Category: Gardens

Nature Friday ~ August 1, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments

Wilson - BoulderWelcome to the first day of August. I’m going out on a limb here by saying I think it’s going to be a hot month and I’m not talking about a certain fabulous floof strutting his stuff on a Parisian runway. With less than two months until the  blessed day of autumn’s arrival, Mum has ramped up her whinging even more than usual. Can’t say as I blame her but…hello…look who’s wearing a  fur coat? Not her. Mum only managed to take a few photographs from around our garden this week but I will forewarn you about not having very high expectations as they’re not particularly special but it seems to make the chief biscuit maker happy, so let’s relish a brief moment when we managed to get out of the house, shall we?

Greetings mates. Wilson here. I know, I know…we’re like a broken record but I think anyone who has been caught in this summer version of Groundhog Day, you probably can identify. The 90’sF are returning and these temps tend to limit our outdoor times unless absolutely necessary. The hot weather makes people grumpy and Mum is no exception. Early this morning, she stubbed her foot on a tray that holds my food and water bowls and gosh…you would have heard the the most horrible imprecations imaginable floating in the air. Even I blushed and I was half asleep. Well enough of that, let’s join our furry friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang‘s blog hop and hope Mum is civilized today. Be sure to check the link out to see what great posts and pics are shared around Blogville.

The Mum: {grumbling under her breath and shuffling her feet into the room} Yawn…’morning House Pony. Are we doing this heat thing again today? What’s the forecast for today?

Wilson: Now Mum…you’ve got to let it go. We’re all sick of it but for all that’s holy, let’s just focus on the…ahem…paltry selection of flowers we found this week, shall we?

The Mum: {more grumbling} Whatever. I’m just hoping the coffee kicks in soon to improve my disposition.

Wilson: {softly whispering under his breath} Amen.

The Mum: What’s that you say?

Wilson: {pivoting} Oh nothing. I just realized we neglected to include one photo from our time spent in Boulder. I must say, that weekend seems like so long ago. The variety up there was such a delight.

The Mum: Yes, Boulder was truly lovely with an enchanting variety of plants we don’t often see in our neighborhood. Take a gander at this Crocosmia. Isn’t it fabulous? With those colorful flower clusters on branched stems, it can flower from early summer into early autumn. It belongs to the iris family and were you aware that their genus name comes  from the Greek words krokos, meaning “saffron”, and osme, meaning “odor.” Apparently the dried leaves give off a strong scent of saffron (the spice derived from Crocus that’s been immersed in hot water.

Crocosmia

Wilson: Hmm, fascinating and like you said, quite beautiful. Lately I’ve noticed garden annuals are in full bloom. Our zinnias planted from seed are flowering into nice pops of color in their pots and I’ve notice that the marigolds have come back with a vengeance this year. Looks like you’ll be busy deadheading them or we’ll have to host an Indian festival to Lord Shiva soon.

Marigolds

The Mum: Well, they’re cheery and bright and not the worst thing to volunteer in the garden.

Wilson: Right-o. They’re as cheerful as the Coreopsis (also known as Tickseed) that have popped up in a few unexpected places. Just yesterday I saw a small patch in the Plumbago that’s also begun to bloom. Coreopsis

Plumbago

The Mum: I’m a huge fan of the Plumbago and it’s really thick and luscious this year. The blue flowers are beginning to bloom and in a few weeks, the leaves will start their morphing into a gorgeous shade of mahogany. I know I wax on about it, but I truly love Plumbago since it isn’t picky about its growing conditions and makes for an easy to grow ground cover.

Wilson: I noticed you found a quirky scene on our early walk this morning. I’ve heard of vertical gardening but this kind goes beyond that, don’t you think?

Vertical garden

The Mum: I had to chuckle when I saw those plants growing in the rain gutter. Apologies for the overcast skies. Smoke from wildfires in Utah and Arizona are clouding up our normally crystal blue skies.

Wilson: You humans have a strange sense of humor. Lastly I thought I’d share how our little fig plant is doing. The two little figs seem to be doing well and the plant has really started to leaf out. You get so giddy whenever you go outside and check on it. It’s exciting to see you enjoying them as well as seeing them doing well. Well done, Mum.

Fig

 

The Mum:  Thanks, House Pony. I’m can’t wait until they ripen. Well, that’s about it for us. We hope you are able to enjoy little glimpses of nature around your neighborhood.

Wilson: Cheerio, mates. But before I go sashaying off, I have to share the award I earned from Lutheran. I’m still somewhat new to the pet therapy thing but I received this little trophy to acknowledge that I had completed than 20 visits this year. Actually it was 26 but who’s counting. The next category is 50 or more visits. While I did not attend the event in person (they tend to be filled with a bit more canine energy than I can comfortably handle, but Mum brought it home so I could pose with it). Getting the dogs to pose was a bit like herding cats but everyone enjoyed a good laugh about it.

Wilson Pet therapy

Pet therapy

Have a pawsome weekend!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ July 25, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 54 Comments

Sunrise - Boulder

We managed to make it to another Friday and we’ve lots to show you from a recent trip to Boulder, where Mom’s son lives. He had shoulder surgery and needed a caretaker to help him out while his partner was out of town. Well, color me happy…a road trip AND a visit to one of my favorite peeps. Wilson here to share photos from our time in Boulder with Mum. As always, we’re joining our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what else was shared in this week’s Nature Friday blog hop.

My first walk around the North Boulder neighborhood took me up to the base of Mount Sanitas. It was a lovely morning looking in either direction at sunrise. But getting up there was where the real fun was. I got to see scads of bunnies. Oh my dog…they are EVERYWHERE. The neighborhood hardly had any squirrels, which was very disappointing. I wished for lots of squirrels at our neighborhood wishing well before we left. Once again, they spray painted the dried allium blooms vibrant color. Whoever grants the wishes must have been on vacation because I only got to see two squirrels in Boulder. I felt somewhat swindled but know my chances are loads better near our house.

Wilson - wishing well

Bunny - BoulderWalking up toward Mount Sanitas, the clouds were busy dotting the sky. What an incredible view-both looking up as well as looking down toward town.

Mount Sanitas - Boulder

At 6,863 feet (2,092 meters), Mum was a tad winded since the climb is kinda of steep. One trailhead is just a mile from the downtown district where college students and tourists congregate in the many restaurants, pubs and other fascinating hang-outs.

Tennis balls - Boulder

One of the neighbors prepares fresh baked goods that she sells at a tiny  pittance of their value especially in this toney part of town where million dollar plus homes are the norm. At the edge of the street near her driveway, she has the equivalent of a ‘lending library’ for dogs. Mum was touched by this sweet tribute, its message of love and sharing. When she showed that pic to her son, he told her that’s the lady who bakes and sells her treats to people from all over the area!  They had a good laugh about that but I missed the joke. And come to think of it, the scones were missing too. Hmm, this a second gyp on this trip not that anyone is particularly keeping score, mind you…but…

The Mum: {interrupting} Wilson, sweet boy, you know perfectly well that baked goods aren’t for dogs and besides, I gave you lots of dehydrated liver treats on your walks. There’s no reason to feel gypped, House Pony.

Wilson: I’m not so sure about that Mum, you should know it’s particularly problematic when I hear my tummy gurgling…

The Mum: {interrupting again} Your stomach is always growling. I swear you must have either hollow legs or 7 stomachs!

Wilson: And that’s a problem because?

The Mum: {ignoring the question by changing the subject} So what else did you see on your walks?

Wilson: Around the corner from the box of tennis balls, we found a beautiful Japanese garden, complete with a really nice statute of the Buddha.

Buddha - Boulder

The Mum: It was a very serene walk highlighted by this statute and garden. It was the first of of some noteworthy garden artwork we passed. Do you remember this mailbox and donkey?

Horse mail box Donkey yard art - Boulder

Wilson: No…erm neighhhhhhh {dog snicker}.

The Mum: Oh my…was that your attempt to deliver a Dad joke? I wouldn’t give up your day job.

Wilson: Harrumph. That was kind of harsh. Perhaps I shouldn’t be so compliant near busy intersections by poing so nicely for you,  Mum? What do you think of that?

Wilson - Boulder

The Mum:  Errr, let’s not get hasty now. You wouldn’t want to endanger yourself, especially at busy intersections, now would you?

Wilson: Good point. I’d probably lose my floofy head and run out into traffic in a panic. Doggone it…score one for Mum logic.

The Mum:  It’s not about scoring anything, I just want you to stay safe sweet boy. What else do you have for us today?

Wilson: Well, I know you enjoyed these strange ‘flowers’ at the first dinner your son fixed. You said these steamed artichokes were quite tasty. I, on the other hand with my incredible floofy discernment, favored the salmon skins that were barbequed and served with them. Yum, yum…I think you need to start buying a package of those salmon filets soon. Just saying.

Artichoke - Boulder

The Mum: My son is an amazing cook (and gardener) and we work well together with 3 hands making dinner on a lovely evening on the patio deck. Artichokes, salmon and a nice salad made for a tasty meal. The appetizers were equally tasty. I am going to hunt from some of that lemoned beet hummus. It was soooo tasty.

Wilson: Well my favorite part of our 3 days in Boulder (other than being with your son) came on the last day. I made friends with some very strange looking dogs. But we all were polite and they mosied on down the street, undisturbed by me. Not sure if the neighbor’s dog felt the same since he was barking up a storm but no one can say I was a nuisance while visiting that ‘Hood.

Mama deer with babies - Boulder

The Mum: At first I thought they were garden statutory and then the two babies kissed each other and then began nursing on mama. I’d never seen young fawns in person so it was a real treat for me as well. Mama seemed a tad nervous and said, “enough breakfast, let’s go, you little hooligans.” They were just a couple doors away from my son’s house and when I mentioned them to him he was not quite as excited about their visit as I was. They apparently scale fences and nosh on the fruit trees, elderberry bushes and planted veggies. Luckily the resident dog, Junie, is ‘Johnny on the spot’ keeping them at bay but folks generally aren’t glad they come around.

Wilson: Umm, Mum…wouldn’t that be Junie on the spot? Not that I’m overly picky, but…

The Mum:  Oh Fine. Junie on the spot then. There…are you happy now?

Wilson: Happy as a clam at high tide, Mum. We’ll leave you with our best wishes to have a terrific weekend and hope you get out and enjoy some beauty around your neck of the woods.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ July 18, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 56 Comments

Birthday balloonsAs John Oliver says…welcome, welcome, welcome. Wilson here ready to share slices of nature as I join our pals from the Adventures of the LLB Gang‘s blog hop. Make sure you check the link out to see what great posts and pics are shared. Now let’s get on to some of what we encountered this week but first I want to extend best birthday wishes to sweet Rosy who turns 8 this weekend and Chia who continues celebrating her birthday month. Happy Birthday, girls. I’ll be turning the ole Lucky 7 on Sunday so let the good times roll. Let’s paw-!

It’s been hot, but some of the summer flowers are loving it. Check out these two pics of a particularly vigorous trumpet vine we walk past all the time.

Trumpet vine Trumpet vine

As you can see it was a bright sunny day (which made it hotter).  Hallelujah, eh Mum? So have you recovered from blowing up those balloons yesterday?

The Mum:  Oh lord, talk about a lung workout. They are meant to be blown up by hand using a special straw and not to be used with helium. Talk about being gassed! At any rate, I thought they would provide a nice celebratory vibe for your birthday weekend.

Wilson: 2025 is sure whizzing by us. For those of you who need something to look forward to, there are 66 days until autumn officially arrives. While I know it’s never good wishing your life away, we’ve been checking days off on the calendar.  In addition to these trumpet vines blooming their little heads off, daylilies are front and center around NW Denver gardens. Just look at these beauties.

Day Lily Day Lily Day Lily

The Mum: Whoa…those are gorgeous. You can never go wrong having lilies in your garden.

Wilson: Right you are on that, Mum. They are real showstoppers in a summer garden if you’re not into pots of annuals for summer color. I’ve been noticed Hollyhocks are blooming nicely too. Check this bright pink one out!

Hollyhock

The Mum: They are quite lovely, House Pony. Nice find.

Wilson: If you like those Hollyhocks, you’re gonna love the ever popular sunflowers that are having a go in summer gardens all over our neighborhood. They look especially stunning against a crystal blue sky. And I like that you managed to capture a happy bee flying from one flower to another.

Sunflowers

The Mum:  Thanks, buddy. Glad you liked it. Neighborhood birds are enjoy the sunflowers too as are your arch nemesis, the ever opportunistic furry critters you despise…squirrels.

Wilson: SQUIRRELS!! Where? Let. Me. AT. THEM! I’ll make sure they don’t take seeds away from birds!

The Mum: Easy Hoss, just relax. I’m sure there’s plenty to go around…

Wilson: {interrupting} There’s never enough when it comes to squirrels, they’ll eat anything they can get their grubby little paws on…you of all people should realize that.

The Mum:  I’m so tired of fighting them, and I’m hopeful the electronic anti-squirrel device I recently ordered keep them at bay. I mean just look at the newest bloom on the everbearing strawberry plant. That little guy needs far more protection than a bunch of sunflowers that are quite abundant.

Strawberry

Wilson: So you’re saying to choose my battles wisely? That’s probably good advice across the board. I’ll try to keep that in mind, but if I find them in my garden, mark my words…they will not go unchallenged.

The Mum: {rolling her eyes} Whatever-you know how I feel about the whole think. So long as neither of us get hurt by you launching me into space on our walks like a kite. Deal?

Wilson: Hmmm, I think I’m good with that but may backslide on occasion. Just wanted to know when it comes to squirrels, it’s literally a moving target. Full disclosure and all that.

The Mum: Fine, I’ll take my chances and hope for the best. So what else do you have?

Wilson: Well I notice this gigantic stalk coming from an agave plant on yesterday’s walk and was blown away by how tall it was. I’ve never seen one that tall before! It reminded me of a palm tree.

Agave

The Mum:  It really was something to behold. I’d never seen one that tall either and just had to take it’s pic and it obliged nicely. It looked especially regal with that blue sky.

Wilson:  And lastly we have a few photos from our immediate garden. The first  tomatoes ripened and they were mighty tasty. Your fig plant is doing nicely too and the two little figs seem to be doing well. The plant in general has put on a bunch of new leaves and it looks very healthy overall. It will be fun watching those babies ripen.Tomatoes

Fig plant

The Mum: Yes, I’m very jazzed about them and hope they continue to do well. Well that about wraps it up for us. We hope you’re able to experience some of nature’s many gifts firsthand. Have a great weekend-stay cool. We plan to do lots of celebrating for Wilson’s birthday.

Nature

Live, love, bark!  🐾

Nature Friday ~ July 11, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 63 Comments

Wilson, HydrangeasGreetings from the Ranch, mates. Wilson here, joining our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what else was shared in this week’s Nature Friday blog hop. It’s been a busy week for us that started out wet (more on that below) and we managed to receive a couple of small wet showers too. Otherwise, it was hot, as in triple digit hot. Yesterday was July’s full moon, known as the “Buck Moon,” so named as male deer (bucks) begin growing new antlers. July’s full moon is also known by other names such as Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, or Salmon Moon, depending on the various cultural associations with the month of July. Mum can’t help but wonder if the full moon period might explain some of the severe and extreme weather that’s been happening all over too. Just last night after consecutive days of very hot temps, our neighborhood received a shower that may have weakened the tree across the street enough that a large branch came crashing down last night on our poor neighbor’s car.

Full Moon
[Not my photo]
As you can imagine, Mum was pleased about the wet, but as you can tell by my expression below, it wasn’t as appreciated by me. I hate baths and this week my mum drew the short straw to get me ready to visit with staff and patients at Lutheran rather than the groomer. I don’t understand why Mum doesn’t seem to realize I don’t like baths. I mean, it’s written all over my face! And for the record, I wasn’t even that dirty.

Wilson ~ bath
Ugh, another bath!
Wilson ~bath
Here I am getting blow dried. Mum uses the ear hoodie but I still let her know how I felt about it anyway.
Wilson ~ bath
Here I am in all my glorious floofness, ready to go visit peeps.

The Mum: Oh come on, House Pony-it wasn’t that bad. But in order to get treats and attention from all your nurse friends, patients and visitors, the hospital requires each dog to receive a bath before visiting them.

Wilson: That may be the rule, but I still don’t like it. Although now that you mentioned it, everyone must have picked up on the abuse I suffered because there were LOTS of treats being dispensed and many “atta boy” ear rubs.

The Mum: Yes, I did notice that. I also noticed you tend to forget what you’re supposed to be doing and get a tad unfocused. Maybe next time don’t be such a pill in the tub and you can make folks happy and be well rewarded for it, eh?

Wilson: I’ll keep that in mind the next time, Mum. For starters, I sure did like meeting all the EMT’s buzzing around the Emergency Room. They know right where my ears like being rubbed.

Wilson ~ EMTs

The Mum: Well enough about all your abuse hard work, what kind of nature photos do you have to share with us?

Wilson: Well, I’m glad you asked, I’ve noticed the hydrangeas around the neighborhood are in full bloom. Boy, are they ever pretty, even if they don’t have much of a scent.

Wilson, Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas

The Mum: Oh look, they have floofy heads like you do!

Wilson: By jolly, you know, you’re right, Mum. I hadn’t thought it until now. I’ll bet they really enjoyed the shower we received. I know you were practically giddy and raced outside to protect your fig plant. The rain came down hard fr several minutes and small hailstones also fell and I know how much you’ve been babying that guy.

Rain storm gif

The Mum: Well, it has a couple of baby figs growing that I didn’t want to lose, so yeah, I ran outside and moved it under the covered patio. It rained a little bit yesterday as well. Certainly not as hard but I’m sure that plant loved every nourishing drop of rain. You can water three, four times a day in the heat but a few drops of rain will give it everything it desires. It was as if overnight, new leaves emerged on it. You know I think I need to give it a name. Got any ideas on what to name it?

Wilson: Hmmm, how about Bob? He kinda looks like a Bob. {excited butt wiggling}

The Mum: Okay, Bob it is then. Well that’s about it from us. Wilson, Bob and I hope you all have a good weekend. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the folks in New Mexico and Texas after horrific flooding took place  this week. Mother Nature is definitely on a rampage this summer but we still urge everyone to get outside to enjoy some of it. But be safe, will ya?

Wilson: Yes, please be safe and enjoy all the beauty nature shares with us this time of year. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to chase a squirrel or two.

The Mum: Wilson! Knock it off. Just tell folks to have a wonderful weekend.

Wilson: {sighing} Fine. Have a good weekend and if you just happen to see a squir…

The Mum: W-I-L-S-O-N!!! Enough with the squirrels. If you don’t behave, I’m going to have to put you in time out with NO TREATS. You got that, lad?

Wilson: {eek} Righto. Have a great weekend!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ July 4th, 2025 edition

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 64 Comments

July 4th

Well, here we are on another Friday where we join our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Please hop on over at the link to see what others have posted.

Today is July 4th in the US (well, technically it’s July 4th everywhere but it is a big deal holiday here in the US…but I digress). Wilson here. We were out walking in the early morning hours yesterday and came upon a new inflatable {insert rolling eyes here} at a house we walk past every day. I swear they must have a couple dozen of these things. May I should peek through the fence posts to see if there’s a huge shed to store them all. All I can say is “PSST.” Even if I posed nicely in front of them. I personally think they’re weird. But to each his own, eh?

The weather continues to be ungodly hot, as in pizza oven hot. Very dry with super low humidity so I’m guessing our friends in the Midwest and East Coast likely don’t have much sympathy for us. Enough of my kvetching…let’s get this show started, shall we? Oh Mumm…

The Mum: Good morning, House Pony. I see you decided to use the latest inflatable we saw yesterday to open our post. I’m just blown away by the number of inflatables that family has. All the holidays and even some special occasions-it’s hard to comprehend all of them.

Wilson: It’s a mystery for sure, but let’s stop talking about those fools guys and instead, share some of the beautiful flowers I found this week.

The Mum: O-kay. What do you have to start out today’s post? Got anything special you want to share?

Wilson: Well, I’m rather chuffed about a couple of today’s flowers that are rather unusual. Like this Greater Masterwort that our neighbor recently planted. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. And listen to some of the attributes this plant has. First, it’s a perennial with an erect and glabrous stem, with little branches but few leaves. The small flowers are typically greenish-white with reddish shades. They typically flower from June through September, and they’re native to southern Europe. It’s been in the British Isles since the 16th century. Apparently it’s quite common in mountain meadows and grasslands, in forests and clearings, and close to streams, anywhere the altitude is above sea level. It likes partial shade apparently with moist conditions so we both know it likely wouldn’t survive in our garden.

Great Masterwort

The Mum: Is that some sort of a dig at me because I avoid plants that need a lot of supplemental watering like the plague?

Wilson: Umm, nope, there’s nothing subtle about it, Mum. You only plant flowers that will withstand very arid conditions once they’ve established themselves. Now here’s a plant that will work well for you in our garden…Gaillardia,  commonly known as blanket flower or Indian blanket is a native wildflower to North and South America where they often naturalize in prairies, plains and open areas. Named after  Maître Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th-century French magistrate who was quite an enthusiastic botanist. They’re a cheerful lot, aren’t they?

Gaillardia- Blanket flower

The Mum: I do like those and am always amused when they suddenly appear in the garden without my planting them. Those little globe seed heads are chock full of potential new plants and they remind me of dandelions in that their ability to readily propagate around the neighborhood are quite remarkable.

Wilson: Their flowers kind of remind me of these orangey Rudbeckia, commonly called Black Eyed Susan’s. It’s another member of the Asteraceae family. These native North America perennials bloom from mid through late summer and are sometimes called coneflowers. They are deer and rabbit resistant. They grow in both damp woodlands and dry prairies, indicating they are most adaptable. They’re perfect for you, Mum.

Black eyed Susan

The Mum:  Yes, I do like them, and they have a range of colors from yellow and orange flowers as well as some varieties that bloom in multiple colors with dark brown or black centers. There are even some that come in red, bronze and even bi-colored shades.

Wilson: They’re a very good looking plant.But so are these, Mum. Anemones enjoy a nice shady spot in a woodland garden and come in multiple colors. Snowdrop Anemone

The Mum:  Those are really beautiful. And I like this red Monarda you found. ‘Bee balm’ is quite popular with butterflies and other pollinators. This specimen was beginning to get a little past its prime but the color was still so striking, I couldn’t resist taking a pic of it.

Monarda-bee balm

Wilson: And finally I found some blooming bellflowers on our walk earlier this week. Look how pretty it is. “Campanula” is considered another wildflower and can be found across the Northern Hemisphere, the Mediterranean, and its range even extends into mountains in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. A delicate perennial with graceful, slender stems, usually in clusters, rising in height from 4-15 in. The stems can be weak which causes the thing to bend over. Its rounded leaves wither early while the narrow, stem leaves remain. Blue-violet bell-shaped flowers hang singly or in clusters. Those bell-shaped flowers are borne in loose clusters at the tips and may come in a variety of colors from pale pink and light blue to deep violet-blue and pure white.

Bellflower

The Mum:  This was quite the find since I’ve only ever seen the purple/blue variety around the neighborhood. I loved the pale pink/white and will have to look for one at a garden center for future inclusion in our garden.

Wilson: Finally, because I know you love Swallowtail butterflies so much, here’s another one that followed us along our early morning  walk. He sure was beautiful, Mum and looked so cool flitting around on the summer breeze.Butterfly

The Mum: You’re right, I do like watching them. They seem to take all your worries away. Well that’s it for us this week. We hope you all have a terrific weekend. Stay cool (if that’s possible) and stay hydrated. And above all, have a safe holiday.

Nature

Nature Friday ~ June 27, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 67 Comments

WilsonWelcome to the last Friday of Hell month, aka arrival of summer-often referred to as the month of June. And boy did she arrive with a major league chip on her shoulder. Hey, what did I do to deserve this hellscape? Wilson here and I just don’t understand. I’m a good boy (most of the time) and I haven’t turned my Mum into a kite for ages. Yet for some reason apparently Mother Nature is quite P.O’d and she’s taking it out on us floofs. Well guess there’s no easy answer as to her motives, so I guess we’ll just joint our mates from Adventures of the LLB Gang and share some of the nature we found this week. Make sure you click on their link to see what others have shared.

This week we’re going to feature some garden insects from around the garden so if bugs creep you out, you may want to rejoin us on Monday.

The Mum: Hello House Pony, so you’re hankering to share some bugs today, eh?

Wilson: Sure, Mum. I’ve got some real doozies and beauties. Let’s start with the pretty ones first. The Swallowtail butterflies have been visiting our garden. They kind of meander and flit from one flower to the next. I sure enjoy keeping an eye on them.

Swallowtail butterfly

The Mum: You were a very good boy around the butterflies…now if only you wouldn’t try to eat the bees and wasps who have been noshing on the lavender that’s in bloom.

Wilson: In my defense, that bee started it. Can I help it that he just happened to fly into my jaws of death mouth yesterday?

The Mom: You were lucky not have been stung.

Wilson: I was too fast for him. But boy, he sure tasted funky. Did you notice how quickly I shook him out of my mouth?

The Mum: And then ate him? Yes, I sure did. You were very fortunate. A sting in a dog’s mouth can be very painful-your whole jaw could have swelled up.

Wilson: Mum you worry too much. I got this. It seems my saliva doesn’t just make for amazing mousse on your head…it apparently drowned that buzzing guy.

The Mum:  {eyes rolling} All I’m saying is, some day you’re not going to be as lucky. Best to avoid the buzzing bugs. Especially if they look anything like this prehistoric monster. It looked like something from Jurassic Park.

Parasitic wasp

Wilson: {shivers} You’re so right, Mum. That thing totally creeped me out. I discovered it was likely some sort of parasitic wasp. That extremely long ovipositor is what she uses to deposit her eggs in or on either a host body or piece of rotted wood. Despite looking doggone terrifying, that ovipositor does not deliver a sting like typical wasps. Why didn’t you step on it? Now I’m constantly going to be looking out for the bloody thing until I get distracted by a squirrel or other critter, that is. We’ve had a lot of bunnies visiting lately but they don’t bother me like the tree rats do.

The Mum: Sadly I was so blown away by it by, that I didn’t think about stepping on it and It flew away after posing for a photo.

Wilson: I hope it flew to another city and stays away from our neighborhood! Ick…I just can’t un-see that monster. But I was rather keen on checking out the ladybugs that are appearing on the lupines. They’re so Disney-nice looking and don’t look prehistoric like that parasitic wasp. Notice how it was perfectly centered in the leaf cluster as if she was trying to imitate stamin.

Ladybug

The Mum: Don’t be fooled. Ladybugs (as they are called in North America and ladybirds In the UK) are actually beetles who are quite carnivorous predators. They are characterized by domed backs with flat undersides and conspicuous aposematic (warning) colours and patterns, e.g red with black spots, which are used to warn potential predators that they taste toxic. They can gorge themselves on aphids and scale insects and are often used as a natural deterrent to agricultural pests. In other words, they’re like biological control agents.

Wilson: Gosh, I had no idea they were so ferocious. Well I’m just grateful you have some help controlling those aphids. There are more than enough them to give those ladybugs a right proper belly ache for over-indulging.

The Mum: Speaking of predators, how about this Wheel Bug. I found this guy hanging out on some mulch. He was so striking so you can imagine my surprise to discover he was a type of ‘assassin bug’ when I looked him up. You just never can tell what kind of critters are lurking about the garden. Another predatory bug, these use their beak-like mouthparts to pierce their prey, then inject a powerful mix of enzymes which is lethal and begin to digest their prey much like spiders do. It’s a good thing I didn’t try to pick him up since they have a nasty bite that can hurt like the dickens for a few days.

Assassin bug

Wilson: Crikey…I’m going to have nightmares tonight thinking about all these predator bugs. We better find some pretty flowers or I’ll be a basket case.

The Mum: You worry too much, House Pony. We’ll just have to look for more flowers so we don’t disrupt your beauty sleep or give you PTSD about predator bugs. Let’s wrap this up with something that is lovely to look at and is currently in bloom. Yum…I just love English lavender and this Lavandula Angustifolia-Hidcote variety is definitely swoon worthy. Does that make you feel better, sweet boy?

Lavender

Wilson: Ahhh…I could sniff that stuff all day. It’s totally divine and ultra relaxing. Thanks, Mum. ‘Course I don’t really need anything to help me relax as I’m pretty good freelancing.

Wilson

The Mum: {smiling} Presuming nature hasn’t deep fried you to a crisp, we hope you are able to check out all the beautiful and remarkable sights Nature provides. We’ll be checking out the Denver Dog Fair this weekend and hope your weekend is beyond excellent.

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Nature Friday ~ June 6, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 44 Comments

WilsonGreetings mates, Wilson here for the first Friday of June and the 157th day of the year. Today we’re doing something different as we join our friends at the LLB Gang for this week’s edition of Nature Friday. Trees have leafed out but blooming flowers really haven’t changed, Mum has noticed the only thing new has been the direct result of our weather. It was the second week in a row where rain showers fell nearly every day. In fact, yesterday’s afternoon walk around the neighborhood saw us getting soaked. Again. What the bloody dog? Mum knows I don’t like rain on my fluffy white head but there she was dragging hustling me along to try and find some cover under the trees.

So what does all this rain mean? Well things are green and lush. So much so, grass seems to grow overnight. And so do the weeds. And if you haven’t guessed by now, Mum is highlighting the weeds this week {eyes rolling}.

Yes, you heard me right…bloody weeds. I’d think she was in the sun for too long yesterday before the clouds and rain rolled in after working in the garden all morning, pulling two bins full of weeds. She said it’s the yang aspect of Nature and she thought we should see the other side of what happens when there’s lots of moisture. Not that we’d ever object to moisture, mind you…but weeds? Come on Mum, just admit it…your brain is fried and you’re suffering from writer’s block.

The Mum:  Good morning, House Pony. I see you’ve set a somewhat negative stage for today’s Nature Friday focus on the reverse side of Nature. When you usually have a lack of moisture, plants struggle. But give them even just a little spot of rain and voila!…they are transformed into a scene from Little Shop of Horrors where gardeners swear they are hearing the baritone wail of Levi Stubbs (of Four Tops fame)  who was the voice of Audrey in the movie-Feed me Seymour.

Feed me Seymour

Wilson: Ermmm, didn’t mean to cast dispersions, Mum, but seriously…weeds. That’s the best you’ve got? Surely there’s gotta be something far more exciting, not to mention far more visually pleasing.

The Mum: Sorry, it’s just reality. You can water the garden like crazy and it’s so-so but even with a tiny little rain sprinkle and poof, instant greening up and lushness.

Wilson: Well, ok…if you say so. I still stand with my observation that you might be suffering from a spot of writer’s block but let’s move along. Some of these weeds universally vex us all summer long, rain or not…like the bindweed and spotted spurge but some of the have grown to gargantuan dimensions like the prickly lettuce and that plant that resembles hemlock which is a member of the carrot family.

Prickly lettuce
Prickly lettuce-wear thick gloves when removing this bad boy.
Hemlock
Poison hemlock, a member of the carrot family.
Argemone - Prickly Poppies
Argemone – Prickly Poppies, another weed that requires thick gloves for removal
Spotted Spurge
Spotted Spurge loves getting between flagstone pathways
Bindweed
Bindweed sheltering other assorted weeds

The Mum: I swear that bindweed is going to be the death of me yet. I have yet to be able to eradicate it and the recent rains have acted like nitrogen fertilizer. Oh sure, the ‘morning glory-like’ blooms are pretty but this weed will strangle the life out of everything around it.

Wilson: It looks quite innocent but I noticed it went from just a few blossoms to an entire carpet of them. This weed may be your Waterloo, Mum but mine are the foxtails that typically show up along sidewalks waiting for unsuspecting dog legs and paws to attached their bloody barbed seed awns.

Foxtails

Foxtails

The Mum: As I was researching foxtails for this post, I noticed “wall barley” (sometimes called false barley), is very similar in appearance and can’t be 100% certain if what’s pictured is actually foxtail or false barley. Either way, you’re right saying these seed awns can be not only dangerous to dogs but depending where they’ve entered a dog, can be lethal if not promptly and fully removed.

Wilson: I will chew on my toes if some piece of grass gets stuck which apparently is some sort of code to dog mums that something is stuck between our toes/pads and needs immediate remediation. I swear even if I just look at my feet, you’re all over me examining me with a whole battery of combs and other grooming tools to remove any offending bits and bobs. I appreciate it but you descend on me like grasshoppers/locusts from the Dust Bowl and that’s somewhat terrifying.

The Mum: Trust me, the alternative would be much worse. It’s for your own good.

Wilson: It’s funny how things us dogs dislike are always accompanied with that phrase. Anyway, I’m glad you’re obsessed on guard for them. And because I’m a benevolent floof, I had you take a photo on our walk for this morning’s post-dawn walk of a white lupine in bloom. We have the purple and pink variety in our garden but had never seen a white version before. It’s rather pretty and a nice offering for Miss Rosy after all these lame weed pics.

Whether you’re suffering from writer’s block or have loads of things to write about, we hope your weekend is full of joyful exploration and discovery of both sides of Nature. Have a great weekend.

R-White Lupine

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Nature Friday ~ May 30, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 50 Comments

WilsonWelcome to the last Friday of May. Crikey…how in the world did we zip through May so quickly? I mean we’re nearly half way through 2025. {Head shaking} It must be done with sorcery or with some help from Hogwarts. Both Mum and I have been  scratching our heads trying to understanding how we got here.

So it’s been kinda cool this week, temperature wise. And get this…we’ve had rain showers on several days. With temps hovering around 46ºF (7ºC) when we take our morning walks, a chap has to warm up before he goes out. Oh don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about the cool temps. Both Mum and I are enjoying them and the gentle rain has really brought out the curls in the Floof. To top it off, the rain has made gardens look pretty amazing.

We all know that May is a great season for blooming peonies and irises but today we’re going to showcase another favorite flower…the common rose, which also loves to bloom in May.

Wilson: What’s that old Shakespeare’ saying? “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Guess ole William didn’t figure on genetics affected that once familiar scent. You may have noticed that roses don’t smell like they used to years ago. So why don’t roses have that luscious fragrance anymore, Mum?

The Mum: It all boils down to 3 words-economics and disease resistance, House Pony. Many years ago, as the floral industry realized they could import roses from other countries cheaper than growing them in the US, they teamed up with genetic science. Growing overseas would require sufficient time to ship cut flowers back to US consumers who demanded longer lasting roses and roses with large blooms were especially sought after. Enter Ecuador whose roses boast the largest blooms in the world and are thus some of the most sought after because of their size. Crossing breeding efforts to achieve those larger blooms, longer thornless stems, increased petal count, and disease resistance unfortunately replaced the gene which removed that beautiful fragrance. We may enjoy bouquets longer, but the price is those bouquets no longer have the fragrance that we all know and love, unless the rose happens to be one of the David Austin varieties. Apparently the two genes are incompatible. But all is not lost. Science is working on a solution by breeding compact fragrant roses that are healthy and have a lovely perfume as well. The bad news is that in order to create fragrant cut roses that are durable may take as long as 10 years to develop a fragrant, disease resistant rose but work on that continues. Once that happens, that Shakespeare quote won’t need to be changed. In the meantime, let’s take a look around our neighborhood to see some of the beauties that have been blooming.

Roses

Wilson: Just goes to show life isn’t perfect but there’s always going to be someone who’s willing to try to build a better mousetrap, Mum.

Roses

The Mum: That’s quite true. I felt lucky to capture most of these roses after a little shower so there are still droplets on the blooms and leaves that I think add to their beauty.

Roses Roses

Wilson: I think my favorite color are the pinks. They manage to look the best longer than some of the other colors whose petals get a bit ragged looking around the edges. Still all these beauties looked so lovely when we saw them on our walks and the good news is that most of them (with proper deadheading), will continue to bloom throughout summer.

Roses

The Mum: Right you are, Floof. The ‘show’ will go on, presuming summer heat doesn’t impact them too much. I’m willing to keep my eyes on them. How about you?

Wilson: Oh yes, it’s always good to look forward to beauty when and wherever nature provides it, be it on rose blooms or other flowers. So, do you have any plans to welcome the month of June? I think we’re probably just going to catch up on garden chores after all the rain that fell has fertilized weeds like crazy. After over a week of cool temps, the weather will start warming up and weeds are popping up everywhere, just waiting for Mum’s hoe. I’ll be sure to snoopervise her from the shade of the covered patio. One must practice their keen ‘quality control’ skills to make sure the human doesn’t slack off, don’t you think? We hope you have a splendid weekend and are able to get outdoors to enjoy a spot of sunshine or find some beautiful flowers in bloom along a walk. Enjoy…whatever you choose to do.

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Nature Friday ~ May 23, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 48 Comments

WilsonGreetings folks, Wilson here offering our latest flora and fauna take for this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join the blog hop hosted by the LLB Gang. Please click on their link to see what others shared.

The Mum: Good morning, House Pony…I see you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed today, erm not so much bushy tailed since you don’t really have much of a tail but you certainly are getting bushy. We’ll need to remedy that soon. So, what do you want to share first?

Wilson: Hello Mum. Glad you could join us. I hope that’s not a clue that bath is in my near future. I noticed you were a bit slow getting up this morning. You ok?

The Mum: Not commenting on the possibility of a bath today. Oh yes, I’m fine, just a bit tired-I went to bed late again last night and it’s beginning to catch up with me after logging nearly 44 miles through yesterday. I also spent a lot of time doing some serious gardening. It was lovely having you snoopervising the gardening. You’re good company, buddy.

Wilson: Thanks, Mum. I love hanging out with you keeping an eye out for the squirrels while watching the natural world. Looks to be a warm and pleasant weekend with temps back in the high 80’sF (29C). The neighborhood Farmers Market reopened last weekend and I’m sure there will scads of pedestrian traffic. You sure planted a bunch of stuff-are you expecting to feed an army with all the veggies?

The Mum: Hardly, only a couple of tomatoes, herbs and hopefully lots of lettuce since I really need to add more greens to my diet. The biggest and most fun part of this week’s gardening was receiving and planting a Mother’s Day gift from my daughter-a zone hardy fig tree (though I’ve decided I’m hauling him inside when the weather turns…even though it’s rated Zone 5 hardy with winter protection). I noticed yesterday it already has a formed a tiny little fig! Sorry about the blurry pic, I was just so excited I couldn’t keep the camera focused in my glee.

Fig tree

Wilson: You were pretty excited about that discovery, almost as much as you were to see a bumper crop of strawberries forming. I’m especially looking forward to be your quality control officer-I love berries!

Stawberries

The Mum: There are loads more this year from last year. We might even have enough for a salad, presuming we can keep the critters out…

Wilson: {interrupting} I’ll definitely do my part-it’s no problem. I would welcome the chance to keep the squirrels away.

The Mum: Umm, appreciate the help offer…but remember we just want to dissuade them from poaching, not hurt them.

Wilson: Hurt? {looking very innocent} Not me, Mum.

Wilson

The Mum: {eyes rolling} Right. So what else did you want to share?

Wilson: There has been such an increase in all the different kinds of plants we’ve encountered along our walks. Here are some of the more unusual ones.

Hawthorn shrub
I think this is some kind of Hawthorn shrub, isn’t it pretty?
Red peony
Peonies, queen of the late spring garden are blooming and this is our favorite color.
Rhododendron
Had never seen a pale yellow Rhododendron before-this one is so delicate looking.

The Mum: Clematis are also beginning to bloom. It was one of the plants I added to the front garden and am looking forward to it’s unusual color-purple and bright pink. I’ve struggled keeping them alive in the past so have my fingers crossed.

Clematis

Clematis

Wilson: You just need to make sure the roots are well shaded with mulch and providing adequate water while it gets established.

The Mum: Yeah, I had a few on the wrought iron pergola years ago but neglected to keep the roots well shaded.

Wilson: There seem to be a lot more hydrangeas around the neighborhood and one in particular is an unusual color.

Hydrangea

The Mum: Isn’t that one a total showstopper from a friend’s garden? Just look at that rich deep color.

Wilson: It’s quite lovely, Mum. While the rest of the neighborhood has had loads of irises blooming, yours are just now starting to bloom. And what beauties they are!

Irises
This one starts out almost black then turns into a deep purple.

Irises

The Mum: Poppies are also blooming and we found these pretty pink colored ones. They really dress up a poppy garden and are so striking compared to typical orange Oriental Poppies that are so prevalent around the neighborhood.

Poppies

Wilson: Another beauty, Mum. Well I wanted this to be flora and fauna post but we haven’t gotten to the fauna part yet. But I think it’s going to be well worth the wait.

The Mum: Earlier in the week I met up with a friend who recently moved back to Colorado and met her sweet pet therapy poodle. You, Charlie and his mom walked around the Crown Hill park that’s west of us. It was a cool, windy day but it was great fun to see the nesting turtles (sorry, didn’t get a pic because I didn’t want to disturb them) as well as loads of red-winged blackbirds. They usually fly away whenever you get close to them but this guy stayed even as I moved slowly to grab a quick pic. He was guarding the waste receptacle and made me smile.

Red winged blackbird

Wilson: Nice, Mum. It’s always a good moment when critters let you capture their picture. But come on, let’s show the cutest pic of some Canadian fluffs. How cute are they?!

Canadian gosslings

The Mum: {squeals} They were totally adorable and mama didn’t freak out and try to chase me. I was just leaving a parking lot from a class I had taken last weekend and slammed on the brakes to see if they’d let me get close enough to photograph. I was rewarded with their little peeps and cheeps and soft fluffy bodies. So cute!

Wilson: Those babies are so cute and a lot nicer when they’re little. Their mums are quite protective but I guess everyone was either very hungry or trusted you enough. Speaking of hungry, wasn’t that a class to learn how to decorate cookies?

The Mum: Umm, yes, but that topic is for another post. Never fear sweet boy-you’ll definitely be my quality control officer for that project as I slowly work to restart up my dog treat business.

Wilson: Oh Mum…you just made me the happiest wiggle-butt around! How soon can we get started? Oooh, oooh, I’m just so excited. Imagine getting to sample tasty treats…

The Mum:  Uh, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. Between the rescue and therapy visits, I have a lot on my plate but will see how to slowly get back into it. Trust me, you’ll be the first to know when it gets off the ground and until it does, you’ll get to sample treats. How does that work for you?

Wilson: Are you kidding, I’m breathless with anticipation! Well that’s it for today’s post. To all our US friends, we wish you a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend where we honor all deceased men and women who served in the military. Many people will also pay their respects to all deceased family members as well. We just hope you are able to get outside and enjoy some of all the beauty Nature has to offer while paying your respect.

“That Nation which respects and honors its dead, shall ever be respected and honored itself.”
– Brevet Lieut.-Col. Edmund B. Whitman, 1868

Memorial Day

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Nature Friday ~ May 17, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 61 Comments

Wilson

Welcome to the 20th Friday of 2025 and  the 136th day of the year. Your friendly neighborhood floof is here to share slices of nature for this week’s latest edition of Nature Friday. Once again we’re joining the LLB Gang and hope you’ll click on their link to see what others have shared. And no…in case anyone is wondering, I’m not broken this morning, I’m just catching a few more winks before starting my day. Plus I just love laying like this on my favorite pile of pillows. Ahhhhh-the good life.

The Mum: {from the other room} Wilson! Get off the sofa!!

Wilson: {sighing} Whoops, guess that’s my signal to get up and get rolling. This week started out with a couple of toasty days with temps in the upper 80’s F (31C) but then a cool front moved in along with about 16 drops of rain. Both Mum and I enjoyed the sunny mornings and temps in the 60ºs F (15º C) in the afternoons to spy on this week’s focus-irises. Mum is a huge fan of irises, bearded irises in particular. They do extremely well in our semi-arid climate and if there’s any downside to planting them, it’s that they have a relatively short blooming cycle. I guess that old adage-into each life, some rain must fall-is accurate…pitiful as it may be.

The Mum: Life is full of give and take, House Pony especially in our climate. But it just makes life interesting. You’re quite right, I am a big fan of bearded irises. While they prefer well drained soil and sunny conditions they have done fairly well in our garden and around the neighborhood. Low maintenance, low water requirements…yes please-sign us up! And now that I’ve discovered there are some varieties that will re-bloom again in autumn, color me happy as a clam at high tide. Bearded irises are just about perfect as a garden addition and are easy to grow. The re-bloomers are currently flowering now while our main iris bed is only beginning to  show signs of waking up. Here are a couple photos of the re-bloomers. Normally, white flowers aren’t a big deal, but I have always thought these are just plain pretty with that soft pale yellow signal below the ‘beard.’

Iris

Wilson: They are lovely, Mum and if I do say so, most sniff-worthy as well (but I will resist because I know you love them). Last week’s rain sure made them very happy. I know you like unusual colors in flowers so this reddish colored one seems to fit that bill. Just look at how the sun shines through the petals. Early morning light is just so special.

Iris

The Mum: Yes, that red one is quite a beauty. Right now most of what are blooming around the ‘Hood are the purple ones.

Iris Iris

Wilson: They’re pretty too, Mum. It’s like they’re sticking their tongues out us. Who knew flowers had a sense of humor?

The Mum: Oh Wilson…you are a funny dog…the things that amuse you.

Wilson: What? I’m just calling things like I see them. You humans are so serious, it’s good to look at life with a dog’s perspective.

The Mum: I’m not objecting, you just crack me up. One of the many reasons I love you. I have a feeling you have something else to share from around our garden. You’ve spent a lot of time hanging out with me while I’ve been cleaning up the beds.

Wilson: Yes, and it’s been pretty exciting. While you’re pulling weeds and picking up leaves and twigs the squirrels have been taunting me with, I’ve been watching bees hanging out around the lupines. Last week we captured the purple one and this week, the pink one is playing center stage.

Lupine

The Mum: You’re starting to sound like me being mesmerized by bees going from flower to flower searching out the best pockets of pollen.

Wilson: And I see you managed to capture another one in mid-flight. I wish I could do that, but you keep telling me I wouldn’t like that so I’m being a good boy and not trying to capture them in my sheepdog jaws of death. I’ll save that for the squirrels. Did you see how close I came to catching that tree rat yesterday?

The Mum: Don’t remind me. You shot down the alley like a rocket. I saw that you scared the daylights out of a bunny who ran along with the squirrel. Poor thing. You know the rule, no chasing the bunnies and certainly not down an alley where you may encounter traffic. I nearly had a heart attack when you did that. Are you just insane?

Wilson: {blinking innocently} I have no idea what came over me but you notice I responded to your hysterical command to return.

The Mum: Umm, that’s not exactly what transpired. I had to go chase you before you returned.

Wilson: Now, now,…the bottom line is I came to my senses and came willingly.

The Mum: Hmmm, as I recall it, I had to snatch you by the collar and drag you.

Wilson: You say say tomato (toMAYto) I say tomato (toMAHto), …let’s be like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, shall we?

The Mum: I just want you to be safe, buddy. Please promise you’ll do better about chasing the tree rats, okay?

Wilson: I’ll do my best, but you gotta admit, I sure gave that rascal a run for its money.

The Mum: While giving me a heart attack in the process. It’s one thing to try to chase them up a tree, but let’s agree not to go flying down the alley, shall we?

Wilson: Deal, Mum. I hope I can keep that promise. I don’t want to disappoint you. And I know you’re just trying to keep me safe. So bunnies are ok to chase?

The Mum: {smacking her forehead} NO, BUNNIES ARE NOT OK TO CHASE!! For the record, we do not chase anybody, least of all down the alley, okay? Do you understand now?!

Wilson: {sheepishly} Got it Mum. Sorry. Not to change the subject, but what’s on the agenda this weekend? Got any special plans? Whatever you do, we hope it includes checking out all the beauty nature dishes out. Have a great weekend and avoid any squirrels.

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