Bird’s Eye

Early in 2009, a pergola was constructed to create shade.  There was shade before; but the ratty trees that were in this area had to go.  And they did.  Back then there was an unorganized mess surrounding the structure with a pile of bird’s eye gravel to be spread beneath.Wisteria was planted to make the shade more dense during the hot summer.  Family heirloom ferns were transplanted into baskets. Now over two years later, the bird’s eye gravel is a pain in the Croc; but most everything else is moving right along.A basket of mixed plants thrives in the late afternoon sun.  Moon flower vines are creeping up to the top of the pergola.  I’ve never grown moon flowers before and am anxious to experience the perfume they are said to emit at night.All the ferns are as tough as they should be.  Their survival was nothing to worry about.And the wisteria is creating a bunch of thick shade.  The only thing that’s bothersome about the pergola is the bird’s eye.  Not the gravel bird’s eye.The mourning dove’s bird eye is bothersome.  I can’t keep these flying rats out of the stuff.  Scare tape didn’t do the trick.  I can’t blame them though.  It’s a cushy pad.

Strawberry Festival

The strawberries are really starting to pop.  I have two types – Sweet Pinky and Fern.  They were purchased as bare root stock in early 2009.  The plants have spread and multiplied so that now I have no idea how to tell the two apart.  I’m having my own personal strawberry festival in Maybelline’s Garden.

Oxnard, California has a Strawberry Festival coming up on May 15 – 16.  Looks like they may have those spinning strawberries that kids ride in for chuckles.  Long ago, one of my kids rode in one a barfed.  Think of that the next time you consider going for a spin.  Hey, Budweiser is a sponsor.  Enjoy a few and go for a spin.

I’ll just stay in the garden and fight the birds for what is rightfully mine.  Think of me if you go to the festival.