Friday Photo Tour

Here's a look at what's been happening around here this week:

Damselfly

Salmonberry

The warm days at the end of last week brought out the mosquitoes... fortunately, the damselflies were hot on their tails. I have seen a few of the much larger dragonflies as well, but they're not out in force just yet. Soon!






The salmonberries are starting to flower, along with thimbleberries and other assorted wild Rubus species. These fruits don't have as much flavor as others in their family (like blackberries and raspberries, which ripen later) but they are edible and can be used in jams and jellies. The chickens and dogs love them, but the rabbits are generally disinterested.

Bentley Bunny

I built our housebunny, Bentley, a new playpen so he can safely spend time in the yard with us when we're outside. Check back in on Monday for a post detailing that project. Small pens such as this can be put together in just a few hours for much less than you'd spend on a wire kennel from a pet store. They come in super handy, too!








The rhododendrons are in full swing! Thankfully, the rain hadn't battered them too badly so I was able to get out and snap some pics during a sunbreak. We have around 15 of these lovelies on the property. Watch for a post in a couple of weeks about when and how to prune- since rhododendrons set next year's flower buds shortly after they finishing blooming, timing your pruning is important to maximize the blooms for the coming year. 

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. I want to wish a very happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful Moms out there! Now, it's time for me to get to work presents for my own mother - more on that next week. Until then, here are a few more photos to tide you over... have a great weekend!