gardening – Page 2 – M. Sullivan Photography

May 1, 2014 M. Sullivan Photography Animals, Daphne, Garden, Photos, Weather

Searching

The skies have been gray and dreary all week. We have had a mix of snow, rain and wind each day since Sunday. We are all craving sunlight and blue skies. We were somewhat satisfied that there was little to no precipitation today and temperatures were in the mid 40’s. It should be in the mid to upper 50’s this time of year, but we will take what we can get. To celebrate the departure from rain and 30’s, Daphne and I went for a walk after work. When we returned home I spent some time searching, not for blue skies, but for any sign of green in the backyard. When you look at the yard as a whole, it looks brown. Well…except for the patches of white snow. If you look closely, you will see this…

Moss From A Different Angle Is Still Moss

A departure from green…brown.

And then there was this guy. We are accustom to seeing big gray (and sometimes black) squirrels in the city. We never see these cute little red squirrels. We have affectionately named this one “Hammy”. As in “Hammy” from the movie Over the Hedge. He moves around our backyard like he just downed an energy drink. That is why my photos are not as close up or as crisp as I would like. He never stops long enough to get a sharp photo.

During my search for spring foliage, I uncovered this Mother’s Day stepping stone Sebastian made for me with his hand print when he was 3 (with the help of his Aunt Dee Dee). I will have to clean it up and replace the missing “E”. Even with moss growing on it, I still love it.

I can’t believe his hands were ever that tiny. Now look at him.

August 10, 2013 M. Sullivan Photography Flowers, Garden, Photos

The Backyard

My brother cut down three pine trees and a birch from our backyard today. We now have plenty of fireplace wood. The trees had all died and needed to be removed, but it was sad to see them go. Despite the loss, there is still a lot growing and blooming in our backyard. Oh yeah, there’s also plenty of wildlife including the chipmunk below (trying to get to the bird feeder hanging from the shepherd’s hook) and the deer that ate all but one of my lily blossoms. I don’t have proof – no photographic evidence, but I know it was them.

Notice the nibbled stem on the right of the photo. I hope the deer enjoyed it!

We have been picking peas, beans, lettuce and tomatoes from the garden. We also have peppers that are ripe. So far the deer haven’t jumped the fence. I think they have filled up on my hosta plants instead, with a side of lily blossoms for dessert.

August 6, 2013 M. Sullivan Photography Animals, Family, Flowers, Garden, Photos

The Simple Life

Growing up in rural Minnesota, life was simple. Too simple I thought at the time. Summers were spent working on the farm, making hay, helping with the garden. As a kid, I didn’t appreciate the simple life. Going back and visiting my Mom this past weekend made me realize that growing up out in the country was actually pretty cool. We learned how things grow, we saw calves being born, chickens hatching and tadpoles turn into frogs. We harvested peas, beans, carrots and more than a dozen other vegetables from the garden. We picked apples and plums in the fall from our trees. We cut wood for the stove to keep the house warm in the winter. These are the kinds of thing I want my kids to see, understand and appreciate. I know a quick weekend with Grandma won’t do all of this, but it’s a start.