First Iris of 2026 Blooms

This is our first Iris of the 2026 season in our backyard.

A Domesticated Parakeet Shows Up In Our Backyard

This parakeet appeared in the backyard. It must have escaped or was let loose on purpose by someone.

The deck refurb progresses further | Water Garden, Deck and Umbrella Images

The deck refurb progresses further

   

Deck Refurbishment Project is Progressing

The deck refurbishment project is slowly progressing

The deck refurb is slowly moving forward. We used Trex composite decking boards for sustainability. However, I do wish I would have matched the decking color with the stain/sealer color used for the stairs and the fencing pickets at the back of the deck. Originally the thought was to match the decking color with the the old, gray picket boards. But after looking at the old greyed boards that i had never stained, I was just not happy with the look of the pickets. Additionally I wanted to raise the height of the fence pickets to provide more privacy. In doing so, I replaced the greyed fence pickets with new red cedar pickets. I also wanted the pickets to have a longer life as well as preserving a constant color and longevity so I stained/sealed them with the color you see now. I had butted all the pickets tightly together in hopes I wouldn't have the gaps between the boards. Unfortunately the recently cut pickets quickly shrank and I did not like the gaps it created. That caused me to double layer the pickets to eradicate the gaps. This required me to again stain/seal the newly applied pickets. But this gives me the full privacy I desire while also providing an extra sound proofing. I still have plenty of trim work that i want to do, as well as adding plant hangers and possibly some type of accent lighting. I am also still in the thinking and planning of the type of chairs/loungers I want for the seating. I definitely want one or two glider benches that I used to love sitting in at my gandparents' places when I was young pup. But that's more options i need to decide on like color and do I want to use poly, metal or wood?But this is where we are today on the project.

Why Low-Water Garden Design Is Taking Over in 2026

From ditching the lawn to watering more smartly, we asked experts in their field for their tips on low-water garden design and easy techniques homeowners can use in their own front and back yards.

Whether you have just moved home and inherited a garden that needs a complete revamp...

Reference: www.homesandgardens.com

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First coffee of Spring on the back porch...

First time I have sat outside and drank my coffee since last year. Even sharing the space with my old friend Chip Munkerson.

A beautiful sky in Huntsville, Alabama

A beautiful sky in Huntsville, Alabama this morning

A beautiful sky this morning. If you look closely you can see the moon as well.

ICEAGEDDON 2026

ICEAGEDDON 2026

Meyer Lemon Tree is covered up with lemons this year

Meyer Lemon Tree is covered up with lemons this year.

A large mum that came back to life from last year is about to bloom. It had a producing tomato plant that was a random volunteer that grew out of the middle of it all summer. I think they helped each other in some kind of symbiotic relationship. It sits in a semi-shaded area on the northern side of tall banana plants.

It's October 1st, and produce production has almost slowed to a stop.

A Blue Skink (Five-Lined Skink) is enjoying my compost bucket

A Blue Skink is enjoying my compost bucket

The blue tail on this skink is meant to attract the attention of any predators that discover the skink. The predator will grab the tail and it will break off or be shes by the skink (autotomy), saving the lizard. The tail will regenerate. the skinks around our pond area were captured around the Mentone (overlook) area by my boy's when they were young. Skinks are great to have around your yard as they eat spiders, crickets, and other insects.

Hummingbirds

Morning moon view. Time: 06:27

Lobster salad with homegrown Black Brandywine tomatoes.

Pond view circa August 2025.

Hummingbird perched while waiting for a turn at the feeder.

Peter or Patricia Cottontail

Peter or Patricia Cottontail is hangin' out with me while I enjoy my coffee.

Tomatoes are rolling in

Tomatoes are rolling in.

Goldfinch

Goldfinch

Cottontail Rabbit discovers the carrot tops i planted from my salad prep scraps.

Purple Heart plant (Tradescantia pallida)

Black Eyed Susan

Moss Rose

Barn Swallow nest is overflowing with fast growing babies.