Friday, January 28, 2011

In Search of Green

Yesterday afternoon I got my camera and walked around our yard in search of something GREEN — and I was surprised by and happy with what I found.

Like these new Aspidistra (also known as "Iron Plant") leaves poking up through the pine straw ...

And my Irises are coming up, too ...

Louisiana Irises

The ivy in this urn has survived an ice storm and temperatures in the 20s, and still looks remarkably well.

I found this little patch of ivy tucked in behind a Sweet Olive plant in a flower bed ...

I love the delicate Sweet Olive blooms.

Harry, our Blue Heron, stands out in his winter home amongst the Umbrella plants around our waterfall ...

I wouldn't take anything for Harry. He always makes me smile.

And speaking of smiling, Hilda, my little hen, looked quite happy snuggled in her nest under some holly plants in the backyard ...

It won't be long before this rusty old rooster weather vane will be almost hidden by the Lady Banks Rose vines on the fence behind him ...

I also found a little green in the form of moss growing on some of the rocks around our pond. If you'd like to get a closer look, you can click on the photos to enlarge them.

Although it's not green, this clump of ornamental grass beside our pond is striking against the drabness of the winter landscape.


Today is supposed to be an extraordinary day for the end of January, weather-wise, with sunshine and a high temperature nearing 70! I'm not sure in which direction I'm going to head, but you can be sure my camera and I will be out somewhere enjoying the day and, hopefully, capturing some lagniappe along the way.

Best wishes to you for a weekend filled with lagniappe, too ... wherever you are.

6 comments:

RachelD said...

And to you, Dearie, for a wonderful weekend!

Another inch of snow on the ground, and you've reminded me: The IVY! I tend to forget that huge lush bed of the stuff, climbing one whole side of the yard fence, spreading out twenty feet into the lawn from all down that side.

It's snuggled under the blanket right now, but will be back, shiny and verdant.

I love your valiant little babies, peeking out before January has gone. And Harry---he's quite the guardian of his domain.

Stay warm and well on all your meanderings.

Deb said...

love seeing your green...we are suppose to hit 70 also...but back in the 30's next week...

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Thanks for the lagniappe today, Janie!

One of my favorite things is that green moss that grows on rocks. I am fascinated by it. I fully expect to see a wee leprechaun come dancing out from behind the rock and plop down on the green mossy rug!

Have a wonderful weekend, too! :-)

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

I did the samething yesterday evening, loved seeing all the little green sticking their little heads out of the dead and brown beds.Great shots
Molly

Merisi said...

So much hope in those glimpses of what is to come!

We are a long way from days of finding fresh green leaves peeking out from the barren gardens. It is icy cold, but at least sunny, which is way better than to many grey days January has brought us so far.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Merisi

Tonja said...

I love, love, love seeing moss growing like it is on your rocks. I wish the waterfall in the pool would get some moss on them. I heard one time if you put dirt and buttermild on the rocks, the moss will grow. I may just try it!
Love how your garden is 'waking up'!