Baby Hummingbird Update

Photo by Stan Gabara

Our baby hummingbirds are growing so big now, they keep changing positions. We know soon they will leave the nest. What an experience to see them so close...

The Royal Wedding

Photo by Stan Gabara

Cheers!

To: William and Kate!

Galvanized Containers

Photo by Stan Gabara

Making a vignette outside is easier than you think. We found these galvanized containers at different places. It didn't take but a minute to put together.

Artichokes

Photo by Stan Gabara

We grew artichokes last year and they did so well. They're a delicious vegetable and easy to cook. If you don't pick them a spectacular purple-blue thistlelike flower appears. They can be cut for arrangements. One of our favorites!

Inspirational Wreath

Photo by Jody Gabara

Having a wreath or cork board will help inspire you and your garden. There are so many ideas in garden magazines. My friend Charlene told me to tear out pages that I liked, and put them into a binder. Over the years, I have collected many. It's great to motivate you!

Happy Easter

Photo by Jody Gabara

Happy Easter to our family and friends!

Birdhouses

Photo by Stan Gabara

Our children made these birdhouses for us at a craft class one summer. It makes for great memories in the garden.

Stepping Stones

Photo by Stan Gabara

When the kids were little, we would always hide their Easter baskets. They would have to find them with clues Stan wrote. It was so much fun watching them search up and down the hill and finally find their baskets full of presents. Happy Easter Scott, Katie and Carly!

Earth Day

Photo by Jody Gabara

It's Earth Day. Hope you go outside and enjoy your garden!

Bee Skep

Photo by Jody Gabara

A bee skep is usually made out of coiled straw. It makes a charming addition to your garden decor. 

Water Drops

Photo by Stan Gabara

Stan went outside with his coffee this morning and noticed the dew drops on this leaf. He said it looked magnified underneath, so you could see the details of the veins. It's amazing how nature gives us that extra close-up.

Sugar Snap Peas

Photo by Jody Gabara

The sugar snap peas were climbing across to the peach tree. It reminded us of when we were little, we hung our clothes outside to dry. The peas were all in a row and hanging there so straight...

Summers Past Farm

Photo by Stan Gabara

Stan and I decided to jump in our car for a "Nursery Road Trip" to Summers Past Farm. It was a rainy day and the flowers looked beautiful. It's located in Flinn Springs near El Cajon. The view of the mountains in the background are so green this time of year, it's worth the drive. The owners, Marshall and Cheryl, are so helpful to whatever questions you have on your garden. They built a huge barn with lots of wonderful things inside. They also have a soap shoppe, plants and grounds to explore. Hope you can put this on your nursery list! 

Jody, Marshall and Cheryl

Photo by Stan Gabara

Bearded Iris

Photo by Jody Gabara

What can I say but, Wow!

 This morning I had to take this picture. It's our first bloom...

Stained Glass Fairies

Photo by Jody Gabara

About 10 years ago, I took a class at Glasswood Studio in National City. I made a lot of different things but, I really wanted to add fairies in the miniature garden. This is one of a series of seven.

Chandelier

Photo by Jody Gabara

We have hanging chandeliers throughout our garden. I found this one from the swap meet. I sprayed it and hung it on our pine tree.  I bought cups and saucers at Marshalls and they just fit perfect.

New Beginning

Photo by Jody Gabara

We noticed the baby dove this morning sitting on the edge of the hanging basket. The mother seemed to encourage the baby to take it's first flight. We didn't see the baby later and we knew she joined the outside world. 

A Good Day

Photo by Jody Gabara

Today I looked at our vegetables and all of them looked delicious. It was a good day for lettuce, so I had to take this photo. Of course, we made a salad. A little feta, pears and vinaigrette. 

Creative Display

Photo by Jody Gabara

With each passing month, the garden offers a limitless array of possibilities. You can design an artful display when trimming down a tree. We had a birdhouse that needed a home and this was it.

Poppy

Photo by Jody Gabara

I was watering the garden today and noticed this beautiful poppy. The color was so red and then I saw the inside. It's so similar to the shape of a wheel. How can that be possible? It's the beauty of nature. Take the thyme in your garden!