Bejeweled

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Tina

Early in the morning, the inflorescence of a Pride of Barbados, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, is bejeweled.

Crystalline droplets adorn the junctions of peduncle (the main stem of the inflorescence) and pedicels (stems bearing the terminal blooms). Closed buds–with their promises of floral beauty and pollinator sustenance–echo the water droplets in spherical contrast to the peduncle and pedicels.

The water jewels are ephemeral, soon eclipsed by opened blooms.

I’m delighted to join in today with Anna’s Wednesday Vignette. Pop on over and check out other garden and nature musings.

Coffee Mate

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Tina

While sipping my morning coffee, a garden companion enjoyed her morning oak nut.

She sat (or is it a squat?) in a garden adjacent to my patio only a few feet away from me, contentedly munching her breakfast. I was directly in front of her, comfortable on a wooden bench, coffee cup in hand, listening to the birds begin their day and observing Ms. Squirrel’s meal. We shared no conversation; my attempts at engagement went unanswered.

Within a few minutes, Ms. Squirrel finished her nut. She glanced at me before bounding off. I took her last look at me as a nod in confirmation of her ease in the garden and companionship with me–as long as there was respectful distance.

I was surprised and pleased that she spent some of her day, perhaps not exactly in camaraderie with me, but demonstrating a level of comfort with my presence.

She and I shared 5 or 6 minutes of morning quiet before heading off to our respective adventures and responsibilities.

I’m glad to join today with Anna’s Wednesday Vignette. Pop on over and check out musings of all sorts.

Succulence

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Tina

I wanted to watch birds–maybe take a photo, or ten–but the birds weren’t interested. I’d heard them when I was inside, so came outside to watch.

The birds absconded from my garden. They retired from their aerial runway for that evening.

As I sat, photographically dejected, I observed this Ghost plant, Graptopetalum paraguayense, charming rosettes all cheery and eager for attention, just a few feet away.

Succulent succulence.

There’s something pure spring about the green of this plant. As I was pondering the lack of spring bird migration (that’s been a thing this year), I was rewarded with the company of these lush, friendly, spring-like plants. Interestingly, Ghost plants show a range of coloring–green, to grey, to tinged with pink–depending upon sun exposure and time of year. I grow quite a few ghosts, popped thoughtlessly in various pots around my garden; they’re stupidly easy to grow.

This crew sits in morning sun and next to a bench–the bench where I watch birds.

Or is it the bench where I appreciate ghosts?

Today, I’m joining in with Anna’s Wednesday Vignette for springtime, and all kinds, of musings.