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 😊
Tag Archives: Urban Landscape
NEIGHBOURHOD WATCH
I was hoping to see a cat in the window, one is usually looking out as I walk by. Instead I heard some very loud barking coming from this little guy.
AROUND THE CORNER
A neighbourhood favourite.
DOUBLE TAKE
When I looked up, at first I thought it was a real cat walking along the fence. I wonder how many others have done a double take. 😏
BRIGHT SPOT
Despite the slow start to spring, house sparrows are always around and their cheerful song can be heard the minute you step out your door.
Guard Bird
The bird was guarding a neighbour’s front door. Pigeons are disliked by many for their messy ways but they are intelligent birds and this one definitely had presence.
BY THE RIVER
Balancing rocks, another public art gallery to enjoy while walking along the Ottawa River.
WAITING FOR THE WEEKEND
Playgrounds look best when filled with kids.
SEEN ON A WALK
California Dreaming. 😏
LOOKING IN
While taking some photographs on the grounds of the Canadian Museum of Nature I passed by a window of this imposing 1910 building and saw the geometric design of the staircase. It was quite a contrast to the exterior of the museum.
SEEN ON A WALK
Our neighbourhood is close to the downtown core and still has a good number of older homes mixed in with the new. I liked the way this house was illuminated in the sunlight and thought it had a welcoming look to it, gargoyles and all!
CAT’S EYE
I couldn’t see what had caught the cat’s attention but watched as it slowly moved towards whatever it was. It did remind me of a “big cat” stalking its prey.
STREET VIEW
Reflections can make for interesting subjects, this one nicely framed in red brick.
MELLOW MONDAY
Another old house in the downtown core that has escaped the wrecker’s ball.
SEEN ON A WALK
A lot of old houses have collections of glass bottles in the window which always catch my eye. The signage wasn’t very welcoming though and then I noticed the house number.
SILENT WATCHER
The cat was keeping an eye on things as I passed by its yard. I looked back as I walked along and it never altered its gaze.
ANIMAL CRACKERS
The squirrel couldn’t have posed any better 😊
OPEN AIR GALLERY
We are lucky to have a lot of public art on our city streets. It’s nice to slow down for a few minutes and take it all in.
PLAY OF LIGHT
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
These items looked like they had been placed with care although they were left there for garbage pick up. A well used sofa, a child’s toy even the plant growing out of the concrete made for a homey scene despite its location.
CHANGING TIMES
It seems that few parts of town have escaped gentrification. Many of these older neighbourhoods are giving way to infills and condominiums. There is still a lot of the original character but I wonder for how long.
SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO
Luckily, the sparrow decided to stay put for a few minutes!
IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
The shoes were lined up neatly perhaps for anyone who needed them. It is getting cold outside.
CLEVER CAT
Walking through the local arboretum we heard rustling in the underbrush. After a few minutes a large cat appeared. It sat and looked around and wasn’t in a hurry to leave. It didn’t have a collar so we presumed it was wild and made its home here. Judging by its healthy appearance it knew how to fend for itself.
MINIMALISM
Seen on a walk .
NATURE’S WAY
I like the way plants find a way to flourish just about anywhere!
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
This dog was beating the heat!
LINE UP
Many of the older homes here have been built with red brick. It does provide a nice backdrop for these late summer flowers.
SPARROW AND FRIEND
I had hoped the sparrow would land where it did!
PEACHY
Our neighbour grows the most beautiful peach coloured roses. I stopped by often this summer,
This Old House
A lot of older homes here are built of brick and have wonderful wood trim. In need of a little paint and yard work, this house still has considerable charm.
PASSING GLANCE
On a quick walk in the neighbourhood, I saw a house sparrow land on a stoop for a few minutes. Looking for its mate?
ANOTHER VIEW
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.
Friday Follies
Something made me look up. I’m glad I did 😊
IN A GARDEN
It seems to be a summer of encountering plants I don’t remember seeing before. It stood out amongst the other vegetation. (I believe it’s goat’s beard.)
DAY LILY
Although you often see day lilies growing along roadsides, fields and in gardens they are not native to North America but Asia. Right now they’re popping up everywhere. This one was dressing up the side entrance of a neighbourhood house.
SPRING WHITE
I’m not a great fan of white flowers but these prove the exception. Almost as pretty in bud as in flower.
CHIPPING SPARROW
There were several sparrows feeding on the ground but the smaller chipping sparrow stood out with its distinctive markings and smaller size. It’s a migratory bird and nice to see back in Spring.
HONEYSUCKLE
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.
THIS OLD HOUSE IN MAY
I often return to this corner of my neighbourhood and this house in particular. I love the warm red brick and during spring and summer. wild and cultivated flowers take their turn in the sun.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 