Still Raining

When we finally get a warm stretch things will really grow with all the rain we've been having.  The cool, cloudy weather has slowed the flower blooming but, on the other hand, everything is lush and green.  

Lupins in bloom on pond's edge

We've replaced grass with clover in a yard area

Wet and Cold

Wet and cold for May.  Raining every day some records set.  Look forward to some warming as most ot the plants and flowers around and in the pond are in a sort of suspended state due to lack of sun. 

Arrowroot

Iris 

Great Weather/ More Pictures

Cattails growing nicely.

The border area is intended to be a thick growth of vegetation to create habitat for breeding frogs, salamanders, dragonflies, etc.  The grasses planted in this area are taken from the fields around the pond.  Some grasses fare better than others in the wet growth area, but it interesting how a common field grass can become a great aquatic habitat enhancement.

The Slough Sedge, a native aquadic sedge, is blooming.

A patch of mint growing in the pond.  This is not aquadic mint but all mint tends to adapt to aquadic environment.

Tadpole update

Picture Update

Mt. Saint Helens at sunset taken from near pond.

Border plants are filling in nicely.  these are a combination of Cattails, grasses, native sedges and several species of rushes.

Red-Legged Frog

Warm Weather Finally

Has been a cold May so far but things are looking up...Could reach high 60s today. Growing anything is a challenge here at our property. Not only the altitude but east exposure and large fir trees that surround us add to the shade and lower temperatures we experience. So the pond vegetation is coming along slowly but the next couple weeks should be great.

Salamander Embryo

Salamander eggs are maturing.  The embryo are visible and taking shape.

The Fritillaries’(Mission Bells) are blooming nicely