Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Lilac Bouquet and George

I went outside this morning, before the rain, to gather some lilac blossoms for my first ever lilac bouquet. The lovely fragrance just fills the room. I can't wait until my small shrubs grow and I have more of these delightful blooms.

On my way back to the house, I noticed that something had been digging in one of my winter sowing containers,(#22 Hollyhock), I bent down for a closer look and jumped back when I saw the dirt move. I slowly moved the container around with my foot...


and this toad poked his head out of the dirt.

The first few springs and summers in our new neighborhood we had a lot of frogs. So many, that when I would walk in the evenings I would have to really watch my step because they were constantly jumping across the sidewalk. As our neighborhood grew and people began to use chemicals on the lawns causing runoff into our neighborhood ponds I saw fewer frogs, (at least that is what I believe has caused the decline). In fact for the last two or three years I haven't seen a single one. So, I am very glad to see this fellow here today. When my children were young and I would find a frog I'd call them all George. I'd use a funny voice and for some reason George just sounded like the frog name that fit with the silly voice. I hope "George" sticks around Robin's Nesting Place for a while.

39 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Your lilac bouquet is just gorgeous. I can imagine you sitting there with a cup of tea enjoying the aroma of the lilacs.

What a hoot about George coming to visit. He came to visit you because you probably have the most healthy garden in the area. Good for you.

Mary Beth said...

George is great! Two big frogs have taken up residence in my garden. Everytime I run into one of them, I feel like we've developed a healthy area out of barren piece of ground. Love your lilacs too!

Barbara said...

That's fantastic! Too bad George decided to take up residence on Hollyhock Lane, Apt #22. Maybe he will move out and into a flower bed nearby.

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

I love frogs too(-: I have a few large toads and several bull frogs in the garden. I don't think its good to have bull frogs and gold fish but hopefully they all can somehow get along. There are several preditors that eat frogs so its possible that your frog population was diminished by something other then chemicals. I have seen the red racer garden snake eating a large toad. I am sure other snakes eat them too.)-:

NCmountainwoman said...

I do hope George stays around. Must have been quite a shock to see those little eyes staring at you.

Lovely lilacs. Like peonies, a few lilacs make a gorgeous arrangement.

Gail said...

You are so lucky to have frogs, they are amazing creatures.

The lilacs look sweet and how exciting that it's your first lilac bouquet!

Gail

Anonymous said...

What a surprise to find old George staring up at you. He reminds me of Mr. Jackson in the Beatrix Potter tales.

I wish I could smell those lilacs. I've never had the pleasure before.

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Lisa, I love having the lilac bouquet! I hope George will be happy here.

Mary Beth, I have really missed the frogs and I'm so glad to see one here.

Bab's, the hollyhock didn't do very well, so I only had a few plants growing. George was pretty smart to choose that one.

Cindee, thankfully I've never seen a snake here. I sure hope that isn't the reason for the decline.

NCMountainwoman, I hope he stays around too. I think it was more of a shock to see the dirt move and a relief to see that it was a frog.
I can't wait to have peony blooms. It'll be soon.

Gail, I was excited to finally have lilac blooms to enjoy.

Pam, I had never smelled them either and they are truly wonderful. I wish we could scratch and sniff pictures. My son asked me today if I was growing honeysuckle. The lilac does smell similar to the sweet smell of honeysuckle on a humid summer day.

Anonymous said...

I love lilacs, I just wish that they lasted longer! Great story about George. I found a large 'George' in my pond the other day, and I need to drain and clean it. I am not sure what to do, I know that he loves the mud in the bottom.

beckie said...

Robin, your bouquet is the first of many to come in the next few years I am sure. George seemed such a willing subject to photo. Must have a little 'ham' in him.

Amy said...

George is too cute and your lilacs are beautiful.

Piondröm said...

Here in sweden is the lilac Suringa almost on everyones garden.
The fragrance is lovely.
Lilac is a beautiful color on flowers I think.
We have a lot of "George" in our garden and sometimes the just pup up from nowere so your hart do the same ;)
Have a nice weekend Ken

Frances, said...

HA, I laughed out loud at the sight of George, what a great lead up to the photo of him. Brilliant. All frogs and toads here will be called George as well, I can imagine your funny voice saying it. You are so clever, the kids must have loved it. We had no lilacs this year, the bush was severly cut back last year because it grew too large for the space. I need to move it or get a smaller variety as this is always going to be a problem. I love the fragrance they add when brought into the house.

Jayne said...

Can't wait to see the pretty photos of your lilacs. Too bad we can't get virtual scents out there.
George! Ack, I would have yelped and jumped back too!

Anonymous said...

Very cool picture of 'George'. I have a frog in the fishpond that would probably win a record for size. The lilacs are luscious and your blooms from the previous post gorgeous!

Sarah said...

Hi Robin, I've just started reading your blog and I love your pictures. Can you tell me what kind of camera you use? Your zoom is incredible! In our garden we have an enormous frog who lives in our small pond and he is a welcome sign of spring when he comes out of hibernation. Enjoy George!
Sarah (sewbuttons.wordpress.com)

Rose said...

How funny that "George" found your seedlings. There can't be much room in that container for him.
Your lilac bouquet is lovely; it's the one bloom I actually will cut and bring inside to enjoy.

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

At first I thought you'd been visited by pesky squirrels. Frogs & toads are much better. Your Lilac bouquet brings back memories from childhood when we'd pick Lilacs from old Lilac shrubs growing semi-wild. What a heavenly scent.

Karen said...

As I was scrolling down to read your post and came upon the picture of the toad , I jumped LOL.
I bet that was quite a surprise.

joey said...

I smell your 'lilac bouquet', Robin. A lovely post ... spring would not be spring without the smell of lilacs (and George is an added bonus).

Meems said...

Oh the loveliness of lilacs and to think you've made your very own bouquet out of your very own flowers. How wonderful!I will happily enjoy yours 'cause they will never be grown down here... sigh.

We have lots of "Georges" around Hoe & Shovel... so if your theory is true... it's making me feel good about the state of things around here.
Meems @Hoe&Shovel

Anonymous said...

Love "George!" We used to see more toads around our house several years ago too. They seem to have lots of predators. Snakes, small children and our neighbors cats have all carted off quite a few around here. They also fall into my window wells (even with screening somehow?) If I don't find them fast enough, it's bad news. :-( I don't use chemicals either, I want to help them anyway I can...

garden girl said...

Aw, George is a cutie! I love toads and frogs. DH says there used to be a lot of them here. Like you, I suspect runoff from lawn chemicals has made the environment inhospitable for them.

Lisa said...

You lilacs are beautiful. I can't wait until my neighbor's start blooming. They are right near our property line and our whole yard smells like lilac. I think George would have scared me popping out like that!

The Zen Birdfeeder said...

Cool toad photo. I would've jumped out of my skin until realizing what it was!

Della said...

I was searching the internet for nesting houses for Wrens and Robins and got a link to your blog! Wow I really love it!!! I love you photos, you really have a fantastic eye! I never really understood blogs, but after seeing yours I starting learning about them. I think you have inspired me to try having my own blog. It is strange how much we have in common. I love photography, nature, diet & natural health and now have a beautiful park like backyard to garden in. Well maybe soon you can check out my blog.... Thank you for sharing yourself on your blog... You inspired me!!

Dave said...

Wow, that must have been startling! It's a good critter to have around even if he was digging in your hollyhocks!

Marie said...

Do your lilac bloom already? I have that too, but there is just tiny leaves yet.

Have a nice weekend!

Melanie Chopay said...

Robin, at our first house we had tons of toads. I forgot all about them and I'm glad you reminded me. We only moved 4 miles to this house but I've never seen one here.

The Diva said...

I got such a chuckle seeing George emerge from the dirt.~~Dee

Anonymous said...

Love those lilacs - am planning on putting some in at my house after I get my roses in...
That toad is so cute. George is a perfect name for a toad.
~plantgirl of
http://squarefootgardenblog.com

Rurality said...

Wow I LOVE that little guy with his head just barely poking out! What fun. :)

Rhonda said...

I swear I would visit your blog just to see the pictures...they are just amazing everytime!

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

What kind of seeds did you sow Robin to get such an unusual result. ;-)

Kerri said...

The appearance of George must've been quite a shock. I'm glad it was a pleasant one. He really seems to like #22 Hollyhock Place :)
Aren't the lilacs glorious? And that perfume..wonderful! Ours are budded and should be opening very soon.

Anonymous said...

I noticed your wintersown plastic milk containers did not have lids (they were cut in half). Did you cover them at all with plastic of any sort? Thanks for sharing your garden information.

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Anonymous, I did have them covered with the top portion of the milk jug during the winter months. This picture was taken after it had warmed up, before planting.

I cut the milk jugs in half, and taped them with duct tape leaving the lid off the jug.

Anonymous said...
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Ashley Haire said...

I guess George wanted to come back for a visit!! That is just too funny! Animals are so much fun to watch...