Seeds of Change

It has been a long time (a very long time) since I have posted about my garden. That is because I haven't been able to work in it after my accident. It is looking a little neglected because of that, plus some of the plants were resting over the winter (despite the fact that we had a very mild winter).

But recently hubby and I went out in the garden to get it ready for spring. Actually I mostly stood around while hubby did all the work. 
Firstly, he dug over the vegetable patch ready for planting. Normally we plant tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, and peas. This year we made some very small changes.

We love fresh tomatoes so we planted two plants as normal.

We planted peas and beans along the back wall. Except for the tomatoes, we always sow seeds as it is less expensive and is fun to see them grow and develop.

We decided against carrots this year as we don't feel that the amount of crop we get is worth the time it takes for them to develop. We decided to grow kale in its place.

Lettuce is another must.

I also decided to plant some lettuce in the herb area to replace some of the strawberries I had planted there last year which did not work out.

Meanwhile, we also put in some California poppies in my flower garden area. Last summer I had some bare patches in the front. The year before the whole area was covered in flowers so I'm not sure why I got bare areas. I'm hoping that adding the poppies will fill in any gaps in future years. Plus they come up earlier than the black-eyed susans and coneflowers. Plus they are so pretty.

When we were visiting a nearby nursery a year ago, we met a lady outside who said she had some excess orchid plants that she wanted to give away. Those plants looked really tatty so I didn't want any of them but hubby said we'd take three or four of them. For a year they really didn't do anything (except stay alive) and still looked tatty.

Then...

I'm not a lover of orchids but these really add to the garden.

The calla lilies are coming out.

We still have two poinsettias left over from Christmas. I loved the look of the rain drops on the leaves.

Not to be Mist

I can hear the fog horn in the harbour today which reminded me that I haven't posted some photographs from a prior foggy day at the beach. We haven't had   a lot of these kinds of days this winter, so I wanted to go to the beach to enjoy it.

Low tide reveals a rock that looks a little like a dog.

The egrets like low tide. I like the reflections and the way they stand still for so long.

Success!

It doesn't look tasty to me but this egret lost no time in chomping it down.

A sudden gust of wind can play havoc with your hairstyle.

That's better.

Mist and fog lend a mysterious air to the ocean.

When visiting the beach, leave only footprints (not your paper and plastic rubbish).

After a long walk along the beach I was ready for a sit down at the picnic area. I heard some rustling in the bushes but being short-sighted I couldn't see what was happening. I took a picture in that general direction and got lucky.

One of the many squirrels who live in the bushes.

A better shot of one of the bunnies.

Later that day we returned to the beach for the sunset. This was taken from the car with the window down (briefly) as it was rather cold (for the beach).

Come Rain, Come Shine

Will we or won't we? Get rain that is. We are in a drought here in southern California as it has been a very dry winter so far. I can't remember the last time we had some rain and even then, it was quite light.
We could do with some from my home country England which is getting more 
than its fair share. The forecast for today predicts rain. I hope they are right.

This is me in the San Juan Creek at the ocean end. Normally I couldn't be standing where I am as it would be underwater.

Dry as a bone. Even the ducks have taken to the ocean.

Better news: the cycle and walking path to the beach is open again after being closed for maintenance. Hubby and I like to take this path to check out the surf and for exercise.

A portion of beach that has been stained by the iron in rocks that have become exposed over the winter.

Recent sunsets.

It was a bit windy and foggy last night but we decided to have a fire at the beach anyway. I love the sparks made when the fire is stoked.

Weather Or Not

While parts of Europe and the United States are being battered by rain or freezing temperatures, in southern California it is sunny and warm. Some of our recent winter days have been better than many days this past summer.

Today the Pacific Ocean is looking like a serene lake as befitting its name. Beautiful but not very good for the surfers amongst us.

Winter Beach

I love the beach during the winter. Although it does get cold (relatively speaking compared with our summer temperatures) we get lots of days when adding a sweater, a scarf and some socks and shoes keeps you comfy and cozy for as long as you want to visit.

Winter produces some beautiful sunset cloud colours.

With less people on the beach more birds come in closer to shore.

This egret was taking a walk along the beach well away from any water.

I love the patterns made by the reflections and ripples in the water.

Another beautiful sunset.

There's something special about about a Christmas tree on the beach.