This and That Photos

 

Bounce, bird bath in my back yard, peaceful place to sit in the gardens at my favorite coffee shop, wonderful book "Flash: The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me About Life, Faith and Second Chances" a true story written by Rachel Ann Ridge, Foreword by Priscilla Shirer (love her), and clouds near my home. Dori complimented the photographer of Bounce and said Bounce likes the photographer, that is so true, my oldest son took the photo.

Wordless Wednesday Birdbath, Frog and Petals

Frog in our pebble bird bath with plum tree blossoms. Quiet moments of beauty in these retirement days.
Linking with Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday Bird Bath

I saw this bird bath along the sidewalk while on a walk in our neighborhood this week. Can you read the sign? It says "Don't look, birds bathing". Maybe I will go back and take a more close up photo. It looks like they made the birdbath base with flower pots, which is clever.

Butterfly on my toe

(Hi All, no this is not the butterfly who sat on my toe. I found this photo on flickr.com Butterfly on Lantana
Originally uploaded by aussiegall)

I sat in my garden for half an hour today, to read a book in a mystery series I discovered recently. I heard a flutter of wings and looked up to see a brown bird taking a bath in our bird bath.
Then I noticed a pretty butterfly or moth, brown and orange, creating a display on a plant right near me. It attracted two others who came over, perhaps flirting. One of those two sat on my toe.
I was very honored to have such a winged friend sitting on my toe.
Oh the side benefits of taking a moment to sit in my garden.
Have you met any critters in your garden today?

Cheapskate Garden Tip 3

Our New Bird Bath
Originally uploaded by tassiesim

To encourage birds to visit your garden add bird baths. I have a standard classic style concrete bird bath, completely covered in smooth pebbles, standing on a pedestal.
Then I decided the birds need another bird bath, so I bought a large ceramic saucer that is made to set under a big ceramic flower pot. The large glazed saucer only cost me $3.00.
Set it on an old clay pot, fill it with water and there you have it, your very own $3.00 bird bath.
Of course you can find a large saucer for less at a thrift shop or garage sale, or you may already have an unused plant saucer.

One key element for bird baths is that they not be too deep, 2 or 3 inches deep is best. Remember this is not meant to be a swimming pool! If your container is deep, put a brick or ceramic frog in the center for the birds to stand on.

This second photo is such a clever use of recycled parts, apparently a garbage can and lid, that I include it here for inspiration. Look around your yard and see what you can find to create a water source for your garden birds.