Birds

We have been seeing some unfamiliar birds in our yard.  Usually, we have Robins, Hummingbirds, Northern Flickers, Stellar Jays, Crows, Sparrows, and Starlings flying and hopping around.  This spring, we have also seen a Yellow Hummingbird, an Eastern Towhee, and some other birds that we still need to identify.  In the interim, some of us are wondering what the Eastern Towhees are doing this far West.

Update (4/30/11): Our Eastern Towhee is actually a Spotted Towhee. Much to the children's delight, the Spotted Towhees have returned this year.

Sparrow: Our Daily Little Visitor

Marigolds for Mary

As we drove home from Ascension Thursday Mass, Theresa asked, "Can I buy some marigolds for Mary?" I liked the idea of honoring our Blessed Mother on the day that her Divine Son ascended into Heaven, so I readily complied. We stopped by the local garden center and Theresa chose Taishan Yellow Marigolds and 'Bonanza Bee' Marigolds (French).  When we arrived home, she planted the flowers with a little guidnce from me.  We were all pleased with the end result.

Now, we need to finish weeding the backyard.

Marigold Care
Light: Sun to part shade
Care: Best in fertile, well-drained soil kept evenly moist