GARDEN SURPRISE

Our community is a protected wildlife area. 

We have our own Department of Natural Resource agent. He is only a phone call away and available

to all our residents.

Our community is home to a multitude of deer who share the garden landscape with the residents. We plant it, they eat it. There is an abundance of opossums, racoons, shorebirds, song birds, migrant birds, rabbits, snakes and alligators.

One is always careful when stepping into the garden.

Yesterday, I found a surprise in our rear yard just outside the garden gate.

GOTCHA!!

Now, just what did you expect, Godzilla?

I really DID find a surprise in the garden!

 Just about the time I thought all blossoms were 

going, going, gone. 

I see something, pink, peeking out from under a birdbath bowl that had been overturned for draining (for a while). I pulled the bowl back and found this beauty amongst the overgrowth of lavender.

This pretty jewel was past its prime so inside it came to brighten the family room for its last few days.

This beautiful flower is a Rubrum Lily. Scientific Name: Lilium speciosum cultivar; Family: Liliaceae; Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, according to ASPCA. I don't have any cats but if you do, you need to be aware. 

These lilies do well in my zone, upper 8 and have a long lasting flower. Most of these bloomed much earlier while we were out of town. The overturned birdbath bowl may be the reason for this late bloomer.

Whatever the reason, I was delighted with the suprise and this "prissy" blossom gave Bob and me much pleasure for a few days.

These blossoms can remain beautiful for many days, often as long as a week. Make sure to remove the yellow/gold anthers from the stamen before you bring them inside or you will have a yellow mess of pollen everywhere. It will stain.

You can see the anthers in the first two pictures. In the photos inside they have been removed.

Anytime you go hiking about our island be careful where you step. We really DO have alligators. We learn to live with them and the beauty of our gardens. Just so you know, they do stay in the lagoons and we stay out of the lagoons. We stay in the gardens and hopefully they will stay OUT.

I am partying here:

Anything goes @Eye Heart

The Dedicated House

Making the world Cuter

You're Talking Too Much

Between Naps On The Porch

I Should Be Mopping The Floor

DIY Home Sweet Home

Be Colorful
I Gotta Try That
A Stroll Thru Life

Be sure to check out
Monday Marketplace
For neat online offerings  
from our friends and neighbors!