Arid environments are not lifeless

One thing that struck me when I was in Australia (back in the dark ages), was that the desert areas were far more vibrant than expected. The Outback isn't a desolate wasteland that one might expect. One of the plants that stood out was Kangaroo Paw, something I have tried to grow here with no success. Alas, my gardening skills are minimal at best, so no surprise there. Fortunately, others have had far better luck, or skill, as the case may be. This combination of reds is so striking and beautiful. While I don't know what the bushy red plant is called, it doesn't matter since it is just a joy to walk by every day and take in the vibrant beauty.

  

Bears and donkeys in our neighborhood

Okay, so the title was a tease, but this wonderful bear is permanently ensconced near the street. Someone decided to put on a baseball cap (backwards of course) to add to the charm. It is true that bears do live in our area, though we are not as privileged to see them wandering about as other towns in the area. I have a true fondness for them, even naming my wonderful rescue dog Kuma because he looked just a bit like one. The good news is, this bear allows you to pet him.

As for the donkeys, they are also motionless but are doing the good service of providing a stand for potted plants. They are also very colorful additions to the yard.

Okay - it's true. Purple is my favorite color

Couldn't pass this up. Nature is a wonder and the perfection of blossoms never fails to amaze. Being purple is the icing on the cake. 

Pollinators and passersby rejoice

There has been concerted effort in our area to create yards for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. More yards have native plants. Some yards are little art tests too. This yard meets both requirements. Sort of. If you don't pay attention to the weeds. The round sign atop the butterfly tile says Pollinator Work Zone. The hedgehogs, frog, and snail add to the charm. Click on the picture for a bigger view.

Repurposing the wheel barrow is another good way to keep things out of the landfill and serve a practical need for large plantings. 

These little piggies stay home

These two cuties have been on the blog before, but their people have moved them closer to the front fence so their adorable expressions are now in full view. Nope, couldn't pass them up. And the next time you're about to order bacon, remember these two and reconsider.

Palm trees wrapped in green

To get this out of the way upfront, I am not a fan of palm trees. Well, at least not the very tall ones that grow around here and do absolutely nothing to shade areas or produce any fruit. In heavy wind dead branches can come down and kill you. In fire, those same branches act as torches. Yet here we are. There are two palms that get a pass however because they look lush thanks to the ivy growing at the base and climbing high up the trunk. Quite exotic looking.

You can see the care taken at the base to trim it back. Then it goes wild as it climbs up, making it look like a different plant altogether. Truly nature, when left to itself, is amazing.

A chick and her egg?

Easter is nearly upon us and though people don't generally go all out on decorating, there are the few who come up with cute items. This chick and an enormous egg belie the Easter bunny myth - or not. 

Clearly this is a reference to the Easter bunny considering the number of carrots involved, though why they are in a tree is puzzling, since bunnies can't fly. But we'll take it as a symbol and not a literal bunny lure.

The basket below, with Easter eggs about, may be a lure for unsuspecting children. We like to think they are prizes, however, and are waiting to be scooped up on the neighborhood Easter egg hunt. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.