Nature's palette - Volume 3 of 6

It is sad, but some people lack the ability to see colors - just shades (not 50 of them!) of grey. Those of us who can see colors should feel blessed.







OK - on to the next two locations, as we move clockwise around the back-yard to 5 and 6; see here -

                                                  Location 5 – The patio area – looking north

When Summer arrives, this deserted place has been known to be draped with scantily clad folk sunning themselves, partially screened by the Pampas-like grasses. Three plastic boxes also get filled with colorful 'annuals'

                                                                           Late March (2014)

                                                                             Late April

                                                                              Mid May

                                                                      Mid June

                     The tall grasses are finally growing and the Hibiscus on the right will soon be blooming

Mid July

The 6" pink blooms of the Hibiscus are always a welcomed sight - but a disappointment not seeing a lot of progress on the tall grasses yet - but first year transplants are always slow to develop.

Mid-August - the 'Alice View'

Mid-September

    First day of Fall - Hibiscus flowers dried up - even the tall grass is not so tall as I had hoped for - yet.

Mid-October

               Now the tall grasses have 'tassled' - maybe next year they'll be really tall - up to 7 feet

                                                                      Mid November

                                    A quick turn of weather brought frost then a light snow

Mid-December

Drier conditions, but the growth period is over for the year

Mid-January (2015)

Decided to trim the grasses - and the color! 

                                                                Late-February (2015)

     Just burned the 'tall-grasses' to get ready for Spring growth

                           Location 6 - The rockery – another former steep grassy slope – looking north

Not surprising, but this side of the house also had one of those 'can be mowed - but with effort' slopes. A rockery seemed to be the answer. Less grass to mow - but more plants to prune, 'deadhead' and admire!

                                                                     Late March (2014)

 

                                                                      Late April

                                                                       Mid May

                                                                       Mid June

As if not 'steal their thunder', the roses (red and the 'yellow-with-white') each lose their blooms (temporarily) as the yellows and purples in the foreground begin to emerge. 

Mid July

                  The drought and heat always takes a toll on the Birch trees - lots of leaf-litter to rake! 

Mid-August - the 'Alice View'

Mid-September

The red roses are doing fine, but the white / yellow bush is less vibrant

Mid-October

                                                                          Mid November

                                       Hard to believe this was just a week before the frost and snow

Mid-December

The last of the colors have gone now

Mid-January (2015)

My color-blind friend (Jim) would appreciate this photo.

Late-February (2015)

Cold, but sunny

Don't forget - additional photos to be added throughout the year, so check back periodically. Also, look at the other 5 Volumes via these quick-links:

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3 - you are already looking at it !
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6