Spring Flowers and a New Garage Door.

 

At last, I’ve carved out a moment to check in this Saturday! It’s been an exhilarating whirlwind over the last couple of days —

This morning, I wandered out to the backyard to admire the vibrant blooms that are starting to emerge. The poppies are unfurling their delicate petals, showcasing brilliant hues of orange that dance in the gentle breeze. Soon, a charming array of smaller poppy plants will join the display, promising an explosion of color in just a month’s time. The anticipation of their arrival adds a sense of excitement to the already lively garden.

I am always amazed by how these little Johnny Jump-ups manage to withstand the winter. They are nestled together in a pot alongside one of our palms. 

Soon, the lavender will burst into a vibrant bloom, filling the air with its sweet, calming fragrance as it paints the hill with hues of soft purple and violet.

The Marguerite daisies bloom beautifully in the spring. Their cheerful yellow presence adds a splash of color to the hill that I can see out my windows - 

That robust rosemary bush nestled beneath it will soon burst into a vibrant display of delicate blue flowers. 

The Irises are a delightful sight, captivating anyone who gazes upon them. The white iris, adorned with vibrant yellow accents, stands out with its striking contrast, creating a stunning visual harmony that coordinates with the margarite daisies further up the hill. 

Although I appreciate the beauty of all colors, I find myself particularly drawn to vibrant oranges, sunny yellows, serene blues, and the enchanting spectrum of purples for my gardens. 

A delicate purple wildflower stands gracefully amidst the swaying grasses on the hill. Its petals catch the morning light, promising a burst of color soon to come as more of its kind will eventually bloom nearby. 

The sweet and delicate aroma of orange blossoms envelops the air like a gentle, intoxicating mist, filling the senses with the future promise of a sweet juicy orange. 

The African daisies are spreading gracefully from their pot, their vibrant blooms spilling over the edges like a colorful cascade. However, their luxurious growth has led to a rather leggy appearance, and I find myself in the difficult position of needing to thin them out. It's a task I often dread, as I have grown quite fond of their lively presence.

The vibrant red geranium, a cheerful staple in many California gardens, flourishes effortlessly in our sunny climate. Unlike in other regions where they might be sheltered indoors during colder months, here they thrive outdoors year-round, as long as there is sunlight.  I’m excited to take some cuttings soon, nurturing them into new little plants. 

Gerbera Daisy

My late sister's cherished flower serves as a beautiful reminder of her. 

Check out my Cistus salviifolius, or Sage Leaf Rock Rose. This evergreen shrub has green, wrinkled leaves and delicate white flowers with yellow centers. Each flower lasts just one day, but new blooms appear daily for weeks.

Cistus salviifolius is a drought-tolerant shrub native to the Western Mediterranean basin, specifically in southern Europe and North Africa.

I have two of these bushes on my hill, lovingly planted by my dad. Throughout most of the year, they quietly play a supporting role amidst the vibrant landscape, their rich green leaves providing a lush backdrop for other more flamboyant flora. However, it's in the spring that they truly step into the spotlight, bursting into a dazzling display of pretty white blossoms.  For the remainder of the year, they stand as steadfast green bushes. 

The leaves of the red seedless grape vines are flourishing. I hope that we won't face the pest invasions that plagued us during the past couple of years.

In the backyard, a delightful old rosebush thrives, adorned with a multitude of vibrant buds, each brimming with promise. I can't wait to share the sight of these roses in full bloom.

In Other News...

Yesterday morning, the contractor contacted us with a request to move our installation date up to yesterday instead of Monday. This unexpected change of scheduling worked out great for us. It not only allows us to complete the work ahead of schedule but also opens up our Monday for other important tasks.

I really like the new door; it feels incredibly solid and substantial, giving a strong sense of security. I'm glad we made the switch—the old door practically disintegrated as he was taking it apart, and it was definitely time for an upgrade. 

However, I've noticed something that I might delve into more later—the trim around the door seems to change in appearance based on the lighting. At times, it has a bluish hue that stands out, while in other lighting it looks perfectly identical to the door. It's one of those details that only seems to bother me. 

With this new addition, we now have quite a bit of trim painting ahead of us. We must also ensure the front door is the same color as the garage door. I'm a stickler on that. 

I've been here longer than anticipated, and time has slipped away. My guests will arrive shortly for dinner, and I still have a few things to prepare to ensure the Seder is perfect.

Have a great evening - 

Debby

“By faith, He kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.” – Hebrews 11:28