Sweet Stargazers

Pin It

Not actually gazing at stars this year, something has attacked my poor lily and crippled it slightly. Despite the handicap, it put out a beautifully noble effort. If you've never smelled a Stargazer, you're missing out on something heavenly.

The Stargazer Lily was hybridized by local lily breeder, Mr. Leslie Woodriff, about whom one can read in local writer Amy Stewart's New York Times best selling new book, Flower Confidential.

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved

Roses, Daisies And A Sunset

Pin It

While visiting my dear friend Erika in the Sacramento Valley last weekend I got some beautiful photos of her garden.

Then a stunning shot of the sunset, so reminiscent of those long-shadowed, valley sunsets that I love.

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved

California Cicada

Pin It

Don't believe it if you hear that Cicadas do not occur in California. They do. Taken in the River Park area of Sacramento, CA on June 24, 2007, this photo may have been taken by my son Joshua. We were both delightedly using my camera to get the best shot while this very docile creature didn't move at all. To find out more about cicadas, Google "cicadas in California".

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved

Beautiful Hemerocallis

Pin It

Read about Daylilies, genus hemerocallis, here. And here. Here. More here. And even more here. Happy viewing.

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved

Dark Pink Watsonia

Pin It

Watsonia, a cousin to iris, is blooming now in my garden. This deep pink one is less hardy than the more common light pink variety.

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved

Damselfly

Pin It

Detail-wise, this may be one of the best shots I've taken for this blog. If you click on the photo, you will see this damselfly in all it's un-edited, un-cropped glory.

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved

Shy Columbine

Pin It

One stalk per year. That's all I'm allowed of this shy and beautiful columbine. I have to watch carefully or I could miss it.

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved

Delicious Daylily

Pin It

Sometimes I find myself unable to chose between one photo or another, so I post them both. This isn't the prettiest daylily on the planet, but it has lovely ruffled petals and is quite delicious!

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved

Early Blue Hydrangea

Pin It

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved

Purple Clematis

Pin It

This clematis, whose name I believe is Clematis jackmanii, graces our front gateway and nods its lovely purple 8-inch blossoms as we pass by.

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved

White Floribunda

Pin It

Greeting me as I approach the front door, this old floribunda, heavy with blooms, exudes a deliciously licorice scent. One stem, like the one here, can make an entire bouquet.

Copyright © 2006-2007, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved