While exploring a new neighbourhood, the street we were on suddenly came to an end on the edge of a small wildlife garden. This rather whimsical looking plant, commonly known as prairie smoke or old man’s whiskers was sharing the sun with some other native plants.
More glimpses of neighbourhood gardens.
It’s been a very cold few days so when it warmed up enough to take a walk, it was nice to see that the flowers are right on schedule.
It’s nice to see what’s coming up in the neighbourhood gardens. I liked the metal trellis as well.
These lilies of the valley are among the flowers in the garden of the old house I featured on my blog yesterday.
The front yard of this house has a collection of objects that the owner has acquired over the years and no two are alike. You just have to stand on the curb and point your camera in the direction of the yard. I thought this bust with a frame placed in front of it was rather curious 😏 .
The weather has been up and down lately. Today’s high was 11C, last Friday it was in the high 20Cs. The tulips don’t seem to mind though.
That’s the feeling I got while walking past this garden.
This apartment is on the ground floor so I guess the occupants opted for some security. I liked their choice of grill work.
As well as wild violets, there’s no season quite like spring 😊.
Among the first flowering plants we see in the spring are forsythia. Always a welcome sight.
It looks like this little metal frog has weathered many winters. It’ll be nice to see the real thing once it warms up a bit more.
The best kind of snow drops are the kind pushing through the warming earth 😊
The lines and curves caught my eye.
I watched as the house sparrow perched on the brick and window sills of this old house. I looked to see whether it had a nesting hole somewhere in the brick, as sparrows often build their nests in buildings, but saw nothing. It’s a busy time for them,
Around the city there are several parks and green spaces that we go to as the weather warms up. We’ve seen the same photographers at these locations over the years and at the beginning of the season it’s always nice to stop and catch up. I liked the way the dog was looking in the same direction as the photographer.
I like the shape and colours of this flowering plant. The flowers contrast nicely with its dark leaves.
A warm March sun brightens the neighbourhood.
It’s been snowing lightly all day. Just when it looked like it was winding down it picked up again. Looking for a photo to post I came across this scene from last spring. I’m counting the days 😏.
I like weathervanes and rooftops. I struck it lucky here.
In the older parts of the city you can still see a few old street signs fastened to the walls of buildings. I almost missed this one as the ivy had pretty much claimed the brick.
I always stop to look in the window of this antique shop. There’s always something interesting on display.
I always find laneways interesting. You never know what you’ll come across which is part of the attraction.
It looked like a recent addition, yet the fence had already attracted the attention of a vine in nice autumn colours.
You don’t have to go far to catch a glimpse of the changing landscape. I took these photos around the corner from where I live.
You know that feeling you get when you know you’re being watched? 😊
It is remarkable to see a vine thrive and make its way up and over a concrete retaining wall that can hold back flood waters.
I like wooden fences, they provide some privacy but in a pleasant sort of way. I thought the vine and its shadow dressed it up just a bit more.
I noticed this dog watching as another chased its ball. I was at quite a distance so at first t I thought I was looking at a real dog (a very composed one 😏 ). I think the sculptor must be a true dog lover .
I walk by the lawn of this old house very frequently in the spring and summer. Left to its own, old plantings as well as wild flowers put in an appearance when it’s there time to shine. Tulips against the warm brick attract me like a magnet 😊
Balancing rocks, another public art gallery to enjoy while walking along the Ottawa River.
Playgrounds look best when filled with kids.
The squirrel couldn’t have posed any better 😊
I walk by this spot frequently but on this particular day the light and shadow were just right. I thought the result looked like an etching.
Seen on a walk .
I like the way plants find a way to flourish just about anywhere!
Many of the older homes here have been built with red brick. It does provide a nice backdrop for these late summer flowers.
I had hoped the sparrow would land where it did!
There are several laneways nearby that can make for some interesting walks. No one parks in the garage anymore but it makes for a creative canvas and a nice spot for a basketball hoop.
Let’s just call it Honeysuckle 😏
(See comment below)
This plant is an attractive but invasive species introduced to North America in the late 1800s from Asia. Unlike the native honeysuckles they leaf out early and remain in leaf into the fall. Like many invasive plants, they are hardy and outcompete native plants for space and nutrients. They are pretty though and a common sight each spring.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 