We have Monarch Butterfly caterpillars ~

 

 

I am amazed how quickly I have Monarch Butterfly caterpillars on the Milkweed plant I purchased not too long ago, as I posted about → here.  It's amazing to watch them and I'm excited that there will be many more Monarch Butterflies here.  You can see more photos that I took this morning of the little baby caterpillars → here.  I will keep you all posted on their progress . . . according to Wikipedia (link above), the caterpillar stage lasts about two weeks. They are so cute . . . I never really thought these guys were cute until now!

Asclepias 'Silky Formula Mix' and Monarch Butterflies ~

  

Monarch butterflies are so beautiful and they have a special meaning to me . . . they remind me of my mom (1933~2010). It's my understanding that Monarch butterflies have declined significantly, you can read more about it → here  and according to an article on the livescience site ~

" . . .  The announcement from researchers with WWF and Mexico's National Commission for Natural Protected Areas appears to confirm the fears of some biologists, who said it was likely that scalding temperatures and extreme droughts affecting Texas and other parts of the United States in 2011 would take a toll on the butterflies."

I wanted to do my part (and of course have Monarchs in my own backyard) . . . so I did a little research on what native plants here in Southern Cal would help and found that the Monarch loves, feeds and depends on the → Asclepias aka Milkweed plant. I went to my local nursery right away. When I got home, I transplanted the Milkweed plant into one of mom's big huge pots . . . I wasn't even done transplanting it when this one Monarch fluttered around, landed and has taken up permanent residence . . . she is here every day.

I ended up taking over 132 photos (you can see more of the photos → here, some are not as clear as I would have liked but she was all over the place) of this beautiful butterfly fluttering in mid air, landing, and enjoying the nectar. I am hoping that she is able to find this new home secure enough to lay her larvae . . . our world or at least my backyard could use many more of these beautiful creatures.

You can also enjoy the "Butterfly Estates" on Facebook . . . lots of info and wonderful photos.

Mom's Roses ~

 

The first bouquet to bloom on mom's (1933~2010) rose bush, that I dug up in January 2013,  from my mom's home and then transplanted to my home. It was touch and go for a while but they are doing very well. I do not know the "official" name of this rose . . . I am working on coming up with a special name for it . . . just as we did for the pretty pink roses in the photo below. These are a cross of a pink and coral color.


 

The "Elfie" Rose  

This rose bush (was still in the pot from the nursery, mom had just purchased it and hadn't planted in her yard as of yet), I transplanted in March of 2012, from mom's home to mine . . . it's doing very well. 

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Thank you, Gigi Hasso's (my step-sister) for picking the perfect name, "Elfie" ~

I haven't posted on my photo blog for quite a while.  My old used Rebel camera (2010~2012) would not recognize the SD card and it was just too costly to have it repaired, so, I ended up getting a sweet new, Canon Rebel 600 EOS Rebel T3i and I am in love with it . . . now, I am learning how to use it (have a long way to go) and hoping to get back to taking photos and posting now and then. For Mother's Day, my daughter gifted me with a 3 hour photography class (Groupon)  in Balboa Park Gardens . . . looking forward to doing that! 

Signs of Spring ~

 

I can see signs of Spring in these brand new leaves on my Hydrangea plants. 

Mom's Pink Geranium's ~

 

Pink Geranium

One of the many pretty plants I brought from 

mom's (Elfriede Haf, 1933~2010) home. Her patio

was packed with beautiful flowers and plants. 

Tradescantia Zebrina ~ Wandering Jew Plant ~

 

This purple Wandering Jew (Tradescantia Zebrina) plant belonged to my mom . . . it (and many of her plants) hadn't been watered in months. It's now here in my home and after a few months of special care, it's finally coming back . . .  it's as healthy as I remember it when mom had it hanging in her patio. Mom and I both have always had Wandering Jews in our homes, they are such a neat plant and hardy ones too! I know she would be happy that her plants are doing very well.

More Sweet Peas ~

 

Sweet peas from my garden in mom's vase on my desk . . . photos of yours truly when I was about six years old, sent to me by an old old friend I grew up with.

Mom's Red Geranium's ~

 

This Geranium is just one of several Geranium plants I brought back from mom's home recently. The deep red petals are so vibrant. Mom's plants sat in her back yard for several months without water . . . they are slowly coming back to life . . . I think she would be happy . . . mom always had a beautiful and well kept garden. 

Daffodils in Winter ~

Each year these Daffodils bloom . . . I am always happy and surprised. They bring a bit of Spring time in the middle of Winter . . . even for Southern California. Sending a bit of sunshine out to those surrounded by the cold and snow.

Hydrangea's in the Fall ~

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Skull lights ~

These neat skull lights line the walk-way up to our front door each Halloween . . . waiting to welcome all who come to trick-or-treat.

Scattered Eucalyptus leaf ~

Scattered Eucalyptus leaves from my neighbors tree often end
up in my yard . . . many are more heart shaped.

Dried Hydrangea Flowers ~

Fresh picked tomatoes ~

My grandchildren have their own tomato plant in our yard . . . only three little ones were ready and my grandson couldn't wait to pick them . . . he likes to eat them like an apple (with a little bit of sea salt).

Remembering Mom ~

Elfriede Haf-Serafin

21 March 1933 ~ 21 July 2010

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To see the world in a grain of sand

and heaven in a wild flower.

Hold infinity in the palms of your hand

And eternity in an hour.    

                              ~ Auguries of Innocence 

One year ago today, my mom passed away . . . these flowers are for you mom . . . we miss you and love you very much . . . .

Maidenhair fern ~

Up-close Hyacinth Bean Vine

Lone Morning Glory ~

Fairy garden ~

Here is an archive photo of the fairy garden I made to enter into the Fairy Festival at Summers Past Farms. We didn't win but it was alot of fun making it. Summers Past is an amazing place to visit and hang out at. The family lives right on the farm and they even have their own Soap Shoppe. We try and visit every summer. Summers Past hold weddings, Mother's Day gatherings and many more events.

Morning dew ~

Morning dew covers this spider web that sits on the surface of this plant. It looked neat with the sun glistening off the drops of water . . . which I was unable to capture the way I wanted to.