My new home in Seattle reveals floral gifts each morning. The front yard, in particular, is full of surprises as spring progresses and new plants appear, giving meaning to the term “picture window.” Monday morning when I pulled up the front window blinds I saw one perfect oriental poppy. Taking the photo later, I noticed the bug visitor. (Looks like a true bug but I’m open to a more informed ID.) I almost yanked out the oriental poppy in March when its rough hairy dissected leaves first emerged looking weedy. But I waited patiently. Not really, but that sounds more zen than the truth — the new growth looked tough to remove so I wasn’t motivated to scout out a shovel and dig.
It’s a constant surprise because I have no idea what to expect here. The house is older (mid-century) and some of the landscaping plants are those more common in the past. Others are new to the home (planted in recent years), like this rose I saw below the window Monday morning.
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns spinning around us.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
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I also have more traditional roses in pink, lavender, and coral.
A different poppy species began blooming a few weeks ago.
The flower bed along the driveway is crowded with old fashioned plants like coral bells, viburnum, and columbine. The jumble of bark chips, leaves, and flowers offers interesting texture.
The same flower bed holds a mystery plant almost ready to self-reveal.
And here’s a revelation that ties directly back to why I have a new home. I saw this bumblebee on the hood of my car and zoomed in for a photo. When I looked at the image, I saw the black specks and looked closely at the car. The white paint is burned off in tiny specks from the embers falling as I drove away from the Camp Fire.
I’ll let you know in the comments what new surprise appears Wednesday morning.