MARIETTE'S BACK TO BASICS

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

{DIY Squirrel Proof Bird Houses}

Having such a vast property with gardens and trees, results in having lots of birds.

Since we received our Backyard Wildlife HABITAT Certificate, we always have provided shelter for our garden residents.

But HOW to make Squirrel Proof Bird Houses?

DIY Squirrel Proof Birdhouse built from Scraps.
Since squirrels love to gnaw at the in-flight opening and ruin it, this PVC pipe is the solution!
Front of Bird House is a Natural Red Oak Plank, left from our Office renovation last spring.
Sides, top, bottom as well as back is made from other scraps.
Perch makes it a luxurious New Home for our Feathered Residents!

Husband Pieter created this one, for some of those Birdies that preferred to Go GREEN...
You can see our Wood Trail to the right.

No House NUMBER...
Do you like them?

Related link:
{Our Backyard Wildlife HABITAT Certificate from August 1997} | previous post by me

Monday, May 19, 2014

{Our Squawroot}

At the base of our huge oak tree, next to the white vinyl fence, we always can see a Parasitic Plant called: Squawroot.

This is it! Very strange looking parasitic plant!

The light was just perfect for making photos on April 10.

Wondering what that bumblebee is doing in there...?

Does that mean there is some pollen on those young Squawroots?

They almost resemble some sort of pine cone.

There is quite a crop for 2014!

You see the huge trunk of our oak tree.

To the left at the top you can barely see our white vinyl picket fence..

This is it, in the corner to the right you see some more, they are in a large circle around this tree.

Does any of you have this combination of oak tree with parasitic Squawroot?

Saturday, May 17, 2014

{Our Oxalis}

We do have several different Oxalis in our garden.

These pink ones look so lovely early in spring and they bloom all through summer!

They really do spread, once you planted some little bulbs.

We used to have a giant variety as well but we lost that one...

A happy mass of Oxalis flowers!

Yes, we're zooming out...

Oxalis Triangularis or Purple Shamrock

Almost buried beneath those long pine needles in our wood garden.

Purple Shamrock with white flowers.

Do you have any in your garden?

Related links:
{OXALIS in Our Garden} | previous post by me
{Dead Trees due to HOT & DRY Summer} | previous post by me

Thursday, May 15, 2014

{Our Sassafras is a Morus Rubra or Red Mulberry}

Thanks to some observing readers they did have me do som further research on this young tree.
Turns out that it is NOT the Sassafras that we would want to have, but a Morus Rubra or Red Mulberry!
Sorry about that... I had these posts pre-scheduled due to our 9-day trip to Florida.
~ 0 ~
Lovely and very soft velvety leaves in the spring are on our young Sassafras tree.

In our previous home in Dublin, Georgia we observed young squirrels snacking on the tender buds of Sassafras trees...

Since we had a Sassafras tree at our previous location, we always tried to have one here as well.

They seem to be rather tender for starting off. We lost some...

Well, I guess they do look like gourmet food in a squirrel's eye?!

Love their unique shaped leaves.

My shadow over this tiny baby-tree. We do hope it will survive the harsh summer and continue to grow into a tall tree one day...
We might be able to make our own Sassafras tea from its bark!

Does any of you have a Sassafras tree?

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

{Two Seasons Side by Side}

It was a funny sight to see winter berries next to spring blossoms...

Winter Berries of our Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo alongside Spiraea cantoniensis 'Lanceata' or double Bridal Wreath Spirea

Nandina berries I always use for Christmas...

Spirea Cantoniensis 'Lanceata' or double Bridal Wreath Spirea is gorgeous!

Sunlight playing with those blossoms...

The beautiful closeup photo I made on April 10, 2010
The other two on April 10, 2014...

Related links:
{Our New Spiraea Cantoniensis (dbl Bridal Wreath Spirea)} | previous post by me
{Our Cornus Kousa (Japanese Dogwoods) & Spiraea Cantoniensis (dbl Bridal Wreath Spirea)} | previous post by me

Sunday, May 11, 2014

{Our Mrs. G. G. GERBING Azaleas}

One of our prettiest Azaleas is for sure the Mrs. G.G. GERBING Azalea with its huge white flowers!

Again, during my garden tour on April 12, with perfect sunlight I could make these photos.

Are they not a dream?

In the back you see the red from our Acer Rubrum or Red Maple.

Stepping back now so you can see the wooden bridge over our creek. One of 3.

To the left you see our Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold and the Italian Cypress in front of the balcony, the Gazebo is visible as well. Next is our Acer saccharum Marshall or Sugar Maple tree.

To the right you see the Acer Rubrum or Red Maple more visible and also the Acer Negundo Kelly's Gold Yellow Box Elder to the right of the rubrum.

A bit closer and all 3 Acers you can see in the back as well.

Lovely contrast of colors against this pure white Azalea with its large flowers!

This really is the LOVELIEST time of the year!
The fall has its colors as well but not such lovely flowers...

Don't you LOVE them too?

Just a hint of green on those pure white petals.
Hope you too have Azaleas to enjoy in your garden!

{Cloudy Day versus Sunny Day}| Previous post by me
{Blooms on our Windmill Palm - Trachycarpus fortunei} | previoius post by me

{Our Golden Live Oak has LOTS of Acorns!} | previous post by me

{Our Different Oaks} | previous post by me

{My Silk Quilted Vest Creation and YOUR Opinion Requested...} | previous post by me showing golden oak

{Our Live Oak got a Haircut}| previous post by me

Friday, May 9, 2014

{Our Wild Violets}

Our Wild Violets are such lovely flowers in the wood garden!

Some call them Weed Violets... But are they not LOVELY?

Hard to photograph...

Yep, getting FACE TO FACE...

Such a lovely pastel tone for the spring...

Like a bearded, hairy edge...

Are they not pretty in a tiny silver vase?

Related links:
{Violets from our Garden and on French Country Style Wooden Tableau} | previous post by me
{Edible Flowers} | previous post by me
{Blogger Friend Dana Created These Lovely Ribbon Violets!} | previous post by me
{FOND MEMORIES} | previous post by me

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

{Rooting Azaleas Is Easy}

You have seen our Admiral Semmes Confederate Azaleas, of which one has been rooted by husband Pieter himself. Gardening on a scale like we do, is asking for quite a large budget and this way you can easily multiply the beauties you already got! Give it a try at home. Now is the TIME!