Birds, Bath, and Blooms!

 These pics were taken on March 4th, 2012.  Recently I purchased a bird bath near the bird feeders to add a little extra fun to the space.  Starting this year into next, I will be adding more color and little art pieces here and there to give the gardens a bit more punch.  Next to the fountain is the Texas Mountain Laurel.  The blooms on this slow growing bush are signs that the garden this year is going to be one amazing place!  Last year after the historic freeze, there weren't any blooms and the El Presidio Gardens didn't look so good.

While the photos on today's post aren't the greatest, they do give you an idea of how it's all set up.  The trees and bushes were just beginning to bud.  I'm hoping for some excellent cacti blooms this year and that should be very very soon:)

Peach Blossoms

Since I'm writing about blooms, I need to let you see the peach blooms that are always the first to bud on our trees......reminders that hibernation is over for many of our plants in Tucson.  The larger the tree becomes; the more spectacular it is in spring.  This year was no exception.

I've also been adding little bird houses here and there just to make the garden areas bird friendly.  If you love birds and want to attract them to your space, remember to plant low lying bushes or grasses to help aide in ground cover.  Birds like to have a quick escape and hide when they sense danger.

I'm proud of this one particular space.  Xeric and bird friendly, it truly lends itself to lowering our water bill while adding a lush green side forest to the El Presidio Gardens AND adds the voices and sounds of birds to the mix on top of it all.  This garden is around 3 and a half years old and each year becomes a little more magical.  More tomorrow...

The Shire

One of the defining novels in my life has been "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings".  And it's no secret that Tolkien is with me everywhere I go when I do photo shoots.  There is magic everywhere.  I just have to look.  Sometimes it's easy to spot.  Sometimes it's a little more difficult.  But it's always there.

Many times I stand alone on a trail wondering what will show on the path.  Sometimes I experience fear from the dead silence of it all.  These shots were taken on Madera Canyon from the Old Baldy trail.  The images in today's post haunted and fed my imagination.  The trees were dark and quiet.

The Mexican Jay reminded me of Gandalf in the Hobbit during the whole Smaug scene where a blue bird led Bilbo into his fiery layer.

These birdhouses reminded me of the hobbit holes.

The textures.  Plants.  And the stillness of the Shire......

Madera Canyon

.......hidden in the magical forests that surround Madera Canyon.

Quirky Places

 Hello friends,
I thought today I would mention the strange things that make me smile in Tucson.  This weekend, of course, is the 4th Avenue Street Fair and with it comes the artistic crowd.  I'll admit that I was a bit lazy with the camera today and just took shots...nothing artsy except what you see in the photos.  Normally I go to just people watch and look for any new ideas for the garden.  I try to stay away from the greasy fried food and today I succeeded.  When I left the fair today, I found several items interesting......which relate to the places that living things call home.   

 During this time of year, as I imagine it is for many of us, money is tight.  BUT ideas are free. There really isn't anything exceptional about the fair other than it's a great way to get outside and enjoy the weather and celebrate our Tucson community.  I did notice this year that some vendors prohibited people from taking pictures of their art.  However I did find a gracious man who said it was okay for me to take a couple pictures.  I understand how artists feel about pictures being taken of their work, but I didn't realize how many people took pictures without asking permission.  He was a really nice guy and if you have some money, these bird houses are fantastic!  I absolutely loved his work and I have to say that it was my favorite stand this year for the garden.  He'll be there on Sunday so keep your eyes open for colorful bird houses.

 On the way back to our car off a side street, I noticed this odd looking train.  It's a functional home!!!  And I thought, "I'd love to live in a place like this."  I know it's small, but it's really cool.  Whomever came up with this idea, did a great job making it come alive.  It was really cool.  I'm not sure if it's a guest house or an actual home.

 There you have it.  Quirky places make me smile.  I especially love those windows.  Do you have quirky homes in your neighborhood that you'd love to visit?  Or possibly live?