and full.<br />
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Native Russelia in bright red and green dress a walkway in holiday style.<br />
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Looking back at the conservatory. Ornaments pick up colors of lantana at the agave's base.</div>
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The colors used here are just different enough to add a fun touch.</div>
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Prickly Pear has a few of its natural ornaments left.<br />
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More natural holiday cheer in the form of aloe blooms.<br />
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The "Muhly Maze" in the children's garden is like walking through tufts of cotton candy.</div>
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And back out to that amazing Parking Garden.</div>
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Merry Christmas from our beautiful new gardens!<br />
<br />Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-75269851715079850052019-12-15T18:50:00.001-06:002019-12-15T18:50:07.872-06:00That Holiday HouseThere's usually one house in the neighborhood where holidays are celebrated in a big way. This house just happens to be, obviously, in a very nice neighborhood where you don't usually see such over-the-top displays. I posted their <a href="https://rockoakdeer.blogspot.com/2017/11/scene-on-street-for-thanksgiving-week.html" target="_blank">fall display</a> a few years ago and decided to check out their Christmas display when I was in the neighborhood recently.<br />
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They did not disappoint. <br />
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Fun and cheerful from Santa's sleigh to colorful packages.</div>
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Nice Nativity scene mixed with a snowman.</div>
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Santa in another surrounded by good quality faux poinsettias and trees because real ones won't last in our weather with freezes every few nights and into the 80s on sunny days. I love the detail with small trees as a border curbside.<br />
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Two sizes of real mailboxes for Letters to Santa with a path invite the neighbors to stop by. "Dear Santa, that sleigh with the red top in the driveway would be nice..."<br />
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All the garlands are stuffed with blingy ornaments and shiny ornament trees are very tall.<br />
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Giant lighted tree on the side of the house.<br />
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Driveway columns decorated beautifully.<br />
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Cheerful greeting.<br />
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Must be pretty at night too.<br />
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Gorgeous!</div>
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Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-83279086170857625312019-12-04T19:36:00.003-06:002019-12-04T19:36:44.258-06:00Wildlife Wednesday December 2019: Crested CaracaraCrested Caracara birds have been residents of our woods for a number of years yet they rarely venture into the yard. The last few weeks we have been treated to up close views of these magnificent birds commonly known as Mexican Eagles. <br />
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A juvenile perhaps going by size and the beak is not deep orange yet. They are raptors and members of the Falcon family so not technically eagles.<br />
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I was mesmerized as it moved from branch to branch waiting for a chance to get water from a bowl we keep out for wildlife. One nearly flew into me the day before as I was weeding near the watering station.</div>
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Caracara birds are full time residents in San Antonio and their range extends from South Texas to the tip of South America. Though they generally stick close to the Mexican border they have been spotted up in North Texas on occasion.</div>
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What a beauty!</div>
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It's our honor to host such magnificent birds!</div>
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I'm joining Tina at "My Gardener Says..." for <a href="https://mygardenersays.com/wildlife-wednesdays/" target="_blank">Wildlife Wednesday</a> on the first Wednesday of each month.</div>
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Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-51527225090569392652019-11-27T20:42:00.000-06:002019-11-27T20:42:08.563-06:00Happy Foxgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a wonderful day filled with fun, food and gratitude!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How could I pass this up?</td></tr>
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Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-66337844854028428652019-11-25T10:01:00.002-06:002019-11-25T10:01:24.346-06:00Visiting Melody's Garden in the FallA few weeks ago my friend Melody invited me over to take photos of her beautiful gardens. Good thing, because an early freeze came soon afterward. Despite our exceptionally hot fall and nearly rainless summer, Melody's garden looked wonderful. Spring rains gave the garden a good start and kept us out of drought restrictions this year.<br />
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Peaceful porch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpO8ErIl5jdsHAnkO81VQYh0qliP6ySjif47COJO8n4W7Zzex5o6qT_8UMFik_CcE8oHZ8_cK1hnYrUj_FomA3cDqFC4NRin5fFAXSgn9-3F4ojQnM-lezD_KdopXvkjdMUpsLL0yOvc/s1600/IMG_3035+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1010" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpO8ErIl5jdsHAnkO81VQYh0qliP6ySjif47COJO8n4W7Zzex5o6qT_8UMFik_CcE8oHZ8_cK1hnYrUj_FomA3cDqFC4NRin5fFAXSgn9-3F4ojQnM-lezD_KdopXvkjdMUpsLL0yOvc/s640/IMG_3035+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And the view from her porch. I always enjoy Spanish moss swaying in the gentle breeze. Even though I live nearby there is none on my trees. It's common in Melody's neighborhood with larger lots to leave portions of the original native landscape in place.<br />
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Bright red Lycoris were in full bloom that day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c-mKlr5g7R7WqHXGN6RqJBcf_zAGjamzztLlfFSq0GJOIwTSReumd33M98SlsPX8N3dId6hK7V1MnMjhu9aiH7IsXrB6TzZQjCX8Ajkgoe_OyoyEzWPLsKkGS3svhARF8jk1WI6Wjvs/s1600/IMG_3033+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c-mKlr5g7R7WqHXGN6RqJBcf_zAGjamzztLlfFSq0GJOIwTSReumd33M98SlsPX8N3dId6hK7V1MnMjhu9aiH7IsXrB6TzZQjCX8Ajkgoe_OyoyEzWPLsKkGS3svhARF8jk1WI6Wjvs/s640/IMG_3033+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Melody grows a number of vines and I have been inspired to grow more vines after visits to her garden. Blue Skyflower has found a home in her garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiretK02H47uYDzPbyhvVaSzQ0vleJzEcvuzUC9E6d4elsOXrnr87FJjRpyCA16FcEoSA8EcaQdXLB-C051dkeDSEsmmPGMXdpshL0gZY4IWOPwVh663Jut3YXzE6n2jF4c9A8lVKb1vmA/s1600/IMG_3042+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiretK02H47uYDzPbyhvVaSzQ0vleJzEcvuzUC9E6d4elsOXrnr87FJjRpyCA16FcEoSA8EcaQdXLB-C051dkeDSEsmmPGMXdpshL0gZY4IWOPwVh663Jut3YXzE6n2jF4c9A8lVKb1vmA/s640/IMG_3042+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Through the gate and a view toward the rear of the house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA9WuhHWFA17ifv6m5CpT4H6suZHMotEkhn2WioRynP7rbe1kRaOsMSQ7GSsCDm73cNpqWjFp-MpdDLIguEVmAK3B3-aIHtrnv5hbSbvd7Z6RNtUUGQyOijKEFNiyUG1fU4u2b_-6PFw/s1600/IMG_3052+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA9WuhHWFA17ifv6m5CpT4H6suZHMotEkhn2WioRynP7rbe1kRaOsMSQ7GSsCDm73cNpqWjFp-MpdDLIguEVmAK3B3-aIHtrnv5hbSbvd7Z6RNtUUGQyOijKEFNiyUG1fU4u2b_-6PFw/s640/IMG_3052+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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More vines. Crossvine blooms primarily in spring.<br />
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Our garden styles are very different. That one spiky plant in this display was a gift from me. The chair is part of a vintage Brown Jordan set she rescued from the curb.<br />
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The rescued chairs nearly are very similar to her original Brown Jordan table set (under the arbor) she has had for years.<br />
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Stapelia bloom was out. I think my plant was a cutting from hers.<br />
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A ducky bit of humor in the pool spa.</div>
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Frostweed blooms attract butterflies and moths.</div>
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Contrasted with goldenrod it's a good pairing.<br />
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Lots of red with tiny roses in bloom. Melody loves roses though she is growing fewer roses as her garden becomes more shady.</div>
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More reds in the Hamelia.<br />
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Can't remember this one right off, but I loved the fullness of it.<br />
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More of those vines, Morning Glory still out.<br />
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Alternanthera which I know as 'Party Time' but it does have other common names.<br />
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Vignette with fish nicely coordinates texture and color.<br />
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Oh so pretty.<br />
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Headed to the woodland walk just under the cedar arbor. A portion of dead tree trunk left in place and surrounded by flowers.<br />
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Wine bottles mark the trail.<br />
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And back out through the matching arbor on the right draped with more Skyflower.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCFtCp1Pi0NNZPqw7pADjPA9ij9W9RxNPAGuJ3jqx1V8EYMyp3Xmbjna-wlZA_LGHBBISLf5M6sF3ADkbcgn3A39qUCEwXqkgbxjSWwYxJI04LPa7mHtYCTB7F5Qn63mnDgNsc5QkwbE/s1600/IMG_3090+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCFtCp1Pi0NNZPqw7pADjPA9ij9W9RxNPAGuJ3jqx1V8EYMyp3Xmbjna-wlZA_LGHBBISLf5M6sF3ADkbcgn3A39qUCEwXqkgbxjSWwYxJI04LPa7mHtYCTB7F5Qn63mnDgNsc5QkwbE/s640/IMG_3090+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have different planting styles, but we both are plant collectors and enjoy adding found objects to our gardens.<br />
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The raised bed garden in the former horse corral was a little worse for wear in full sun with temperatures as much as 10 degrees above average. Still pretty though.</div>
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Coral vine drapes the stone barn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m9aP1gztMGaSqMV_XVvL5EB9O-EPW87kvGSEVpTfcV_gpEo7lGTCqq8_1Oe4d61ufMGom3H_bcsLH1fHSwgJXbiJzdLx-KbI0c6r62QkbyfUeD6cC_49jZf_sVhQoMquYJOJIi0U7ik/s1600/IMG_3120+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1012" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m9aP1gztMGaSqMV_XVvL5EB9O-EPW87kvGSEVpTfcV_gpEo7lGTCqq8_1Oe4d61ufMGom3H_bcsLH1fHSwgJXbiJzdLx-KbI0c6r62QkbyfUeD6cC_49jZf_sVhQoMquYJOJIi0U7ik/s640/IMG_3120+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The Monarch butterfly migration was in full swing.<br />
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And here we are. Special thanks to Neal who came along to help take photos since I sometimes enjoy my visit so much I forget to take enough photos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkCwcL2eIyIykycy7V_GB1gTh9SMxe73izoqQ16OebPOUascTgPykJuOtS_ldLAxzrFt-yXly1KtCGy3HF7UKZcpPV9pqoSR_ZMh1mwC3T_hB4A2tIvfMosbCI6kvYtvdM-xRj_D2BIs/s1600/IMG_3111+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkCwcL2eIyIykycy7V_GB1gTh9SMxe73izoqQ16OebPOUascTgPykJuOtS_ldLAxzrFt-yXly1KtCGy3HF7UKZcpPV9pqoSR_ZMh1mwC3T_hB4A2tIvfMosbCI6kvYtvdM-xRj_D2BIs/s640/IMG_3111+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Thank you Melody for sharing your beautiful garden with us again.Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-80032284819710581592019-11-11T08:46:00.001-06:002019-11-11T08:46:27.490-06:00Veteran's Day 2019Typically the sight of a police helicopter will send me scurrying indoors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNEFPIQKi1B1gXX2OdRHPAbCRMXXhmF9grOelpjdCV1OFBZgRsHAiIP5lOcyb9qprnW2NHM4J4V1HnZ9P1UE5FTdt0a2CjMz2nY4XDK1KAa6NSavw9E-xLYCsLww4A0qxOHvdsgOcQCM/s1600/IMG_3596+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNEFPIQKi1B1gXX2OdRHPAbCRMXXhmF9grOelpjdCV1OFBZgRsHAiIP5lOcyb9qprnW2NHM4J4V1HnZ9P1UE5FTdt0a2CjMz2nY4XDK1KAa6NSavw9E-xLYCsLww4A0qxOHvdsgOcQCM/s640/IMG_3596+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This time I stayed outside to watch police helicopters flying in formation above the funeral procession of firefighter <a href="https://woai.iheart.com/content/2019-10-24-services-held-for-fallen-san-antonio-firefighter/" target="_blank">Greg Garza</a> who died in an accident while answering a fire call.<br />
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A large church just north of us opens its doors for first responder's funerals. There have been quite a few of these funerals in recent years.<br />
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Greg Garza, like so many of our first responders, served in the Marines before becoming a firefighter.<br />
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Just outside my neighborhood fire trucks raised a giant flag on an overpass to salute the procession.<br />
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Here's to all the Veterans who served and continue to serve their communities!Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-17355233263517799852019-11-06T19:33:00.002-06:002019-11-06T19:40:56.538-06:00Butterfly Gardens for Wildlife Wednesday November 2019It's Wildlife Wednesday and I'm bending the rules just a bit to go outside my own garden and bring you along on my garden club visit to The Butterfly Learning Center at Hardberger Park in north San Antonio. <a href="https://mygardenersays.com/2019/11/06/bienvenue-et-au-revoir-wildlife-wednesday-november-2019/" target="_blank">Wildlife Wednesday is hosted by Tina at "My Gardener Says..."</a><br />
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Designed by Drake White of <a href="https://www.thenectarbarsa.com/" target="_blank">The Nectar Bar</a> for San Antonio's Hardberger Park it's designed to highlight "mostly" native plants that support butterflies. Drake shared her extensive knowledge of how to support butterflies in our gardens. One of the most important things I learned was that a caterpillar inching along on the ground knows where it is going and it's best not help them out.<br />
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It's a teaching garden designed for hosting butterflies. Red flags indicate dormant plants and remind volunteers not to dig in those spots.<br />
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So where's the wildlife? Drake holds up a Monarch caterpillar. Monarchs generally make their fall migration without breeding but a few do stop and breed in our area. Love her shirt!<br />
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Close up.<br />
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Butterflies need both nectar and host plants. Plants in the garden are labeled with names of the plants and butterflies they host or provide nectar for. I need this false mint in my garden! Pretty purple blooms in the fall and nice, upright foliage.<br />
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A butterfly shaped garden but where are the plants?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviBjgOltMrAJLZRrMHKyTCYAxRuAth0G1ArSl1OpawuoH_bKy0BPt96uCnoySxNcHvZCeN6bx1paasEclYAW9oMPEDhAbnIxAGQBqtBozODjoOyZzpET9Tn-EVr41dqahh59l9kqazrM/s1600/IMG_2998+%25281024x686%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviBjgOltMrAJLZRrMHKyTCYAxRuAth0G1ArSl1OpawuoH_bKy0BPt96uCnoySxNcHvZCeN6bx1paasEclYAW9oMPEDhAbnIxAGQBqtBozODjoOyZzpET9Tn-EVr41dqahh59l9kqazrM/s640/IMG_2998+%25281024x686%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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No plants because it's a puddle garden. "Puddling" is just what it sounds like and provides butterflies with moisture and minerals they need.<br />
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Drake checks seeds on a Swallowtail pipevine. It's a difficult plant to spot because it disguises itself as grass. I couldn't even find a definitive botanical name on this one though it grows naturally in Central Texas and I have seen it in my yard from time to time. She has placed a net bag over the flower to collect seeds. The seeds take two years to germinate.<br />
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We were mesmerized by the massive Passiflora vine taking over the fences. It's <i>Passiflora incarnata x cincinnata</i> which is not native to San Antonio though it grows beautifully here. Good to know because when the caterpillars are out they can decimate a pretty good supply of vines.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VAFYEWbspZryYkJq2MAIhrPfLMAufVKz9OZm66sWQIhNxQpVGYXRqwYLYcfBY5C6abqmxmxEYzewuYX8LQzurBb7AJg_rWpUrN-xV-V8waHLF2L6KDDjLMtQwJtakGl144-CAJAnurA/s1600/IMG_3010+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VAFYEWbspZryYkJq2MAIhrPfLMAufVKz9OZm66sWQIhNxQpVGYXRqwYLYcfBY5C6abqmxmxEYzewuYX8LQzurBb7AJg_rWpUrN-xV-V8waHLF2L6KDDjLMtQwJtakGl144-CAJAnurA/s640/IMG_3010+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A beautiful host for several butterflies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAXLF9GXqnZkMfDxPg-3MnCVEt817LuZ7LeetTwAUlKBVObZtGgixMeLMclhcgUjAnLuNlbyj-y2RxnxoOjShHokUXSovvneoqPyZguFSHbohGN_WXzi4Dj1aB0QQg2rdmpugXy3ZwEw/s1600/IMG_3012+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAXLF9GXqnZkMfDxPg-3MnCVEt817LuZ7LeetTwAUlKBVObZtGgixMeLMclhcgUjAnLuNlbyj-y2RxnxoOjShHokUXSovvneoqPyZguFSHbohGN_WXzi4Dj1aB0QQg2rdmpugXy3ZwEw/s640/IMG_3012+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The Butterfly Learning Center is open by appointment only. Contact <a href="https://www.thenectarbarsa.com/" target="_blank">The Nectar Bar</a> for more information.<br />
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There are two additional butterfly gardens at Hardberger Park you can visit any time the park is open. One is in front of the main park building off Blanco Road and the other is near the Urban Ecology Center which is where we are headed next.<br />
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Beautifully designed and maintained by <a href="https://txmn.org/alamo/" target="_blank">Alamo Area Master Naturalists</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUxo6Ek_KzSaz11f04ad3mEJaoN7wORtqFLKLQ9aIILHXzgrpRpSkdrQAt_1OsxXjwLDKZoxGeDfNFFbGM521511cMM2Xtl681VIwlqMakeZzg74ddZABGVvnClFlPoYJremUVAkIDHY/s1600/IMG_4995+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUxo6Ek_KzSaz11f04ad3mEJaoN7wORtqFLKLQ9aIILHXzgrpRpSkdrQAt_1OsxXjwLDKZoxGeDfNFFbGM521511cMM2Xtl681VIwlqMakeZzg74ddZABGVvnClFlPoYJremUVAkIDHY/s640/IMG_4995+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Maximilian Sunflowers are good for butterflies, bees, and birds. The fence keeps out deer but not people since the gate is unlocked when the park is open.<br />
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I was captivated by all the Texas Broomweed (<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amphiachyris amoena</span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">) </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">in the garden. </span></span> It's so light and airy and covered with tiny yellow blooms. I found a place to collect seeds in a field near my house. Most of the information out there focuses on how farmers and ranchers can get rid of it so I might think twice before planting. It provides good winter cover for birds among other benefits.</div>
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While there were plenty of bees and butterflies in the gardens we visited I found it a challenge to photograph them with a group. That means we've only had one wildlife photo of a caterpillar so far. To finish up I'll borrow a Monarch butterfly photo from a visit to my friend Melody's garden the next day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQOOrOY2U6pT_5Y31CQPom0TUz6osrOFvE0XUiFojkenoJD4JuyBSekCNTBLBWCsZOzhxV0VChZwlF61lETCZTuUOLblW03OvSoLejnxIO39RqlliD-L3WIRyfn3pFlGBX3AmUR73wSo/s1600/IMG_3138+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQOOrOY2U6pT_5Y31CQPom0TUz6osrOFvE0XUiFojkenoJD4JuyBSekCNTBLBWCsZOzhxV0VChZwlF61lETCZTuUOLblW03OvSoLejnxIO39RqlliD-L3WIRyfn3pFlGBX3AmUR73wSo/s640/IMG_3138+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There, that's so much better than posting one photo of an anole on a screen which is all I found in my October photos. Maybe I'll save that beauty for another time.<br />
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Be sure to check out <a href="https://mygardenersays.com/2019/11/06/bienvenue-et-au-revoir-wildlife-wednesday-november-2019/" target="_blank">Tina's blog for more Wildlife Wednesday</a>Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-15081388139223006322019-10-31T15:13:00.001-05:002019-10-31T15:13:09.844-05:00Happy Halloween from San Antonio Botanical Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The <a href="https://www.sabot.org/" target="_blank">San Antonio Botanical Garden</a> is all decked out for fall festivities and Halloween!</div>
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We recently enjoyed the gardens during an evening event sponsored by San Antonio Water System to thank Partners in Conservation who help with public outreach and education on water conservation issues. </div>
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A giant spider and web are so appropriate for the season. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS5KawpojUg0sAfam5WftB56aqOszSuPJx8sBwajANWsfQzscTTQcdSf7Py9IExKxlQ3fswGpKbWykWeuiYzOweiuOJMU1-C76K-PlhCWHSMkhAmxbh2RpjDGTZjh3kx7O2EBfVJcjio/s1600/IMG_1199+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS5KawpojUg0sAfam5WftB56aqOszSuPJx8sBwajANWsfQzscTTQcdSf7Py9IExKxlQ3fswGpKbWykWeuiYzOweiuOJMU1-C76K-PlhCWHSMkhAmxbh2RpjDGTZjh3kx7O2EBfVJcjio/s640/IMG_1199+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another giant spider in the nearby culinary gardens part of <a href="https://www.sabot.org/david-rogers-big-bugs/" target="_blank">"David Rogers' Big Bugs</a>" on display until December 8th.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQM-cBquIhpHDFLiT44iA0W3lR5rVxKxGMLnTAcnu8vZ-oGpQZJW-E-g-u7Q1jnnzhJK7SkUjQOhKJR6KbpipQW1XdPep5ahAD9jVi5w4ZAyILw7R1sYoNXyQuQXpSfSe5saE7KYQPQQM/s1600/IMG_1202+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQM-cBquIhpHDFLiT44iA0W3lR5rVxKxGMLnTAcnu8vZ-oGpQZJW-E-g-u7Q1jnnzhJK7SkUjQOhKJR6KbpipQW1XdPep5ahAD9jVi5w4ZAyILw7R1sYoNXyQuQXpSfSe5saE7KYQPQQM/s640/IMG_1202+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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"Wow Garden" at the entrance is in full bloom. A recent 20+million renovation created a functional and beautiful new entrance area to better meets the needs of visitors. The old entrance was small and confusing with no place for groups to assemble.<br />
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"Wow" is right, the garden is stunning and features plants in bloom despite the summer's heat and drought. I love how this sculpture picks up lines of the glass conservatory in the background.<br />
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Fluffy "Scott's Turf'" sedge softens stone edges.<br />
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Fun spot for nesting pumpkins.</div>
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I could see this being used for several seasons. Ornaments and Easter eggs come to mind.<br />
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Recycled curbing from the old parking lot. <br />
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More pretty views near new office/classroom buildings.<br />
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We were treated to a cooking demonstration of Wilted Kale salad with citrus vinaigrette in the outdoor kitchen.<br />
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Family photo opportunity!<br />
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The new Adventure Garden for children.<br />
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Following the new trail gently up to the highest point in the city. Much improved from the old steeply graded walkway.<br />
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Walking to the top we encountered the beginning of Scarecrow Trail, an annual event featuring the work of community groups like the Epilepsy Foundation.<br />
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The trail goes on through the gardens but we were here to enjoy the sunset from the high point of the city.<br />
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Even provided Halloween colors.<br />
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Beautiful!</div>
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Enjoy your Halloween!</div>
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<br />Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-15466380182841264562019-10-02T19:35:00.002-05:002019-10-02T19:35:18.388-05:00Wildlife Wednesday October 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hummingbirds were the stars of our October garden keeping me busy refilling the feeder. They also keep us entertained with their fights so they are first up for Wildlife Wednesday. Hummingbirds are sweet, delicate little birds but there's always one bully that won't let the others feed.</div>
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Their fights look almost like dancing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZH0vVlqlFDVDC-gQFoxMl_Ysmv_Yuq94BPcVzrVbPEO-pyT7e9xZoPpx4tc4-TMHohXKJNV2p8NiJp-8fQnm1XrXBIGTMYLSpUy7Xn_Kl24cSDtC-rUxuRm9yNBiP16VbpcruQjYIzU/s1600/IMG_0177+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZH0vVlqlFDVDC-gQFoxMl_Ysmv_Yuq94BPcVzrVbPEO-pyT7e9xZoPpx4tc4-TMHohXKJNV2p8NiJp-8fQnm1XrXBIGTMYLSpUy7Xn_Kl24cSDtC-rUxuRm9yNBiP16VbpcruQjYIzU/s640/IMG_0177+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Best seen on video, these two chased and fought for hours one day.</div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwWz6CB2YaBOM_2M7W1sZhrsqnXneJcA0tejmzr_U0mUc0PEi9LgdOOCMce2SlpTE0tKEL9iYP5qRMCKIs8Ag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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A hummingbird in the screen room kept trying to get out through the screen and would have none my efforts to gently coax it toward the door. Then I had the idea to put the feeder on a chair near the door and go inside the house. That must have done the trick because the bird was gone when I returned about twenty minutes later.</div>
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A Stapelia flower briefly brought out the flies.</div>
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Gulf Fritillary butterfly on a Pride of Barbados flower. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y8iQMNbKu4erV3oVJiUee7fMjYUXtmUAqTecGQMoibLmQDPmjyYW3e1LCNnzaJXCQw8I_r_KkAuSRlaUa9k8Vy-05A1wD0aMaIo1IgiWsWOXI0tCAKnyAyHP-Woob7Iw4btiB-WPw-4/s1600/IMG_0152+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y8iQMNbKu4erV3oVJiUee7fMjYUXtmUAqTecGQMoibLmQDPmjyYW3e1LCNnzaJXCQw8I_r_KkAuSRlaUa9k8Vy-05A1wD0aMaIo1IgiWsWOXI0tCAKnyAyHP-Woob7Iw4btiB-WPw-4/s640/IMG_0152+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sulphur butterfly on Zexmenia. Not enough info to decide which one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV09F0-ptW_D-pZYb3yz_TuhfYPUxTPhGC1eaIKuikjYKoIp8FpjMNFctG1pJxkdV8KGBpPe6Q9a0XmexA0bI_8mpxAB5d52JbtY3zatSh21_Oe_9ObKevBwY71Ik4xaMBTowyyeS2f-8/s1600/IMG_0168+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV09F0-ptW_D-pZYb3yz_TuhfYPUxTPhGC1eaIKuikjYKoIp8FpjMNFctG1pJxkdV8KGBpPe6Q9a0XmexA0bI_8mpxAB5d52JbtY3zatSh21_Oe_9ObKevBwY71Ik4xaMBTowyyeS2f-8/s640/IMG_0168+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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An adorably curious Black-crested Titmouse looking at us through the kitchen window while sitting in the fig tree. Its limited range fortunately includes South Central Texas. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lq46WbUFa4QyOfa1T1iFOSzkJV5OzJX6ZF1NDPT9yQDiN3B66zzBfUzlulhH3we7fD9qSDBO2A75VXwEmvYx1WFz_67NLnorhlVWPEMUaVaMQ3Qm290UgUVTwaxYWL8jFr3-KKuGswA/s1600/IMG_0272+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lq46WbUFa4QyOfa1T1iFOSzkJV5OzJX6ZF1NDPT9yQDiN3B66zzBfUzlulhH3we7fD9qSDBO2A75VXwEmvYx1WFz_67NLnorhlVWPEMUaVaMQ3Qm290UgUVTwaxYWL8jFr3-KKuGswA/s640/IMG_0272+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Deer antlers are rarely symmetrical. Sometimes each side is fairly close to even.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O3oDgGGK-N6HkLIWMlZ4rMEgeC1y0ZXHYtdEkqDq_JbQpcMK65aidygY5-2UpDvOt5A0YNPQ4uE5hB5dJZkjijzv_5IX1H0GmCo9_rtjSy56UMLOFU-fhaGwVvMqxBeIOtyBywtF7uM/s1600/IMG_0208+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O3oDgGGK-N6HkLIWMlZ4rMEgeC1y0ZXHYtdEkqDq_JbQpcMK65aidygY5-2UpDvOt5A0YNPQ4uE5hB5dJZkjijzv_5IX1H0GmCo9_rtjSy56UMLOFU-fhaGwVvMqxBeIOtyBywtF7uM/s640/IMG_0208+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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An then there's this lopsided guy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi___V2geLXtW1sp9XgacaKY4IRSZEkcEkm3mZaY_inrfbBp2_EGR70Nlyjjb4Ed6JnfTvctt1AALtCAUUjwiQNNz6xJL0GbUgV8HTspPySOht1Jlm6qyREDqzsPTADwCeA6lbUUq0Sco8/s1600/IMG_0230+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi___V2geLXtW1sp9XgacaKY4IRSZEkcEkm3mZaY_inrfbBp2_EGR70Nlyjjb4Ed6JnfTvctt1AALtCAUUjwiQNNz6xJL0GbUgV8HTspPySOht1Jlm6qyREDqzsPTADwCeA6lbUUq0Sco8/s640/IMG_0230+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Just a few bumps instead of points. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOg460KSsgA1HnEuixc_oSa95bq6G01SoSvAbf-BJJN0EwCQ8VGtBSkNNr4cocHu0vPNALX81xFO0F7mDl_ubJFIvy_xiPkDvyML-k46Dz8Kjqr9qdjW6Hnn50UVn2Kge3gDaKHjt1uI/s1600/IMG_0224+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOg460KSsgA1HnEuixc_oSa95bq6G01SoSvAbf-BJJN0EwCQ8VGtBSkNNr4cocHu0vPNALX81xFO0F7mDl_ubJFIvy_xiPkDvyML-k46Dz8Kjqr9qdjW6Hnn50UVn2Kge3gDaKHjt1uI/s640/IMG_0224+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a little velvet left to rub off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-VE7933tWbYywnZdPzh_gp42rtow9pOVwVdp0FIUpBs43-v9j20tKo7kEtdwE4nts4xs2KfnX2cnwjbnSMAOtzGxsB3kTyJfoNCJog-vzdT7-Osf5sZSFW7SscZ0cyN9V8VVg4K2cFc/s1600/IMG_0223+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-VE7933tWbYywnZdPzh_gp42rtow9pOVwVdp0FIUpBs43-v9j20tKo7kEtdwE4nts4xs2KfnX2cnwjbnSMAOtzGxsB3kTyJfoNCJog-vzdT7-Osf5sZSFW7SscZ0cyN9V8VVg4K2cFc/s640/IMG_0223+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not in my back garden where they are fenced out. We do get some damage in the front but no practical way to fence that off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m8fim7T3ITxo_plAuDgeEseoB50RaO60655yFMB8sEWwMUijhFax6GBPw4WKdeSYoGsmUMo1tU_fnRcR1AlK60bdsB9_D2_TcDDAkJGuhSkQ6oPua229ivP9OVMsiOhhG_dPNci7hOg/s1600/IMG_0218+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m8fim7T3ITxo_plAuDgeEseoB50RaO60655yFMB8sEWwMUijhFax6GBPw4WKdeSYoGsmUMo1tU_fnRcR1AlK60bdsB9_D2_TcDDAkJGuhSkQ6oPua229ivP9OVMsiOhhG_dPNci7hOg/s640/IMG_0218+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bucks tend to stay in the brush where their antlers are not as prominent. How they know this is anyone's guess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ucgdNrLDkhktzzhX-iz8eeDsy8lNQvf67HYawDaKNLimTy2lNTCDVQFGDn4M-vLu0XCq43mJF8MMBUjtyyoU41KCs6omrq5U43Fw8xQadzHLBv5SeO6xq9FMiofRsEv4gxgL2OVpLeE/s1600/IMG_0240+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ucgdNrLDkhktzzhX-iz8eeDsy8lNQvf67HYawDaKNLimTy2lNTCDVQFGDn4M-vLu0XCq43mJF8MMBUjtyyoU41KCs6omrq5U43Fw8xQadzHLBv5SeO6xq9FMiofRsEv4gxgL2OVpLeE/s640/IMG_0240+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's the wildlife I captured in my yard for the last few weeks.<br />
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Visit <a href="https://mygardenersays.com/2019/10/02/listen-to-mama-wildlife-wednesday-october-2019/" target="_blank">"My Gardener Says..."</a> for more wildlife posts hosted by Tina and an amusingly inside look at a Woodpecker family.<br />
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Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-11728459784631083132019-09-25T20:01:00.000-05:002019-09-25T20:01:31.183-05:00Wildflower Wednesday September 2019: Leucophyllum frutescens blooms just in time<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">When we had a good one-inch plus rainfall about 12 days ago, I started the countdown to blooms on our row of Texas Sage (<i>Leucophyllum frutescens)</i> along the driveway. It usually takes about 10 days for the first blooms to emerge after a rain. Blooms can appear in spring or summer but they are seen most reliably in the fall.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHjhjja2g3JXRNRDZIYVLnsNJv9uQU5EZfkSFjLv9gDXWCkiTToDtJIfJGpPA90Evk7dWKZRQSgh1JEkUtjXYdp2UAgk_SFzZvOr1xgoYsOD79jgULaoZSB69ogYN3pun1mvpUJKVbSc/s1600/IMG_2947+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHjhjja2g3JXRNRDZIYVLnsNJv9uQU5EZfkSFjLv9gDXWCkiTToDtJIfJGpPA90Evk7dWKZRQSgh1JEkUtjXYdp2UAgk_SFzZvOr1xgoYsOD79jgULaoZSB69ogYN3pun1mvpUJKVbSc/s640/IMG_2947+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">From the first tinge of lavender-pink it takes another couple of days for full bloom which arrived today -- just in time for Wildflower Wednesday.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfvzjRF29wFR4_fvW2hy1vrp-8lW7MfrrXn2TxDljORReoDeQzRhP6EdEr7c_nhL_PmPa1g42xEJ5qmPUYDrRtUTg_GThpZ0_Dh8qRYKlnXB60HG7yKMNyc0egbAJJgpmIhVO8Xv-dNE/s640/IMG_2962+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best garage door disguise</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfvzjRF29wFR4_fvW2hy1vrp-8lW7MfrrXn2TxDljORReoDeQzRhP6EdEr7c_nhL_PmPa1g42xEJ5qmPUYDrRtUTg_GThpZ0_Dh8qRYKlnXB60HG7yKMNyc0egbAJJgpmIhVO8Xv-dNE/s1600/IMG_2962+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Native to South Texas and down into Mexico, these are 'Silverado' variety. The true natives are a bit scrawny and sporadic for a neighborhood landscape. While there were a few of those in our original landscape, they were removed over time and replaced by this fuller commercially grown version with intense flower color contrasted with gray-green foliage. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Despite common names which include Texas Sage, it's not a true sage which means it is not in genus Salvia.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ89cMNBZNOJa_4fh6WMfZth9_3-0krIHxIagTiOJ87X5uPvTxEGTC2AAVYm5MXGgmeycYwos-xFy89-0sWXlmbla-I1zKCA-xOijKyWkHzcVDMXI9tbT1kk0uKQnn2LcASnkmYZUnRrY/s1600/IMG_2957+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ89cMNBZNOJa_4fh6WMfZth9_3-0krIHxIagTiOJ87X5uPvTxEGTC2AAVYm5MXGgmeycYwos-xFy89-0sWXlmbla-I1zKCA-xOijKyWkHzcVDMXI9tbT1kk0uKQnn2LcASnkmYZUnRrY/s640/IMG_2957+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Still close enough to the original to be a Wildflower Wednesday pick. Shrubs can be wildflowers too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintdpk0CEEkt8_b6oUfbLbyWbtfGWfe0-JliRqoXDok_684umZiuAcWajqmrlPWz89fTzwqSOB0W-Dkv6BE5hLk8R4IgjTlZ-AsdRmfPxVQuAnvJvi7u1FMFoVGd6CEFEP1iBSs4CI3Hc/s1600/IMG_2951+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintdpk0CEEkt8_b6oUfbLbyWbtfGWfe0-JliRqoXDok_684umZiuAcWajqmrlPWz89fTzwqSOB0W-Dkv6BE5hLk8R4IgjTlZ-AsdRmfPxVQuAnvJvi7u1FMFoVGd6CEFEP1iBSs4CI3Hc/s640/IMG_2951+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday evening just beginning to reach peak bloom</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyi17ACQdIHSBFqa6aLiWDcghnnCWVCqPzD6n7XKXyuCiWw9Al3X2aoYHObIJJyGip0Q_prwswS1OD_3rQU3dBq5TOfT4_fyFMG2UOsqLzXyYwMdVotnRSYX5W-zl4rwdjR7v6Uz0h4GM/s1600/IMG_2953+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyi17ACQdIHSBFqa6aLiWDcghnnCWVCqPzD6n7XKXyuCiWw9Al3X2aoYHObIJJyGip0Q_prwswS1OD_3rQU3dBq5TOfT4_fyFMG2UOsqLzXyYwMdVotnRSYX5W-zl4rwdjR7v6Uz0h4GM/s640/IMG_2953+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Morning sun brings out more vibrant color</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHSXWVJcNq6jL3V67s6wPa2Lq8aJ3G06tqNfF1rRfWitLcqg_MpI1eDBJJ5Mq6NYkTSzcMPQbrfCUaXz-SH0Ig5zo5kVvqTXtbWRP2-GpkP2vXsjAWbaR03LUE8EajFTmxpTnWl683VQ/s1600/IMG_0424+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHSXWVJcNq6jL3V67s6wPa2Lq8aJ3G06tqNfF1rRfWitLcqg_MpI1eDBJJ5Mq6NYkTSzcMPQbrfCUaXz-SH0Ig5zo5kVvqTXtbWRP2-GpkP2vXsjAWbaR03LUE8EajFTmxpTnWl683VQ/s640/IMG_0424+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As soon as the blooms are out the bees get busy since the blooms only last a few days. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMPxvv1LpiS4oK9T7hg8RIgBR9z8yBCJ60EtndGZe3hM_SbwZG7AZ8d3cgJq9RBx_BB2ocEznXbaZFugBBo6YACrwN7XPQCGBlIeVpYliioF3d4jNOLh8ClIFHBbJ8rG1g7BvqfXkWvk/s1600/IMG_2960+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMPxvv1LpiS4oK9T7hg8RIgBR9z8yBCJ60EtndGZe3hM_SbwZG7AZ8d3cgJq9RBx_BB2ocEznXbaZFugBBo6YACrwN7XPQCGBlIeVpYliioF3d4jNOLh8ClIFHBbJ8rG1g7BvqfXkWvk/s640/IMG_2960+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Even with its rare bloom, this reminds me why I chose to plant Leucophyllum frutescens along the driveway.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Wildflower Wednesday is hosted by Gail at <a href="https://www.clayandlimestone.com/2019/09/wildflower-wednesday-euonymus-americanus.html" target="_blank">Clay and Limestone</a> on the fourth Wednesday of each month.</span></span>Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-5955011304993251842019-09-22T21:29:00.003-05:002019-09-22T21:32:40.564-05:00The calendar turns to Fall but the weather sticks with SummerWhat a crazy year, we had the wettest spring and the driest summer in recent memory. Our summer has been so hot and dry it's sure nice to know that Fall weather will be here eventually. But not yet as we're still above normal, temperature wise. A brief morning shower brought an opportunity for photos before the sun burned through the clouds and chased me back inside. All in all it's a good day for a tour of just how our drought-tolerant landscape has weathered this tough summer.<br />
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The front corner is our usual starting point for the annual review. Although the angle shows too much garage it is meant to show off the sage which are just about to bloom. Silverado Sage lined up along the drive helps to soften the concrete and distract from the garage door view just a bit.<br />
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If you ask me for garden design advice don't be surprised if I include ideas for changing the house too. Silvery yuccas and agaves softened by Mexican Feathergrass coordinate with sage green house trim and a silvery metal roof.<br />
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A view of our 100' concrete drive I don't show often but it is a prominent feature of how we see our house. It is what it is. As mentioned the sages are showing just a tinge of pink in response to a rain shower last week.<br />
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We've had several off and on showers the last ten days or so which have triggered these blooms. Any day they'll break out in bright blooms which will attract thousands of bees before they fade away.</div>
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Some new angles to play around with. Spiky is the new leafy green especially where 10-12 hours of blasting sun limit plant selection.</div>
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From the street. Maybe our cat's view, but it is a good one.</div>
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<i>Agave ovatifolia</i> has not produced a bloom yet though I'm sure it will soon. Now six feet across.</div>
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Right about here a realtor stopped his car to tell me our house is beautiful. I agreed which is why it's not going to be for sale for a long while. </div>
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The weather has even taken its toll on drought tolerant native Wooly Stemodia ground cover in the foreground.</div>
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Golden Barrels and golden grasses show fall color even without the matching weather.</div>
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Across to the north side of the drive. I always thought cold made the <i>Opuntia santa-rita</i> turn purple but the stress of a hot, dry summer has done it this time. I think these are just about the deepest purple they've been since I planted them six years ago. </div>
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Looking back across the front from the shady side to the sunny side.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKImD4aZxljWFZ4ehDJxpuVCO2KbIlvOnLHBk-uQUeF-yKgzFxj0e0jBiaRh5WwCfpTQD-_KJc5dY94a7vK187EYKycM-rvnLSYXz-e-tMzsILwmFAC8cyvDW277PsDfD9PEx5_Hu6Cc/s1600/IMG_2842+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKImD4aZxljWFZ4ehDJxpuVCO2KbIlvOnLHBk-uQUeF-yKgzFxj0e0jBiaRh5WwCfpTQD-_KJc5dY94a7vK187EYKycM-rvnLSYXz-e-tMzsILwmFAC8cyvDW277PsDfD9PEx5_Hu6Cc/s640/IMG_2842+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Face planter path gets plenty of shade so less stress on the plants.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29lcD5Gd7ZcdAuXF8uZ1NsZRFOvRP01dc57r7mOpT0QBAJPKb55Slpq1sVX69bBIvY0eIHXtOKDaGXCmMNnEk8kmSTM02cV4bS3kLerDWsUHh7GC6jWygYhTHZwonALp9wL1u6syL7Ps/s1600/IMG_2843+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29lcD5Gd7ZcdAuXF8uZ1NsZRFOvRP01dc57r7mOpT0QBAJPKb55Slpq1sVX69bBIvY0eIHXtOKDaGXCmMNnEk8kmSTM02cV4bS3kLerDWsUHh7GC6jWygYhTHZwonALp9wL1u6syL7Ps/s640/IMG_2843+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I kept potted plants well-watered during the heat so they are getting by.</div>
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Last year I placed a white bench in the back corner and it helps brighten what was always a dark space.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5erIz83fAMAvbNYx_0r9DsaM71AH0fBuE63w_tyQv1lS47GF6F9YBlNeFVfq_sdSi5j5J8DM7VDhrkutf5nMeQ0oQN444STrmXivnTbE94Jwq5YGAZrf7yhTTl9HY93aSapsD1YF_iHM/s1600/IMG_2864+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5erIz83fAMAvbNYx_0r9DsaM71AH0fBuE63w_tyQv1lS47GF6F9YBlNeFVfq_sdSi5j5J8DM7VDhrkutf5nMeQ0oQN444STrmXivnTbE94Jwq5YGAZrf7yhTTl9HY93aSapsD1YF_iHM/s640/IMG_2864+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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A new addition this year are two white urn planters on either side which continues the color from my collection of vintage white clay pots.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVra7hwHXpB4LaQmeGpDbaq_P0gsRjjwuQSK6n8N6UqlUaySXee8CIU_FEDI3TvAs3s4jlXU-JzVjOxoqriN2tvDhZ21oouiTXoLV3AG_2UkLcHAtBVvRwHdvin8L_b6OCm5hjxebQju8/s1600/IMG_2765+%25281024x633%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1024" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVra7hwHXpB4LaQmeGpDbaq_P0gsRjjwuQSK6n8N6UqlUaySXee8CIU_FEDI3TvAs3s4jlXU-JzVjOxoqriN2tvDhZ21oouiTXoLV3AG_2UkLcHAtBVvRwHdvin8L_b6OCm5hjxebQju8/s640/IMG_2765+%25281024x633%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bistro table and chairs are mainly for plant display.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtms6M4igY2DewKvL1r2gffRikZR1WN48ErrN8oF0-QZD1GSAEXSt-Zp-GAYNDsiurOhgRDYBx4agXolQbCbI-Z3s_aGi_rQ41DjuqP1PWen_9DeGDQfv7QbsyNdgl2zniZgm8RiHJarM/s1600/IMG_2873+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtms6M4igY2DewKvL1r2gffRikZR1WN48ErrN8oF0-QZD1GSAEXSt-Zp-GAYNDsiurOhgRDYBx4agXolQbCbI-Z3s_aGi_rQ41DjuqP1PWen_9DeGDQfv7QbsyNdgl2zniZgm8RiHJarM/s640/IMG_2873+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We don't sit there but here's the view from the table.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jhy8BStdLa-M6-BRPuOLZzoimmFVklI6koFSAFwvAOQDLlZUt4b2Te8alief0Z3Ca35vCTHDz0duPEmVl46BmlZfaBluBN8rSPiNjIWUUQZ8hyphenhyphentvQUwpb0hGY_stuY8Cu1ZYdcFtq1A/s1600/IMG_2808+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jhy8BStdLa-M6-BRPuOLZzoimmFVklI6koFSAFwvAOQDLlZUt4b2Te8alief0Z3Ca35vCTHDz0duPEmVl46BmlZfaBluBN8rSPiNjIWUUQZ8hyphenhyphentvQUwpb0hGY_stuY8Cu1ZYdcFtq1A/s640/IMG_2808+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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In the other direction are window boxes in need of a fall update.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyB-slFsEJKW415pUGwy3TJOFunmxZSHs6VRteJF4w5C6okizZrixDjtSLCxMLIGrQ6bwPQrY3sGxJdqWjbE0Su52-EZSi50sabIETR3bHeU-oX-VX8GEFwzjc-RTuMzhw-8qSJlgyBU/s1600/IMG_2810+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyB-slFsEJKW415pUGwy3TJOFunmxZSHs6VRteJF4w5C6okizZrixDjtSLCxMLIGrQ6bwPQrY3sGxJdqWjbE0Su52-EZSi50sabIETR3bHeU-oX-VX8GEFwzjc-RTuMzhw-8qSJlgyBU/s640/IMG_2810+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Octopus agave has been the best plant for this spot. The sculptural curves get a lot of attention from guests.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8bTO9ynHEgFLbkRWoDUMiz9PUe-klyWn1Chpjg2mkuiHHlvCprOaLEEATj6y5O5mCvZBEQUsNqQFd4mF2BXnqzpqPuaSLguHbBdp9aead0ejt3Kh95i9y5HP-TV7BIg3V1HZVK_7hTI/s1600/IMG_2805+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8bTO9ynHEgFLbkRWoDUMiz9PUe-klyWn1Chpjg2mkuiHHlvCprOaLEEATj6y5O5mCvZBEQUsNqQFd4mF2BXnqzpqPuaSLguHbBdp9aead0ejt3Kh95i9y5HP-TV7BIg3V1HZVK_7hTI/s640/IMG_2805+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My camera told me I took 192 photos today. So we'll tour the back in my next post.</div>
Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-51545968729802137042019-09-04T19:22:00.001-05:002019-09-04T19:27:13.652-05:00Wildlife Wednesday: A Toadly Adventure<span style="text-align: left;">My task was to replace a dead/dying plant in the barrel planter when......</span><span style="text-align: left;">Hello there! <span style="font-family: inherit;">We seem to have a bit of a standoff. Gulf Coast toad, </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bufo nebulifer</span></em><em style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">, </em><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">common in most of Texas. A female since her throat is not pigmented with yellow.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR16pTZTB_FFFd-xBYHP9i1DirLr4FX4zPrYMuIkM9iT-hPiY9Qc6KMebb5AXxDRBbol1beLf9_dyJpdE2KlwTCLK__Ex3S2Nj8H0ia5ThvWz1mxQ7RCbLTNdCMOT3SLYkCMU5t8pULsM/s1600/IMG_1122+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR16pTZTB_FFFd-xBYHP9i1DirLr4FX4zPrYMuIkM9iT-hPiY9Qc6KMebb5AXxDRBbol1beLf9_dyJpdE2KlwTCLK__Ex3S2Nj8H0ia5ThvWz1mxQ7RCbLTNdCMOT3SLYkCMU5t8pULsM/s640/IMG_1122+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Was it you who drank all the Jack Daniels out of this barrel?"</td></tr>
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"What's going on here?" Adorable and beneficial in the garden since they devour insects. <i>Bufo nebulifer</i> has a defined "V" indentation between the eyes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNkySd2rNGAJIOK1Jvn3EW0kTvUgSconXF3_I2RiMMVnO3HmFwAZiYagc2_Xs7UX5CxJqith61Hm28koyju9eD8XNU_e_vQQB6wNZ-oX6yhXKGzQy7453ErHNizhg9MBsYp-nqGmKD6k/s1600/IMG_1127+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNkySd2rNGAJIOK1Jvn3EW0kTvUgSconXF3_I2RiMMVnO3HmFwAZiYagc2_Xs7UX5CxJqith61Hm28koyju9eD8XNU_e_vQQB6wNZ-oX6yhXKGzQy7453ErHNizhg9MBsYp-nqGmKD6k/s640/IMG_1127+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Optical illusion of soil appearing in the "V" between her eyes.</td></tr>
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"A new plant right here? This spot is taken."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBLy2-We7ZAuZxSyQQKEW3DXLfdrKao1wpEh7xSp0Zyd2HH58r6-lTLH-cl-41yccOYnT2Pj2lliDMYrZDMXr_QZgCsZcvS8TXZBRWcvemDlmfd73RQEwDwuhP_rUlwNu7LqPV_i5R44/s1600/IMG_1125+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBLy2-We7ZAuZxSyQQKEW3DXLfdrKao1wpEh7xSp0Zyd2HH58r6-lTLH-cl-41yccOYnT2Pj2lliDMYrZDMXr_QZgCsZcvS8TXZBRWcvemDlmfd73RQEwDwuhP_rUlwNu7LqPV_i5R44/s640/IMG_1125+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think I know the answer. Her look was one of confusion since she had just been tossed out of a bucket of potting mix toted from the porch about 10 yards away. A long hop back for a toad so I coaxed her into the bucket and returned to the porch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jMvUpSWDHspn0tEgK0H95O_Mb2dkJvgHN1Od7IY63rCOKRBKAu_7SJ77sVdoZiaYeUAYPEH8tuxpPGPhypdeMlRG7lxeGl2-whjOESiKbpPpPDYBqsTc6t9JaQ-Eug0DS4UNCL9FUY0/s1600/IMG_1129+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jMvUpSWDHspn0tEgK0H95O_Mb2dkJvgHN1Od7IY63rCOKRBKAu_7SJ77sVdoZiaYeUAYPEH8tuxpPGPhypdeMlRG7lxeGl2-whjOESiKbpPpPDYBqsTc6t9JaQ-Eug0DS4UNCL9FUY0/s640/IMG_1129+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy to be home, she immediately hopped out (before I could even tip the bucket) and took off for the safety of a nearby planter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg7tS2iKLhy5Zo0QkT89WbJk8yKE0eNAeVHhJnUCfm-N77z0SEdwqB2eeZbOjkm3fwPyEoYYr3i6NLvN9gdO_5ILf1CmWV7n6XuGmqK_rTbxULV_BtJsqdYldQFP-5HXgbzr428gy_xM/s1600/IMG_1132+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg7tS2iKLhy5Zo0QkT89WbJk8yKE0eNAeVHhJnUCfm-N77z0SEdwqB2eeZbOjkm3fwPyEoYYr3i6NLvN9gdO_5ILf1CmWV7n6XuGmqK_rTbxULV_BtJsqdYldQFP-5HXgbzr428gy_xM/s640/IMG_1132+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few minutes later, while watering plants along the nearby front walk I spotted another, smaller toad. They are clearly happy in this part of the garden and I am happy to have them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRX9XvEUeoffFXMvPAv3iWFogaRZGWC2E3PRTVthZBHu5toysFP9SAvT1sX5wE6whIKKwjkwq9DZkywLjVOXRhs0crs7oC58rGYCjc28lwNV-iVUhXVcSTDJHesWcabpWupcvefJPlusk/s1600/IMG_1135+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRX9XvEUeoffFXMvPAv3iWFogaRZGWC2E3PRTVthZBHu5toysFP9SAvT1sX5wE6whIKKwjkwq9DZkywLjVOXRhs0crs7oC58rGYCjc28lwNV-iVUhXVcSTDJHesWcabpWupcvefJPlusk/s640/IMG_1135+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="https://mygardenersays.com/2019/09/04/an-incomplete-cycle-wildlife-wednesday-september-2019/" target="_blank">Tina's post at "My Gardener Says..."</a> to follow more Wildlife Wednesday stories.Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808857981868159973.post-46529273266747139992019-08-28T14:46:00.003-05:002019-09-11T15:14:02.703-05:00Wildflower Wednesday August 2019: Passiflora vinesSometimes the simplest ideas turn out to be the biggest challenge. I'm all set to highlight Passiflora in my garden as a great butterfly host plant for the August edition of <a href="https://www.clayandlimestone.com/2019/08/wildflower-wednesday-wild-senna.html" target="_blank">Wildflower Wednesday</a>. I can't get much closer to home when it comes to native plants than this <i>Passiflora foetida</i> grown from seed collected along the utility easement behind our back fence. Or is it <i>Passiflora foetida</i>? I checked the <a href="https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PAFO2" target="_blank">NPIN database at The Wildflower Center</a> and noted their photo, especially the leaves, showed significant differences from mine. Clearly this was more complicated than I thought. After much searching I found no other Passiflora photos that looked any closer to the one in my garden so I'm going with <i>Passiflora foetida</i> and noting some plant characteristics may vary<i>.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6ojWNNBwxzx4U-qjWJ2-I5oSUvvvy8qCB5BnQYESSxdYBZMvp1z2encFKXWVDi5yb00o8iBmQfs_BDRF7tZ2jGfUKcLAbH9FVOp4k1UMOD63csOyUz30VzXMmi5DDO868qhWQSuXMjg/s1600/IMG_3676+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6ojWNNBwxzx4U-qjWJ2-I5oSUvvvy8qCB5BnQYESSxdYBZMvp1z2encFKXWVDi5yb00o8iBmQfs_BDRF7tZ2jGfUKcLAbH9FVOp4k1UMOD63csOyUz30VzXMmi5DDO868qhWQSuXMjg/s640/IMG_3676+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Common names include Corona de cristo and Fetid (stinky!) Passionflower. Since these grow nearby without any supplemental water and care I follow nature's lead and let them scramble with just an occasional dose of water from the hose when nearby drought-tolerant plants need water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0znM8BOHO18-w8G8uNZpb35YZDFtY5XTCqs4HWqVSdLShWbWv6IMxNH175aSzFiSXcIeOzQncuj-knYzzRMUWDYLlvohT96X8Uvtmfcysl5hO4xrSu8ge4BvtHRuU5Opwquw68j19LWQ/s1600/IMG_3674+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0znM8BOHO18-w8G8uNZpb35YZDFtY5XTCqs4HWqVSdLShWbWv6IMxNH175aSzFiSXcIeOzQncuj-knYzzRMUWDYLlvohT96X8Uvtmfcysl5hO4xrSu8ge4BvtHRuU5Opwquw68j19LWQ/s640/IMG_3674+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Passiflora flowers open early and close just as soon as the sun hits.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3tOFTF_rVpCCzpk1SlLsq6RzYee7TNydg-QiiZy5KddAEN4vff2-ivo8xFFutDfonhtSygdURWppQVQVmm_N4rUYrSvPQdgUa-qkLvmxh9jrABgBMaiL8NwycfkZEsayJp1Cs9upz9A/s1600/IMG_0814+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3tOFTF_rVpCCzpk1SlLsq6RzYee7TNydg-QiiZy5KddAEN4vff2-ivo8xFFutDfonhtSygdURWppQVQVmm_N4rUYrSvPQdgUa-qkLvmxh9jrABgBMaiL8NwycfkZEsayJp1Cs9upz9A/s640/IMG_0814+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Caged bloom buds and seeds add interest along the vine and you can see (above and below) where the cage-like sepals fold out and back in as the flower opens and closes with light.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZYuX_alsDF29RdFdaTMS6xi6N4roybTBNA4DYIohCYGy4fe6lGcZrs6qWqDn-vyL0maoy5Inak4sEnkUz2NxUFfJQZbcSMhILD2jmO5lRFjmmCKAtGZJtOUOcg_Z0lw6y5sPmml00SQ/s1600/IMG_2109+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZYuX_alsDF29RdFdaTMS6xi6N4roybTBNA4DYIohCYGy4fe6lGcZrs6qWqDn-vyL0maoy5Inak4sEnkUz2NxUFfJQZbcSMhILD2jmO5lRFjmmCKAtGZJtOUOcg_Z0lw6y5sPmml00SQ/s640/IMG_2109+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Available information is all over the place on the native/invasive status of </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PAFO2" target="_blank">Passiflora foetida</a></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Combining information from several sources I find </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Passiflora foetida</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is native to deep South Texas and has spread northward to San Antonio. It's not even close to being invasive in our climate but introduced to tropical climates like Hawaii it can form a dense mat and smother native plants. </span>I would love to have it spread a bit more as it is the exclusive larval host for Gulf Frittilary butterflies we have in abundance. In fact we've had a dry summer and the vines in the wild are parched so it's a good thing to give a few of these at home in my garden. I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">t is also a host for the stunning Zebra Longwing butterfly which aren't seen often enough in my garden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another Zebra Longwing host, <i>Passiflora lutea </i>or Yellow passionflower, turned up by surprise in my garden a few years ago. Since it looks similar to Snailseed vine I almost pulled it but caught myself just in time and decided to research first. At first I was stumped because I compared it to <i>P. affinis </i>which didn't look exactly right.<i> </i>A post to the Facebook group Texas Flora quickly pointed me to <i>P. Lutea</i> with a caveat to wait for blooms to be sure.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY21Wo-k1sEYm_S0jT9jRu437COLrMfGwHwoG6N31liJ5YEPyTiDm2EXhRyNcdonQ5p_n4BKGrt_iT2CnVE45tOn2936Fa4Go-5U54RGM5wERhyphenhyphenv93tHNiuAaebPgDXoXkue1H17qAAko/s1600/IMG_2532+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY21Wo-k1sEYm_S0jT9jRu437COLrMfGwHwoG6N31liJ5YEPyTiDm2EXhRyNcdonQ5p_n4BKGrt_iT2CnVE45tOn2936Fa4Go-5U54RGM5wERhyphenhyphenv93tHNiuAaebPgDXoXkue1H17qAAko/s640/IMG_2532+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happily <i>Passiflora lutea</i> has returned each year and grown from a small sprout to present tiny yellow blooms for the first time this summer. <i>Passiflora lutea</i> prefers part shade and moist soil so it planted itself in the right spot near a barrel planter I water frequently.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn8-7KS1mqOxTL_QOgB8R4esgANacEymQdFiCiYoyuZuQr4ucMLhBHZqbfIB5veLoCHHa4OhrE8mix-WMjHsPoF8ROUPOzNHsyVi1LmpcFba9y2NoLpbRc_IdriDJvhIZW54QFxP0jAo/s1600/IMG_0136+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="587" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn8-7KS1mqOxTL_QOgB8R4esgANacEymQdFiCiYoyuZuQr4ucMLhBHZqbfIB5veLoCHHa4OhrE8mix-WMjHsPoF8ROUPOzNHsyVi1LmpcFba9y2NoLpbRc_IdriDJvhIZW54QFxP0jAo/s640/IMG_0136+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Host to several butterflies including the same Gulf Fritillary and Zebra Longwing which are attracted to <i>Passiflora foetida</i> featured above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Given the success of these two Passiflora vines I'll try to add <i>Passiflora incarnata</i> which is one native Passionvine currently missing from my blooming collection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bring on the butterflies! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wildflower Wednesday is hosted on the fourth Wednesday of each month by Gail at <a href="https://www.clayandlimestone.com/2019/08/wildflower-wednesday-wild-senna.html" target="_blank">Clay and Limestone</a>. She always has informative posts on wonderful native plants so be sure to check out her blog for links to participating blogs as well.</span>Shirley Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.com7