Changes!

It was time for a new blog! If you wish to follow along, it can be found here: 

South Carolina Living

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Lights

Certain lights catch my eye. Here are some seen out and about.

This dragon is my favorite located at the entrance of Mellow Mushroom in Ashland, NC.

Here is a gaslight in charming Old Point in Beaufort, SC.

The city of Columbia, SC has many beauties.

The neighborhood of Cottontown has some lovely ones. 

A neighborhood full of character!

The state house has these gorgeous ones that make me think of a gigantic, antique candelabra. 

I must have take this one in Florida considering the tropical foliage. This folder has been hanging out on my computer for many months so it is difficult to remember where they were all taken.

I hope you enjoyed this collection!

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

Yard Update

The yard is changing every day.

The different varieties are lilies are showing themselves.

The lantana is doing its job attracting butterflies.

A darling new ice plant has been added with such pretty color.

An elephant ear has also been added as well.

This variety's leaves start as green with purple veining.

Then they turn almost black with a gorgeous silvery underside. This plant may be as tall as me by October so it will be fun to watch grow!

This is the first time we spotted a skink on our property! These guys are great for the garden by consuming the naughty insects.

The gardenia has been blooming like crazy.

The fragrance is incredible!

The butterfly bushes are blooming.

Our thornless raspberry vine is doing well. We thought the fruit would be bird safe wrapped  between our deck fence with no perches. However we caught Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal enjoying one on the deck. They managed to remove one in mid air! We have since added netting.

The chrysanthemums are blooming beautifully.

We are patiently awaiting rose of sharon blooms throughout the yard! This one is my favorite since the plant itself is marvelous.

We have a bunch of holly hedges in front. I am surprised there are still red berries at this time of the year. I always thought of these as cooler weather plants but I was wrong.

We have sweet coral bells too.

The most exciting thing going on is the start of our first figs! Fresh figs are very hard to find since it is a delicate fruit that needs to be picked only when ripe and consumed quickly. In the future when we have big harvests, we can dry or freeze them. I really want to bake fig bars!

Another favorite plant of mine is the kaleidoscope. It is an evergreen with constantly changing leaves.

Here is a macro look at the butterfly garden at the moment.

Always remember to take time out so soothing nature can be enjoyed.

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

After The Rain

Around the yard, after a rain storm.

This little guy is looking for a bite to eat!

I hope you enjoyed the beauty of nature here.

Stay safe! Things are in phase 1 of opening up around here but we are in no rush to go places with lots of people.

Thank you for stopping by!  ~Val

Yard Update

Now that we are home all the time I can keep up with yard updates!

These were our first lilies to open. Such beauties!

Here is a macro view of our butterfly garden. Going into season 2, it is starting to come together!

Stepping stones have been added, leading to a birdbath. We intend on adding a bench in here, likely just beyond the Japanese maple that is in the foreground.

I will have to report back later in the season on how the stepping stones are working out.

These are rock sheets that get used on floors and walls. Laying them outside seems like a great idea. They form to the ground and we are hoping for grass and weeds to grow into them. This will help create a very natural look to the garden.

The critters are enjoying the yard.

When walking by the lavender, all you hear is BUZZZZZ! These bees are loving these buds.

Small clippings of ice plants have been planted.

These grow fast and bloom all season here.

Plus, they add amazing color to the garden.

This one was planted last year as a tiny piece and now it is a huge, gorgeous ground cover.

I have been adding our strawberries to yogurt and oatmeal. After only 2 berries last year, it pleases me to have useful amounts to enjoy!

This is our mystery shrub. It is an evergreen and was covered with flowers all winter and should continue through the summer.

If you recognize it, please let me know! It is fast growing which is another plus. Its leaves include both rich green and burgundy. The flowers are hot pink.

This was the first daisy bloom, one of my favorites. Simple and exuding cheerfulness.

I had never seen a pomegranate tree until we move south. These are at the zoo and botanical gardens so we have been able to observe their beauty throughout the year making them a desired fruit tree for our yard. 

These below were grown from the seed of a fruit we ate last year. They are doing amazing. The plan is to plant 3 of the best ones when they are ready. Maybe they will flower this year so I can show you guys the stunning orange-red bloom they produce.

The ornamental peach tree will be planted in the butterfly garden in the fall which will add a beautiful accent with its drooping, colorful leaves.

Stay safe and well.

Thank you for stopping by. ~Val