Etsy Garden Party - Part 2

Well, after reading the blogs that joined the Etsy Garden Party, I felt that I should include some pictures of what I actually do have outdoors around my "desert dwelling" house or "garden".  I don't garden.  I hire someone to do that.  But I do have some items to share with you from the yard that are real pretty right now.

Here is one of the lavender bushes that are in the yard.  They are so pretty right now and full of visiting bees!

 

The birds have built nests in the sweet acacia tree.

The succulents are blooming in the warm sun.  Such tiny pink flowers.

And this is the bougainvillea at the end of the patio!  Pretty spectacular, even if I do say so myself!

Thanks to the other bloggers on the Etsy Garden Party, I went out and took these pictures to share as well!  I hope you don't mind!

The weekend finds . . .

I can tell that spring is approaching here in the Sonoran Desert.  The temps have been in the mid-70's, it has rained more than usual (thanks El Nino!), and now my lavender is in bloom.  The bees are also busy getting pollen from the blooms.  I need to pick some of this and dry it!

Last week I met some friends in Mesa for coffee and conversation.  Afterwards we wandered down to Domestic Bliss to see what goodies they had on sale.  Domestic Bliss is rearranging their store and getting rid of some old items at great prices.  Check out their blog here for the latest news and items.  Here is one of my purchases:

Speckled eggs!  And these are real eggs.  The insides have been removed -- remember how you used to blow out eggs for Easter dyeing??  I do!  I think they may be quail eggs, but am not sure.

I found this tiny wood cage several weeks ago and decided to add a small nest, some of the speckled eggs and tiny roses trim.  Cute spring display!

Here's a peak inside to see the eggs I tucked in there.  This little display piece will be on sale in Merchant Square in a day or two.

Found bird nest

Had the new Nikon camera out this morning to take a picture of this bird nest in the palo verde tree in the front yard. There were several of these nests in this same tree, but the tree trimmers cut out most of them before I could get them down. This one remains. And it is close enough for me to cut it down and save it. I wish I knew what bird built this nest. It has to be a desert bird. Sorry to say that this nest took a beating from the windy conditions last night. I want to take a closer look at this nest.

The desert dwelling birds are very savvy when it comes to building their nests. I have seen them nestled in the crook of the arm of a saguaro cactus or in a hollowed out hole made by the bird (a cactus wren). Others I have seen are built in the midst of a cactus with long spines (1-2 inches long) -- bet that is to protect the nest and eggs from predators. Every one well adapted to the harsh life in the Sonoran Desert.