Bumblebee on Cosmos

Pin It

Taken early this morning when no bees were flying yet.

I can't tell if it had just woken up or if it was getting breakfast; probably both. I love the pollen that's been scattered about.

© Copyright 2006-2012, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Clematis

Pin It

Night shot with flash. I love the points on the outside petals.

© Copyright 2006-2012, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Bi-Color Pink Cosmos

Pin It

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

© Copyright 2006-2012, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Out on a Wallk: Hibiscus

Pin It

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.

© Copyright 2006-2012, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Morning Dew on Rye Grass

Pin It

© Copyright 2006-2012, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Trinidad Pier

Pin It

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.

© Copyright 2006-2012, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Double Japanese Anemone and the Waning of Summer

Pin It

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.

© Copyright 2006-2012, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Foggy Dew

Pin It

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.

© Copyright 2006-2012, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Hydrangeas and Crocosmia

Pin It

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.

© Copyright 2006-2012, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Deep Pink Bi-Color Clematis

Pin It

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. 

© Copyright 2006-2012, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.