Flora and Fauna in the Garden

As I said in my last post, it is time to do some garden maintenance.

So, while in Sonoma this weekend, I took the time to deadhead and fertilize the roses.

The lavender is in full bloom and I'm dying to cut some to bring inside. The bees are swarming though. I'll have to cut them after dark.

Lavandula X Intermedia, Or "Provence" Lavender--my favorite!

This lizard showed up while I was out trimming the roses and scared me to death!

Not as much as this snake though! He was at least 4 feet long! At first I thought he was a rattle snake. He is a gopher snake and hopefully he will eat some gophers, who are destroying my vegetable garden!

(Mr. A threw him over the fence!)

After I was through freaking out, I got back to the job at hand. For some reason, the geraniums aren't doing well in these urns. They are getting enough water, but maybe the 100 degree days are taking their toll. Luckily it wasn't that hot this weekend.

I pulled the geraniums out and planted lavender. We'll see if this works.

Looking up, I saw a pack of Canada Geese flying over!

Which made me notice the grape arbor. I had Mr. A tie up the hanging vines....

"Gardening is a matter of your enthusiasm holding up until your back gets used to it."

-Author Unknown

That's the thing about gardening. It is hard on my back. Nothing a few Advil and time in the spa can't take care of though.

This week, I intend to spruce up our back yard at home. The hydrangeas are gorgeous, but the weeds are taking over. More back breaking work!

I'm linking up to Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.

Thanks Susan for hosting.