Jardin Sol Y Luna

Oh yes glorious spring has sprung. The birds , bees, and blooms are abundant at Casa Sol Y Luna. Morning chores include turning on the fountain and watching nature being drawn to the water. Next is filling the bird feeders, I go through a lot of seed bags. I've also been thinking about getting a bee box .

The rose bushes are abundant and taking shears to clip a few blooms brings me joy as I make bouquets for  indoors. The first available blooms happened to be on the first day of spring and I made a birthday arrangement for {E}. I'm still waiting for the red roses to bloom, the petals are the perfect ingredient to make the silkiest rose water.

 Dandelions are one of the first foods for things with wings coming out of hibernation. Once I know the Renaissance Man is going to mow I pluck away and dry them out for herbal remedies. Lavender is also loved by the bees and we have plenty. I plan on making lavender healing pillows with the dried flowers.

I haven't planted anything yet in the newly build garden area but have started some kitchen grown starter plants. The onion had sprouted on the counter and has grown significantly in the kitchen bay window, on Saturday it was separated and planted in the tire garden section. A few potatoes had grown eyes (yay non GMO) and I have two buckets of potatoes cuttings growing. My pineapple plant has adapted to the outdoors beautifully.

Phase 1

 In February when it wasn't raining I weeded and plowed the soil. In March I made boxes out of wood we had lying around.The Renaissance Man and {M} are measuring for the fencing, we never needed one before until we got Rico who loves to dig.

Phase 2

{L} helps with the fence construction and securing the door.

Phase 3

Soil is added to the boxes and red bark is added as a ground cover. 

Phase 4

I have yet to buy the plants to fill the boxes. Starting from seed is cheaper but I haven't had much luck when trying to garden with this method. How are your green thumb efforts growing?

In Bloom

Breaking news I believe Spring has officially arrived at Casa Sol y Luna. The fragrant bouquet of floral that wisp along the breeze with the birdsong is truly intoxicating. I truly feel alive again!

Sun is shining

 the weather is sweet

make you wanna move

your dancing feet

~ Bob Marley ~

Playing Peek A Boo

The sun beckons us to come out of slumber and spread our wings from months of introspective hibernation in our shelters.

The plumage of our ancestral messenger displays a hope of blooms to come. So it is that February's chill is giving away to Spring.

The Lush Life

After reading the title I realized there are many takes on the word lush and fortunately that type of lush living is behind me. I'm referring to the lushness that is brought on with days of equal sun and rain. The carpet of soft green grass under my feet feels so rejuvenating as I practice earthing. Mother nature is showing off  her underground wonders and providing a bounty for all of her creatures. In gratitude I take it all in and wish for the rest of November to be as luscious.

 The persimmons are ripe for the picking and this guy doesn't mind helping himself to the neighbors tree. Sometimes the branch that hangs into my yard has enough persimmons to make muffins and pudding. The birds have been pecking at the fruit lately and I find half eaten fruit on the ground going to waste.

A Wee bit of Mycology (because I'm a fungi)

Agaricus  Compestris also known as common field mushroom in it's blush stage.

 A few days passage and sun darken the gills and hardens the mushroom.

Another variety of field mushroom, more a button type. The mushrooms photographed are from my own backyard but I do not pick them just in case. 

What's blooming to the surface in your November?

On The Wings Of September

So far September has found me in stillness. I move slower through the day absorbing and observing. Everyday chores has transformed into ritual and my surrounding world and I are melding into one. This is not uncommon for me during this time of year for the season is inching towards the equinox and we will fall madly deeply into Autumnal bliss. I'm stretching Summer and will transition into Fall on Mabon when the decor internal and external will shift. As I continue to sit and ponder the days before the wheel takes another turn, I have my camera ready for there is beauty all around which I love to share with you.

A Garden Update

Originally I had planted four tomatoes plants and the one on the end near the sprinkler is still producing, while the others have dried up. I think it's prime location next to water had something to do with it. This is one plant with it's limbs creeping.

 Here I upcycled and old bunk bed latter into a plant triage. Hopefully the sun to shade ratio while help them recuperate. Current patients are butterfly sage, jalapenos, aloe vera, artisan lettuce, and key lime plant.

 The tomatillos in the striped pot and strawberry plant in the hanging planter were moved from the tire garden because the heat produced in the rubber was not good for the plants.

 I planted my aloes in the tub garden and have plans to make a desert-scape with succulents and cactus. The brick border holds english lavender, and the boy fountain has a kitchen grown onion in it. 

 So now I have two empty garden sections, Some research needs to be done to see what can withstand heat in rubber tires. I'm thinking of growing a magical herb garden to add to my boticario.

 These barrels will need a canopy or maybe decorative umbrellas to provide some shade. This morning I imagined being in Italy and stomping grapes.

 The Park Bench area is finally done, and mostly enjoyed from the golden hour to sunset after dinner. I'm glad I got out early this morning and went to work in the yard. Butterflies, birds, and an array of insects joined me in a euphoric celebration of August & Lammas.

A Dove Love Story

 Frida & Diego have been visiting my yard daily for the last 3 years. They have a consistent routine of meeting on the old metal antenna on the roof, then proceed to the bird feeder for a meal, enjoying the fountain for a drink, and then flying over to the fence to make out before heading back to the roost. Ohh those love doves!

Random Yard Photos

Flight of the Bumblebees

My next door neighbor's has taken up beekeeping on their homestead, and our fountain has become the local watering hole. I love watching the bees buzz around the fountain in droves , they emit a peaceful hum.  I'm glad we get to enjoy the benefits of these pollinators, as bee populations are in decline due to climate change. Now if only there wasn't a language barrier between us and the neighbors because I would gladly barter goods for fresh extremely local honey.          

Have a sweet weekend !                   

March In Bloom

I've been enjoying the sunshine and scenery these past two weeks. Rain is on it's way this week and I welcome it with open arms. Hope the weather is splendid where you reside.