Visions of Roses, the Ocean and More

How Wise The Mourning Dove

After working in the gardens I was sitting on the front porch watching the birds at our feeders. Two Mourning Doves were feeding on the ground below the feeders because they are too large to perch there. Suddenly they cried out and flew to the nearby Sycamore Tree. I wondered why they flew away. Within merely a few seconds five or six Redwing Blackbirds flew in from behind the house to feed at the same bird feeder. The Mourning Doves had seen them coming and apparently knew where they were headed! It is that obvious fact that amazed me. How wise the Mourning Dove.

Excluding the picture of the Journal author, there is other beauty to behold at this quiet time of year. An Azalea seems to think it is Spring time. A Pink "Knock Out" Rose at the Red Garden is the only flower seriously blossoming. However, last evening I marveled at the beautiful sunset. Actually the second evening in a row that we have had such lovely sunsets. This time I went for the camera. I thought, "How very nice to have such beautiful sunsets."

November 26th was my 70th birthday. The picture of me was taken before Patricia and I went out to dinner at the famous Melting Pot for dinner. I was showing off the new watch she bought for my birthday.

I have been very busy for the past few days. Just to give you an idea of what I refer to, I'll give a run through. Cannas at the Rose Garden had propagated vigorously and had to be dug up and divided and replanted  to the Orange Garden. Next year the Orange Garden will be twice the size of last year! Butterfly Gingers in the Greenhouse had to be similarly divided and replanted at both sets of steps of the front porch. All gardens had to be raked so I could see what needed to be done below. Much to be done..... weeding and mulching primarily. Cleverly I saved back the mulch from last year and I have begun to cover plants in the gardens.

Every day I rake dead grass and plant Rye Grass seed at strategic places on my new miniature golf course in the back and side pastures. Nine holes mostly par threes (one par four - 310 yards). Pat's Mums used as a tribute to her Father's Birthday at church were planted today in the Orange Garden. A potted Canna was planted in the Red Garden this afternoon. All quite different from admiring beautiful flowers in the gardens during the summer. Secretly, I am very proud of the necessary expansion of the Orange Garden. People slow down as they drive by to admire the Orange Garden from the road.

Oh! Yes! I forgot something very important. A few days ago I dug up the Dahlia bulbs at the Dahlia garden and they were GONE! So, I planted four Bougainvilleas from the Greenhouse in their place. They love the sun and there we can regulate the watering as they like dry climate. The soil is questionable as evidenced by the poor Dahlia performance, so we shall wait a see in the Spring.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Thank you all for your visits to my Journals.

Richard

www.symphonybyenglefield.com (Click Here)

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