Georgia Backyard Nature

Grandfather's Favorite Rose

This red climbing rose was my Grandfather’s pride and joy. My mother rooted several cuttings from his and they grew gloriously in her yard along a fence. She rooted this one for me and I treasure it. Several years ago I talked to my landscaper about some changes to this flower bed. He proposed moving the two rose bushes to another spot and adding a different shrub. When I explained the red rose’s lineage and sentimental value, he quickly came up with another plan because he realized it was too dear to risk moving.

A Day for Ducks!

A day for Ducks! Proud Mama Duck came to the backyard today to show off her ten precious ducklings. How cute is this brood? Ducklings are an unruly bunch, scattering in all directions, oblivious to the dangers that lurk. For this reason it was hard to count them until I got this pic. It seems a little early for ducks to nest.  In past years, they've shown up in mid-May and June, but of course, these cute creatures are welcome anytime.  Mama will have a hard time keeping up with this bunch but most duck Mothers seem to take caring for their young in stride. Congrats!!

Spring Snowball Viburnum

Spring Snow!  The Snowball Viburnum is glorious this year!  It’s at least 12 twelve feet tall and loaded with big mop head blooms which resemble those of hydrangeas.  The flowers start out a crisp lime green and gradually turn white. This Snowball was originally planted in another spot where it failed to thrive. I moved it to the sunnier front yard and it became the glorious shrub it is today.