Blooming Friday Viburnum, English Hawthorn Birds and Bees!

The English Hawthorns are full blown and attracting tons of bugs which attract the birds, who appear to be bathing in the blossoms. When standing near the heavy uniquely scented tree one hears what sounds like a bee hive, as hundreds of honey bees are combing the newly opening flowers and gathering buckets of pollen. It is a wonder how they can still fly with all that weight on their tiny legs. The French lilacs and wisteria are still going, but with the heat wave we are having they will not last long now... soon to follow, however are the late blooming lilacs. Viburnum paniculata is lovely in its full glory. The fragrance in the garden is delicious. The birds are a constant delight. Hope you enjoy... its Blooming Friday thanks to Katarina http://rosorochris.blogspot.com/

Tree Swallows Nesting In South Field

The southern Tree Swallows were just finishing their nest when I took these photos a week ago... I was able to hobble out for the first time since a knee injury and was lucky to see this ritual. The north field Swallows had been settled for sometime... not quite sure why these southern birds took so long but perhaps due to a change in boxes, for they had originally chosen the bird house nearest the Weeping Cherry tree. All seems well in the bird nesting world here at Flower Hill Farm and so far no sign of the horrid House Wren, who was a terrorist in the garden last year. I am happy if my diligence in discouraging them paid off. The Swallows are so lovely in flight and extremely helpful in scooping up biting bugs. I have become very fond of them over the years and they seem very tolerant and trusting of me.

In Remembrance A Post for Everett

A brilliant star in his communities 

and in my heart an anchor of friendship

Flying high one day his metal wings tumbled

Head first diving tearing along a tree 

never more my friend for me to see.