Raven Ridge Gardens

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Bi-Color Pink Cosmos

I just planted this little sweetheart among the budding chrysanthemums. Had to post a photo to show you how happy she is.

Friday, August 17, 2012

When I took this photo while out on a walk several weeks ago, I was sure it was a variety of hibiscus but I have not been able to find one like it in any of my searches.

The petals, as one can see, are quite reticulated. If it is hibiscus, I'm pretty sure it's a hardy perennial type, not the tropical variety.

If anyone knows what this is, I would love for you to let me know in the comments.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Morning Dew on Rye Grass

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Thursday, August 09, 2012

Trinidad Pier

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Fishing boats at Trinidad Pier

The pier was under construction for many months. I have night photos of huge boom cranes at work.

Now it's finished and I'm betting the fisher folk are mighty pleased.

So, ya got anything to eat?

The gulls have already anointed it with their special offerings.

Well, do ya?

As only gulls can.

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Double Japanese Anemone and the Waning of Summer

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Double Japanese anemone

When the Japanese anemones open I know that our foggy summer is more than halfway over; that the sunny skies of autumn will be here soon.

This is the season I look forward to the most: The colors, the flavors, the woodsy-composty-smokey outdoor scents, the red-gold sun with its long shadows, the just perceptible nip to the evening air, the rise of winged ants, the frantic feeding of swallows as they prepare for their long flight to a warmer winter, the promise of holidays with family and a new grand-baby.

We tuck in. Summer is way too short here; our winters way too long.

I still love it.

Monday, August 06, 2012

Foggy Dew

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While I appreciate cool, foggy weather as much as the next person . . .

It does get a bit wearing.

Fog and drizzle can make for some rather picturesque dew drops.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Hydrangeas and Crocosmia

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What's blooming in my garden right now?

Hydrangea - Raven Ridge Gardens 2012

This.

Hydrangeas and Crocosmia 'Lucifer' - Raven Ridge Gardens 2012

And these.

And tomorrow there will be more. Maybe even that vegetable garden update I've been promising.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Deep Pink Bi-Color Clematis

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I've photographed and posted the blooms of this particular clematis several times over the years and, to me, it gets lovelier as the years pass. See more photos, taken in varying light, here and here.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Cool Water, Cool Weather, and Garden Zucchini

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Cool, foggy days are the norm during summers on the far north coast of California. Sometimes it's so foggy and the air is so wet, the forecasters call it drizzle. Locals call it spitting.

I wish I could send some of our weather to my friends, family, and blogging friends who are dealing with record heat and drought this summer. And maybe get just a bit of sun in return. The zucchini would like that.

The best I can do is invite you to visit coastal Humboldt County to experience for yourselves what life is like in California's refrigerator; where the majestic redwoods meet the Pacific Ocean and outdoor fun includes camping, biking, hiking, fishing, surfing, boogie boarding, skateboarding, and beach walking. All in coastal-cool summer temps. Can you say "today's high, 62-degrees" in mid-July? In the northern hemisphere?

And if you bring a bit of sun with you, you just might get zucchini for dinner, chez nous.

A sunny and warm late spring had the zucchini growing like zucchini should: from itty bitty fruits to kitchen-size overnight. Now that summer has settled in it's growing at a more sedate pace. This is definitely not the Sacramento Valley!