Rain replenishes backyard birdbaths

And this (at left) is what it's all about...a robin that has drenched itself and looking exceedingly pleased with itself.   We have several birdbaths, and my wife and I enjoy them as much as the birds do.   It's always a challenge to keep them filled with water because there are so many species of birds that use them to bathe in and to drink from.   

Then there are the squirrels, the chipmunks, the raccoon, the skunk, the cat, and who knows what else in the dark of the night. Apart from seed in the feeders, and bugs on the ground, no other item seems as important to the birds as water to drink and bathe in.

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if you wish.

BtheB

Dufferin Street ~ south of Highway 9

 Photos by Barry Wallace

Wandering by the Glenville Ponds

             

 

After the rain...

Kettleby Creek ~ filled from bank to bank

Soaked squirrel still forages

Flooded ditch ~ Jane Street

Invigorating raindrops hang on

 Rain pummels peonies

Birdbath replenished with rainwater 

Photos by Barry Wallace

Puss chills in the cool wet grass

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Barry Wallace

Posto Panino now hiring in new marketplace

Photo by Barry Wallace

Back on January 29, I posted a photo  announcing that Posto Panino Restaurant was to become a new tenant in the King's Ridge Marketplace.   A couple of months or so went by and then, if I'm not mistaken, the Posto Panino sign disappeared for a while. Now there is a sign in place again, with big letters saying Posto Panino is 'NOW HIRING'.   Presumably, this means the dining spot may be near to opening, which will be good news to a number of curious locals, including yours truly.
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Barry Wallace

June...the month of peonies and daylilies

Photos by Barry Wallace

The cast I have been wearing on my right foot for the last 10 weeks has finally been removed, so mercifully this will be the last photos you see of the flowers in our back garden on Forde Crescent for some time.   I can't wait to get out and drive around and hike about, looking for the interesting and charming things that make King Township what it is.

Barry Wallace

45 species / 3,000 cultivars

 Photos by Barry Wallace

HOSTAS
a.k.a. Plantain Lily, Giboshi and Funkia

There are approximately 45 species of hosta and hybridization has produced over 3,000 registered and named cultivars.   Hostas are toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to saponius contained in the plant, which leads to vomiting and diarrhea, and yet deer, rabbits, voles, slugs and snails all consume hostas.   The only strongly scented species is Hosta plantaginea which has long white flowers which open at dusk and close at dawn.   The species blooms in late summer and is known sometimes as "August Lily".   This single species has a reputation among some gardeners as very difficult to get into bloom.   Pictured here are some of the hostas in our Forde Crescent garden in King City. 

 

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Barry Wallace

Between spring and summer flowers...

Photos by Barry Wallace

...the herb garden

Amid the waning of spring's blossoms, at the end of May, and the blooming of summer's flowers, at the start of June, there is a bit of a lull in flower blossoms that fortunately can be overlooked by turning one's attention to the herb garden. 

 BASIL

MINT

SAGE

ROSEMARY

 THYME

 PARSLEY

 CHIVES

OREGANO

THE 

HERB 

GARDEN

This herb garden so delicate

and adorable to own

No flowers mixed in and

totally alone

I will use them all to make

dinner tonight

These herbs will enhance

our mealtime just right.

Linda R. O'Connell, 2008

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if you wish.

BtheB