Azalea and Clematis Blooms

 Two Azaleas we planted several years ago produced a bunch of blooms this year.  Meanwhile over by the shed, one of our Clematis plants has very large blue flowers.

Pink Lady Slipper Blooms

 Again this spring several Pink Lady Slippers have emerged from the leaves by the back fence.  Unlike last year, only one is producing the beautiful flower that makes such a dramatic display.  Last year we had at least three with flowers.  The second picture show two with their leaves but no flower stalk coming up.

Giant Owl Eating at the Pond Buffet

 For the past several weeks we noticed a large Owl hanging around the back yard in the daytime so I setup the camera at the pond.  Sure enough it only took a day or two before we got pictures of the Owl at the pond.  The first is a side view as he stood in front of the camera.  The second is him either landing or taking off in the pond.  We haven't seen him catch anything yet but it seems like we are seeing less frogs and fish.

Maple Trees Growing Taller and Fuller

 The two Maple trees we planted in pots on the front porch about 6 years ago continue to thrive.  They started as small 3 foot plants and are now about 9 feet tall and filling out nicely.  We transplanted them once from the original pot to one that wasn't falling apart and they handled that very well.  I love the bright red color in the spring.  The only problem we have is the squirrels love to nibble on them during the summer.

Midnight Cat Visit

 A couple of times last week, our dog went crazy sniffing around early in the morning so I set the camera by the deck.  Lo and behold a cute cat was visiting the yard in the middle of the night leaving his odor all around.  In the first picture, it appears the cat is posing for the camera.

Columbine Flower and Kwanzan Cherry

 In one of the planting beds, the Columbine flowers are blooming like crazy.  I think this is the biggest bunch of Columbine we have ever had.  This bed was created to plant several Hydrangea bushes which you can't see because of the Columbine.  As they grow they should become dominate.  Meanwhile on the other side of the yard the Kwanzan Cherry tree is in full bloom with intricate pink flowers.  Unfortunately we experience a freeze two days ago that has damaged the emerging Azalea flowers.  They are predicting another freeze this weekend so that may complete the killing of the Azaleas.  Keep you fingers crossed.

Easter Lily and Cherry Tree

 On Easter Sunday our Easter Lily blooms just started to open.  They are beautiful flowers with a wonderful fragrance we smell when in the kitchen.  Meanwhile in the back yard, our large Cherry tree is putting on an amazing display of white flowers.  And for a bonus this year, we are seeing a number of butterflies flying from flower to flower.  I think this is early for the butterflies so we should be able to enjoy them much longer this year.