A New Tree and a Few Pictures

Following the previous year's addition of the new patio, arbor, walk-ways and lawn, Grandma and I have completed the project this year adding lovely plants that landscape the yard.  Grandma's dream is to have an evergreen garden with lots of flowers to bring an almost tropical feel.

Grandma simply cannot bare not having kids play in the yard.  These two love to play with in the water. We noticed when you were all here that you enjoyed playing with them. In the back you can see two of the three English Laurel trees that Peter, Paul and Thomas helped me plant.  We saw lots of these when visiting John & Dakin this last month. In the foreground you can see the Johnny-Jump-ups.

The hibiscus have been really happy just under the kitchen window. They are continuously putting up big showy flowers that humming birds love.

Behind our bedroom we planted white camellias, a lavender rhododendron (in the middle) and several gardenias.  The camellias and rhododendron will bloom in late winter  to early spring.  Someday the camellias will grow up between the windows and the rhododendron to the bottom of the middle window filling in the back of the house.

The gardenias have been blossoming this summer and smell absolutely heavenly.

Along the side fence we added yellow hibiscus.  We want to think we're in Hawaii.

 Along the side of the shed the cyclamen are in bloom.

And in front of the shed we have happy pansies.

The avocado tree has taken off and grown two feet this year. If you look closely you can see one very nicely developing avocado fruit waiting to be picked this winter. Underneath the cucumbers are now gone, but chard, romaine, butter lettuce and spinach have taken their place.  Along the fence are more camellias and Mexican heather with perpetual pretty little purple flowers.

Along the fence and patio the mandevillas are merrily growing up the trellises and flashing trumpeting red flowers with yellow throats.

And finally, after visiting Courtney and Paul when Kate was born, we saw many flowering trees. At their new home we discovered the Tipuana Tipu tree which has beautiful yellow flowers in the summer (though lost here in transportation).  It is evergreen 11 months of the year and when mature develops a beautiful overhead canopy.

Above all, we hope that you will have many enjoyable days as you visit - filled with good memories, delicious meals and a home that feels like you've escaped to a pacific paradise resort and enjoy a piece of heaven.