The yard is a lot of work. I feel good that I’m contributing a lot more to maintaining it. Right now we are still in the taming phase. Once we get large swaths of land that used to be lawn completely covered by mulch, battling the chaos of weeds will shrink and we can focus more on enjoying the fruits of plantings, staying on top of the remaining trees, shrubs, and hedges, and those areas along the edges that have an alarming number of volunteers…including several palm trees and a holly oak. These turn into giants, so we have to cut those down and probably (sigh) continue to cut them down forever, since they escaped notice long enough to grow deep roots.
It’s a process that feels good to undertake, however. Having a plan and applying the elbow grease to get it done means we don’t have to sell this house and buy one with a concrete yard, which has been looking mighty tempting, LOL.
I feel fortunate that my own yard inspires me to take photos. It has been hard not having photos to share, and I haven’t been out on a shoot, but these artichokes had me whipping out the camera. I took one set of shots in sunlight, and one during the “blue hour.” Which do you prefer?
These were sunlight shots:
These are twilight.
Even though we are living in somber times in many ways, there is still great beauty and joy. I hope you have a peaceful weekend and can enjoy yourself. I look forward to Father’s Day when my little gifties are unveiled and I get to play with babies and my all time favorite pre-schooler. Maybe I’ll take a photo or two as well. I’m always thinking of you…Thanks for looking at my images.
Nicci Carrera 
I like the last shot of both groups 🙂
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Thanks, StillWalks. It’s good to know.
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You work gently with the words and with the earth. The fruits of your work give us sustenance and hope. Thanks so much, dear friend! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Fabio.
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I like your ideas Nicci, I’d be following in your footsteps if I still had the strength, I love your plants and flowers and the idea to de-lawn your block, stay safe.
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Thanks, Shaun. I will show pictures when the mulch is in. Yes I’ve had more energy to do things since I took your advice and slowed down!
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I prefer the sunny pic but they are all good ! Isn’t it a difficult choice between eating them or letting them flower ? The flowers look absolutely amazing but the bud is delicious…..:D
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Thank you, Gwennie. Good to know you like the sunny ones. We had so very many this year, I think we ate 30 artichokes, so that’s why I let so many bloom. I’m so glad you dropped by. I was thinking of you as I thought of taking so many photos in my yard. You always show how much that can work, especially if you take the time to garden. I always enjoy your photos.
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Now I’m hungry for dinner! I think I like the twilight images better, and I’m usually drawn to warm colors. Keep shooting!
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Thanks, Anne! I appreciate the feedback and encouragement.
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