Humble Earth Garden

Carol Freshley November 4, 2017

This is what happens when passion and heart meet up with perseverance and hard work. What you see here is an 'eye' for the 'possibility' of creating something bordering on miraculous. Welcome to the Humble Earth Garden. This special sanctuary is certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. This is the creation of Monica, supported by her husband Steve and when possible her children. It has about been in process for about 20 years. Monica mentioned that she and Steve don't go out much. They would rather stay home. I understood. I did not want to leave.

Video taken by Steve Boutte. Music was created in Garage Band. The other videos are without sound.

Tom and I were invited to see the garden.  There had been some very heavy rain before we arrived.  Nonetheless, the garden was spectacular. — Tom and I were invited to see the garden. There had been some very heavy rain before we arrived. Nonetheless, the garden was spectacular.

Video created by Monica Boutte.

Video created by Monica Boutte.

Video created by Monica Boutte.

Video created by Monica Boutte.

Video created by Monica Boutte.

Monica's garden shed.  Good night. — Monica's garden shed. Good night.

Ranunculus, Ranunculus, Ranunculus

Carol Freshley April 30, 2016

These are the shots from the Ranch at Carlsbad, CA. taken by both Jon and Phyllis. There are 50 acres of ranunculus, grown for cut flowers and seeds, but mainly for the tuberous roots, corms or rhizomes. They are on display from late March to Mothers day. The ranunculus is native to Asia Minor and is in the buttercup family (usually known as Persian Buttercup or Ranunculus Asiatic). The Ranch also has cymbidium orchids, master gardens, a rose garden, a sweet pea maze, and poinsettias. I was told that they did not keep track of who shot what, so I am giving credit collectively to 'Pardoll'. Plus, they like giving me challenges. They sent only 30 photos and want me to choose which ones to use. You already know what I am going to do! Exactly!!

A special thanks to the collective Pardoll. I am waiting for rose flowers, sweet pea, more . . . For those who track this sort of thing, they use Nikon P610 cameras (very well). While mom loved every post, she would take the time to call me on this one. Flowers were something that really fascinated her. Her favorite was the sweet pea!

Flagstaff Arboretum

Carol Freshley August 15, 2015

According to Wikipedia, the Arboretum at Flagstaff is home to over 2.500 plant species that are representative of the high-desert Colorado Plateau. I have never been there and was motivated to check it out by a great friend who thought it would make a great photography trip. She was right! First, it does not feel like a desert as the 200 acres include a generous pine forest and the open areas look like meadows. There is an abundance of wildflowers and birds, chipmunks, lizards and insects. There is also a raptor 'free flight' at noon and 2PM. Admission is reasonable and if you happen to be a member of Desert Botanical Garden take your membership card for free entry. They are closed on Tuesdays and through the winter months.

You can get wildflower photos along the roads around Flagstaff. The images below were captured along the road leading to the Arboretum.

If you are looking for a way to get out of the summer heat this is a good trip to take. There are picnic tables should you want to hang out for the day and take your lunch. You are sure to attract the attention of the birds as you unzip that lunch!! The Visitor Center offers some nice exhibits, books and an interesting assortment of things to buy (plus you can hang out there if there is a brief afternoon thunderstorm.