April in the Garden - When the Deep Pink Rhododendron Blooms ...

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... it's usually a sign that spring is well and truly established along the north coast.  But that doesn't seem to be the case this year.  The day I took this photo was the only sunny day to be had.  Mostly it's been rainy, windy and cold.  I'm only complaining a little bit as I'm just tired of being cold.  Mostly I'm logging the weather - in my own way.

I see by the many gardeners I follow that there really is some delightful spring weather happening in other parts of the world, and I'm thankful for that.

Happy Gardening!

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

The World Upside Down in a Drop of Water

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My world anyway ...

Hanging from the metal railing of the gate on the horse corral.  Sometimes I take photos just because.

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

April in the Garden - Sparaxis

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Many years ago when we first moved to the cool and foggy north coast and I hadn't a clue what to plant, being from the hot, dry Sacramento Valley, my neighbor gave me some Sparaxis bulbs and said just scatter them; they'll multiply and come up year after year.

She was so right, and for a number of years, until I got the hang of gardening in a foreign climate, they were the first flowers to bloom in my garden in the spring.  Even now I watch for them and rejoice in their multi-colored petals and funny faces.

Happy Gardening!

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

April in the Garden - White Clematis with Red Maple

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On a recent, rare sunny afternoon, shadows were dancing with the stamens of this clematis.

This isn't the best of photos, but I've got a new camera and am just learning how to use it.  It takes a while to get used to the new settings and adjustments. This is a more glorified point-and-shoot than my older Canon digital elph and a bit more intricate to use so bear with me while I figure it out.  My other new camera, now, is a dslr Canon Rebel XSi. And that is a rather daunting piece of equipment. Bit of a steep learning curve, I'm thinking. Still, when I master it I'm hoping for better and better quality photos.

I'm off (again) for the weekend so don't worry if comments don't show up right away.  I'll get them up on Sunday.

Have a great weekend.  Happy gardening!

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

April in the Garden - Lichen on Crabapple

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My crabapple tree is in full bloom but has taken a beating from Ma Nature. Rain, hail, wind, thunder, lightening, cold - we've had it all and still my poor trees insist on blooming.

As I was trying to get a good shot of the blossoms, I saw lichen growing on one of the thick branches.

Now there's a photo...

I wonder how far it will eventually spread?

I've not been around to see my blogger friends lately and I miss them.  This is a busy time of year and I've been gone for several weekends and will be gone for several more.  That leaves no time for blogging or lurking.  I'll catch up with you when I can.

Happy gardening!

 

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

April in the Garden - Flaming Orange Tulips

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A little eye-popping orange for your viewing pleasure.

Have a wonderful weekend, all you happy gardeners! 






© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Spring Walks - White Camellia

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Sometimes, while on a walk, I'll come across a blogworthy flower. Then I'm really glad that I (usually) always pack my camera with me.

The camellia shrub was about 10-feet tall - more like a tree  I had to reach to get this shot.  Lucky me.

Did you know that this beautiful camellia is related to the plant that grows the tea you drink?  True.  I have a packet of Camellia sinensis seeds that I'm going to plant in the greenhouse this year.

Then ...   Well, we'll see ...

Happy gardening!

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

April in the Garden - Vinca major (Periwinkle)

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I know it's considered a noxious weed in some environs but here on the cool northern California coast, Periwinkle is very containable and easily pulled out of places where it shouldn't stray.  Plus it can hide some otherwise not-so-pretty views.

Me, I was happy to catch the unfurling.

Happy gardening!

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Green, Green Hills of Home

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Oh happy day!  I was able to load PhotoShop onto this older computer and veeerrry slowly get a photo ready for Shadow Shot Sunday.

These are the hills that I drive through on my way to and from where I live now and where I grew up in the Sacramento Valley.  This time of year they are a splendid palette of greens.  Most of the rest of the year will find them burned to a crispy brown by the hot valley sun.

I still can't believe I got this shot by rolling the window down and shooting while driving.  Please don't tell my husband ...

Harriet is back and Shadow Shot Sunday will be up soon.  Happy Easter everyone!

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

No Computer - No Posts

Pin It I am bereft.

My computer is in the hospital and won't be home until Monday at the earliest.

All my edited photos that remain at the ready for posting live on that computer.

Sure, I keep my originals on external hard drives, but this loaner computer I'm currently using doesn't have PhotoShop or any other photo tweakers, so I'm stuck until I get my very ill computer back, hopefully as good or better as new.

At least I can still see my favorite bloggers' posts over the weekend.  And I will.

Happy Easter!  And have a wonderful weekend.

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.