Commonsensible.us - Yard & Ponds

Oasis in the desert is what we call it. A small yard packed with lots of life. Box turtles, Red Eared Sliders, Russian Tortoises, goldfish, dogs, Hummingbirds, Dragonflies, Gulf Fritillary Butterflies. Giant Swallowtails, Western White Butterflies, House Finches, Wood Peckers, Boat Tailed Grackels, Thrashers, Doves, and Sparrows (of course).
Kale, Tomatoes, Artichokes, Green Pepper, Jalapenos, Snap Dragons, Passion Vine (Blue Crown), Gazania, Fuchsia, Zinnias, Sun Flowers, Canna Lilies, Purple Robe, Dusty Miller, African Daisies, in many varieties and colors (Nasinga Cream, Safari Sunshine), Sweet Alyssum, Marigolds, Dracaena (tri-colored), Egyptian Papyrus, Dianthus, Passion Vine, Petunias, Asparagus Fern, Spider Plants, Rubber Plant, Pregnant Plant (aka. Devil's Backbone/Mother Of Thousands/Chandelier Plant), Lantana, Vincas (Periwinkle), Aptenia (red apple), Water Lily, Water Hyacinth, Ice Plants, Nasturtiums, Portulaca, Snail Vine, Trumpet Creeper, Wandering Jew, Coreopsis, Lotus (Amazon-Sunset), Chrysanthemums (Paludosum,and more), Euryops,
Red Bird Of Paradise

Click on photos for best view.

Be sure to come back often, I will be adding new pics soon.

- Flower of the Month -
Nasturtium

- Tropaeolum majus -
•Flowers: Yellow to orange to red, primarily in one color and often streaked with others; 5 petals with 2 upper and 3 lower; 5 lobed calyx with long spur; 8 stamens of varying size. Up to more than 2.5 inches across.
•Blooms: All year.
•Leaves: Large, nearly circular, with petiole near center and radiating light veins.
•Fruit/Seeds: 3 segment fruit with single large seed in each. All year.
•Location: Local lawns and gardens, disturbed areas everywhere at all elevations.
•Status: Alien - Invasive.
Looking for a plant for your garden that will spread like wildfire, produce decorative foliage, have an ocean of brightly-colored blossoms, and be tasty off the vine in salads or as a garnish, try these very easy to grow...Nasturtiums. Vine-like, spreading along ground and climbing shrubs and trees. Plants may be annual or perennial. The plant spreads by seeds, vine-like runners, and cuttings. They are fairly easy to rip out, having little in the way of underground roots, but any bit left behind on soil will root and generate new plants. They are attractive and edible; the flowers in particular being quite tasty and popular as a side garnish. The photos below are last Aprils bloomers and the last pic is this yrs. seedlings just sprouted beginning Oct again.

Be sure to enlarge all photos for best view

Passion Flower Egyptian Papyrus

The bird feeder I created looks to be a very big hit. The House Finches seemed to multiply over night. The chirp got out quickly that food was available, and doves showed up with numerous relatives close behind. The porkers try to chase the House Finches off, but family matters prevail as junior can be heard loud and clear.

The Hummingbirds not bothered by the fight for seeds, are present pre-dawn to post-dusk. When not at the feeder the Hummers can be found bathing, or just sitting in the shade.

I can remember this Pregnant Plant or Chandelier Plant from childhood, my Mom had it as a house plant, although I never knew it had such glorious blooms.
Our resident Owl, is a great addition to the yard (no it does not keep the birds out, except for the pigeons, so far!). It does make a lovely perch!
This tomato plant was a great freebie plant, courtesy of the tortoises. Full of tomatoes, over 6 ft. tall right now and still growing 2 years later.

Speaking of those 4 legged little creatures, how about I introduce you to them. Ben a box turtle, Franklin a Malayian Box turtle. Studly , The three Russian Tortoises Pierce , Maggie ,and Radar . Then there are the Red Eared Sliders. Lets start with the smallest ones Squirt & Turt, born 3/2004, Chompers, Thumbelina and friends. The adults Ernie, Bert, Tigger, and Piggy .