Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday. As we always do, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Wilson here with today’s offering. Last week I shared a PBS link about the orphans of the Retiti Rescue Center. You may have seen Part 2 this week on PBS, but if not, I encourage you to click on YouTube link, if you love animals and happy endings in Nature, you’ll be glad you did. I know I sure did. Those baby elephants will steal your heart.
Wilson: Oooh, Mum…that was so good. I’m glad we got to watch part 2 of that Nature episode this week. It was reaffirming watching humans work hard for years trying to save multiple species of orphans and to meet the next group as they work toward re-wilding each of them.
The Mum: It was a very touching conclusion to the first episode. I hadn’t realized there was a second one and it made me realize we need to record more episodes of Nature on PBS. We love that it shows elements of the natural world that we don’t get to see every day and highlights some of the pitfalls many animals face in a warming planet.
Wilson: Sounds good to me. But in other news, it happened again…we got hoodwinked into believing our weather forecast which called for a couple of inches of white stuff with cold temps. As usual, we received the cold part, although it was not quite as cold predicted in the 20’sF approximately -6C, with a freeze warning. The temps hovered slightly above freezing but featured what we are beginning to accept as normal around here…windy conditions. And not a flake in sight. In fact, the sky is only cloudy in our neighborhood so maybe precipitation will happen later {fingers crossed}. Mum brought in the herbs she had purchased earlier in the week, just in case. She probably didn’t need to bother but she didn’t want to take a chance and below freezing temps may occur tonight.
The Mum: I’m going to start taking weather forecasts with a grain of salt. Being off a few degrees is one thing but to get people all wigged out about impending precipitation is a bridge too far to cross. The only thing we can definitely count on being correct are windy conditions.
Wilson: Well, in the good news department, you were able to attend a fundraiser at the neighborhood’s premiere garden center last evening and what a great batch of flowers you saw. Just look at some of these photos.
The Mum: It was a totally amazing array of unusual plants which I especially love to see. I’m not a big fan of the big box stores with their limited selection of unusual plants, so this was quite the treat. And because it was a fundraiser for a good cause, there were vendors of all manner, much like a farmer’s market so my friend and I were able to sample various tasty treats and see an outstanding selection of craft items. It had been years since I last visited Echter’s and I was blown away by their selection. They bill themselves as carrying many unusual varieties of flowers not typically found at other garden centers. With over 70,000 square feet of indoor space, they carry over 2500 different varieties of flowers every year and their plants are not sold at other locations. In addition, they offer trees, shrubs, houseplants, garden art, houseplants, birdhouses and bird seed and all manner of supplies to beautify and take care of your garden. They also are a big supporter of the community and offer their facilities for events at no charge. They also host a quilt show, a glass and art show so I plan to attend more events in the future.
Wilson: Just look at these beauties! Mum loves interesting and unusual plants and these bi-colored geranium leaves qualify and she was blown away by the gorgeous Ranunculus, a massive Delphinium, a speckled Rose and of course, our gorgeous state flower, the blue Columbine to name a few. The pond area was very zen-like as well.
The Mum: Yes, it was such a lovely evening walking about the enormous greenhouse and outside grounds. Oohs and ahhs came from every single row of flowers. It was such a lovely evening spent with a former colleague from the law firm. We hadn’t seen each other since we both retired and we recently learned on Facebook that we lived a mere 5 minutes away from each other. It was a lovely evening that allowed us to see interesting and beautiful plants and get a bit caught up on the personal front since our mutual retirements. We’re hoping to get together again soon. It was such fun.
Wilson: What a strange creature, Mum. What was that last topiary?
The Mum: Not 100% sure but it looked mostly like an elk. Whatever it was it was pretty cool. So how was your week? Do you have anything planned for the weekend? Whatever you do we both hope you are able to get outside and check out all the beauty nature provides. Have a wonderful weekend and if you’re like us, you’ll ignore the weather forecast-it’s probably way off.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
I watched that second elephant episode, too. Very moving.
You’ve shown us SO many beautiful blooms!! I smiled at the statuary figures.
I hope you had a great weekend!
Thank you. So glad you enjoyed the flowers and that moving video which truly touched my heart. It was a lovely evening walking around so many beautiful plants and I know I’ll be back to enjoy them again.
We have had an amazing weekend spent with out-of-town family visiting today. It was a great get together with beautiful weather. Hope yours was as lovely as ours.
We can’t see the video, but it sure must be lovely🐘Loved the flowers, very special indeed💗Double Pawkisses for a Happy Sunday to you and Wilson too🐾😘💞
Phooey. It’s on YouTube. It’s completely adorable.
Glad you enjoyed the flower sow. That garden center is amazing!
Lulu: “Those baby elephants are adorable! And I bet they leave behind plenty of interesting stuff to roll in!”
Charlee: “It’s like you’re TRYING to get a bath.”
Java Bean: “Ayyy, they sure have a lot of interesting flowers at that garden center! I like garden centers because most of them around here let dogs in, unlike the grocery stores, which I would also love to visit if I could …”
Immediate pleasure is the only thing dogs think about, Charlee. I mean we are dealing with an intellect on par with radishes. 🤣
Beautiful garden centers can be soooo inspiring. ‘Course they don’t take into account reality when you have dogs. LOL
Wow, so muh here! I only watched some of the elephant show, but it was still touching. I would fall in love with them, too. I’m so glad they have that kind of a sanctuary.
Those flowers were pretty amazing! So beautiful. As far as weather…OMG! Ours has been mid to high 80’s with lots of sunshine. Tomorrow it’s only going to be in the 60’s but that will help me get more outside stuff done. Have a great weekend!
The elephant episode was very touching. We learned a lot about elephants. 😉 It was very reassuring the locals work hard to keep the elephants safe.
Glad you liked the flowers. It was a beautiful night to immerse ourselves in lovely plants. I’ve already decided I’ll be going back to take in the beauty. Have a great weekend and don’t work too hard tomorrow!
WOW! You and your friend really hit the jackpot that evening between spending time together again and seeing all those lovely flowers, topiaries, and whatnot!
Our weekend will be the same as usual – me food shopping ✅ and the hooligans and I having play breaks out in the yard in between my work on my separation anxiety course. The last few days around here have been above-average highs for this time of year plus low humidity plus breezes, making fire risk pretty high so the whole state is on a burning ban. I saw on news last night that there was a big brush fire up in Henderson County (NC), north of Hendersonville but it was 60% contained by midnight.
Thanks, Sue. It really was a lovely evening for seeing beauty and reconnection. I felt truly blessed. It’s been chilly yesterday and today but supposed to be back in the 70’s tomorrow. My family is coming to town and we’re going to get together for lunch so it should be a great day all around. Enjoy the hooligans and give them both a nice ear rub from me. 🥰
The plants and flowers are beautiful! Lots of unfamiliar varieties in that group. I’ll have to check to see if those shows are available through PBS Passport. I watch most of their shows through that connection since I’m often not up when it airs locally.
Our temps also took a dip, but we did get rain. We had three days in the 80s (one almost 90) and thunderstorms. Sorry about your dry conditions. I’d share if I knew how.
Thanks, Dan. When I searched last week, the YouTube links popped up first so I went with them for both episodes. I’m sure they can be viewed in Passport as well.
We managed to get close to 3 inches of fairly wet snow yesterday which was most welcomed. We’ll be back up to 70 tomorrow. So goes the yoyo temps. Hoping there’s some rain in our future forecasts but we’ll see. It’s amazing how instantly things greened up with a bit of snow. I think some of the ornamental grasses shot up 3-4 inches overnight! Have a lovely weekend.
These blooms are a delight! It sounds like a great get together for a lovely event.
Thank you. It was fun seeing my old colleague. We both love gardening and this event was a perfect way to get together. I know I’ll be back to see those extra cool plants. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Always enjoy Wilson’s insights.
Many thanks, Jacqui. He sure enjoys watching Nature on PBS. Here’s wishing you a great weekend.
Beautiful blooms, especially the petunias. Have a nice weekend. XO
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed them. We hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Wonderful array of florals and plants ~ favorite was the black petunia ~ wasn’t sure it was black at first ~ the veining is awesome ~ Happy Weekend to you ~ Hugs ^_^
an artist reflects
Many thanks, Carol. I had only seen black petunias in catalogs so seeing one in person was awesome. And the mounding one with the veining was beyond spectacular. I may have to go back for it! We hope you have a truly wonderful weekend!
I love how mesmerized Wilson gets whilst watching these docs, it’s just great. As are all of your captures week! Lithographs, paintings, yes . . they look like it! Beautiful stuff. But the weather, the crazy weather you’re getting? Not so much. I was complaining about how we went from 90 to 50 but at least we didn’t have snow in the forecast!
Have a great weekend ranchers!
Thanks Marc. He slays me when he watches TV. He really is intent and follows creatures across the screen. Glad you enjoyed the flowers. It was a fun outing and I know I’ll be back to take in the magic. The snow started after 10 am and dumped nearly 3 inches of fluffy white stuff. It didn’t accumulate on the sidewalks (another awesome benefit of spring storms) but gave the landscape a nice drink of welcomed moisture. It’s been cold today (high right around 40F) but will be back up to low 70’s by Sunday. Just your typical springtime in the Rockies! LOL Have a super weekend.
“A nice drink of welcomed moisture” . . . I love it.
Wilson actually WATCHES it. I’ve only had one furry family member who would do that on occasion. Mr. Speaker. Coolest black cat.
I would take some snow right now. I know I complained SO much about the stuff this past winter but . . .
Happy weekend mama
I’m a huge fan of spring storms. They blow in with a vengeance, dump their booty and skedaddle quickly. And the bonus is there isn’t any snow shoveling usually. Tomorrow it will be 70F. Win-win-win. That’s hard to beat. Course the 27F hit me like an anvil this morning. LOL
I love it when pets watch TV and if there are animals involved, & Wilson gives it his rapt attention. I wish I knew what he was thinking. Enjoy a ‘pawfectly’ terrific weekend.
What gorgeous flowers Monika, I’d never seen a black petunia before either! ❤️ So lovely your retired former colleague could join you here and lives only five minutes away. Wishing you and sweet Wilson a blessed weekend too 🥰❤️🐾 xxx
Many thanks, Xenia. I’d never seen a black petunia in person before (only in catalogs) and thought it was truly remarkable. It was extra special to be able to share all that beauty with a friend. I hope we can get together again soon and stay in touch. We hope you have a marvelous weekend!
Oh, I miss Echter’s. What a wonderland of plant delight!
It’s a truly incredible garden center. I was blown away by how big they made it. And love that there are so many fabulous plants that aren’t the run of the mill box store varieties. Have a great weekend!
It is huge! I remember the first time I walked in. I was astonished! The colors washed over the eyes in a fantastical wave. The plants were beautiful and well taken care of.
It’s so big, it’s almost overwhelming. Row after row of beautiful plants. I will go visit again!
I am trying not to be envious! Enjoy your visit.
🥰
I am trying not to be envious! Enjoy your visit!
These floral photos are spectacular. I have never seen black petunias before. Very unusual. Thanks for sharing them. Monika. A wonderful walk today.
Why thank you, John. I had never seen black petunias in person (have seen them in catalogs though) and they were truly gorgeous. For some reason, black flowers really capture my interest. Wonder what that says about me. LOL Have a fantastic weekend.
The flowers are beautiful! We love our local garden store, family owned since like forever. They have lots of fun and different stuff. The big stores are just not very appealing. We went from upper 70’s back down to 40 with heavy rain showers on and off and it will stay cold like below freezing at night for a few days before it warms up again. The roller coaster never stops!
A good garden center is a soothing balm to any gardeners heart. Even if you don’t buy anything, just walking around the rows is good for the soul. It’s only going to be in the low 40’s today but low 70’s by Sunday. Talk about yoyo weather! Here’s wishing you a fantastic weekend.
Have a great weekend 😀
Thanks Paul. We hope your weekend is extra terrific!
Cold you have there now, colder than here. So beautiful and special flowers, what a great place.
Kiitos paljon, Kristiina. It’s cold today but will be 70F (21C) by Sunday. Crazy yoyo weather. But mostly it’s just springtime in the Rockies. 😊 Have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you the same. The nature needs water, here, winter had low snow, no melting water, and now weeks without rain.
It seems the same in most places. We did get nearly 3 inches of snow so the new trees and shrubs were very happy. Tomorrow the temps will be back up (70F – 21C) with no more moisture in the forecast for at least a week.
I do love visiting a good garden center, and ours are just beginning to open for the season. A friend and I are planning a trip to one soon (but I always spend too much $$!) Your photos showed so great plants and topiaries.
It was above normal temps here this week, more like summer than spring, and the plants have exploded. Unfortunately, the temps are due to drop below freezing Sun/Mon., so fingers crossed that there isn’t a lot of frost burn.🤞🏼 Have great weekend!
A good garden center is such a soothing balm for a gardener’s heart. I love going to them, even if I don’t buy anything. It’s just nice to see the possibilities. It’s quite chilly today but will be back to 70F by Sunday. Nothing like springtime in the Rockies. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Just finished watching the two Nova elephant episodes, quite moving. I kept thinking of Wilson watching the show!:D
Weren’t they just wonderful? Wilson sure enjoyed them and I loved watching him enjoy them. Have a great weekend, Eliza.
What wonderful flowers. That white mounding petunia with the interesting veins – spectacular! Love all the unusual flowers.
Thanks, Debra. It was such a lovely evening walking among all those beautiful blooms. I thought the veining on the mounding petunia was truly gorgeous. And the fact that it is a mounding petunia makes it super showy. I’m such a sucker for unusual flowers and this event was a balm to my gardener’s heart. Have a terrific weekend.
WOW! What a wonderful selection of beauty this week Wilson (and M)!!!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
Thank you, Rosy and Sunny. Mum got a bit carried away with taking pics-everything was so beautiful. We have you have a wagnificent weekend.
Your fur-iend,
Wilson 🐾
Is that Echters?! I spent some $$$ there for sure!
Yup. It is definitely pricey but gosh, just look at all the beautiful plants. I did manage to not buy any bearded irises since they were $33 a pop…way too expensive for my bank account. 😲 Have a terrific weekend, Lisa.
Wow, that’s a lot. I always found their plants to be high quality. I still have some trellises and garden statues from them. Your pics really capture how pretty it is there!
Thank you. Their prices are pretty high but if something was unusual enough, I’d likely spring for it. But not on their bearded irises. I miss the Denver iris farm who closed last year so Iris Bob could devote his time to hybridizing. All of my irises at the old house were from him and I always looked forward to wandering the rows of his 2+ acre ‘farm’ in Denver. It was paradise.
Yes, your irises were beautiful! I was lucky enough to work with a master gardener when I moved to CO and she gave me some of hers.
Thanks. They really were. I gave a big bucket full of rhizomes to my son who said he’d give me back some of the black ones. I dug up a bunch to bring with me but apparently the movers either threw them away or left them. I was really bummed. With the drought being so bad, maybe it’s a good idea not to plant too much new stuff till we see how the summer shakes out. Once they get established they’ll be fine, but I’m not sure having the restrictions will allow them to get well established. Just gonna have to wait and see.
That was such a nice video! All the blooms are beautiful Wilson, ya done good. Hey, we know our weather guessers will be wrong so be just go with the opposite of what they say and it works well for us!
Thanks Terry. We loved the video and the happy endings for the elephant orphans. Glad you enjoyed all those gorgeous flowers. Mum has this thing for the unusual. Mum spoke a bit premature apparently and Mother Nature started snowing a little over an hour ago and there are lots of big fat fluffy flakes falling now. Mum said she thought she heard Mother Nature whisper “You want some snow…okay…here’s some snow!” Oh well, she apologized to the weather peeps. The ground is still fairly warm so it’s not accumulating and sure looks pretty falling. Plus we definitely need the moisture with all the wind this week. Have a swell weekend!
Your fur-iend,
Wilson 🐾
I love the pictures of the flowers. We have a fair amount in our neighborhood but they’re just starting to bloom because we’re near the lake. My hosta is just started to come up too. we had such a busy week that we are trying to catch up and clean up this weekend. Plus, it’s cool but sunny so Chester may get an extra long walk! We can’t even mow the grass because it’s so wet. What a shame! Have a great weekend!
Glad you enjoyed some of the many unusual plants we saw. We saw some gorgeous hostas but Mum forgot to take photos of them. It seems she only took pics of everything else. Way to go Mum. Here’s hoping dear Chester gets a nice long walk in. Don’t work too hard cleaning up.
Your fur-iend,
Wilson 🐾
What an amazing “feast for the eyes” !! Such glorious plants and I certainly NEVER see most of those around here in the nurseries. The topiaries are fantastic too. People are so artistic and creative (usually) who are in the world of plants/landscaping etc. I am starting to look for super easy maintenance things now that I’m “a woman of age” – less care needed, etc. Last year I began using my covered front porch as my garden vs. out in the yard. Easier maintenance. I am planning to do my first plant shop adventure next week – I hope I find some INTERESTING choices like these.
Love and Hugs, Pam and Teddy too
Many thanks, Pam and Teddy. I hope you find some really lovely and unusual plants for your front porch. With our water restrictions, I think I’m mostly going with plants in containers until we see how hot it gets. Have a pawsome weekend!
Really beautiful flowers! Unusual colors. You don’t see that often. Around here garden centers are closing. Most are/were family run. People are retiring and kids don’t want to take it over so we have fewer and the big box places with the same old/same old.
Many thanks, Kate. It That garden center beats the big box stores with the same ole annuals and dismal collection of perennials. It has to be a fairly hard job with little margin for profit. I noticed a number of smaller ones closing last year and suspect there’ll be more joining the ranks of closed centers this year. So sad. Even though I didn’t buy any plants, I know right where to go to find them. Have a wonderful weekend.
Did you say a 70,000 sq ft garden center? Let me get snacks, beer and my sleeping bag – I’m moving in.
Yup, 70,000 square feet!! It’s huge and apparently recently remodeled and expanded. It’s one of the biggest garden centers in the state! I’m sure they’d welcome your residency. 😂 Have a great weekend.
That garden centre! I am so envious!
Those running it seem to be really good people.
Thanks, Helen. It a family owned business and the selection is amazing. It is a bit pricey but if you want unusual instead of the run of the mill stuff offered at the big box stores, this is your haven. Plus they have a well educated staff person on hand to answer your gardening questions. It was an evening in paradise! Have a terrific weekend.
Beautiful flowers. I love spring. I love you and Wilson.
Have a fabulous day and weekend. ♥
Aww, thanks, Sandee. We love you too. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs and tail wiggles from me and Wilson.