Garden Come to Life

I'm obsessed.  OK, I'm obsessed with a great many things, but right now it's my garden.  I have to tell you I didn't have high hopes for it coming back to life this year - given last year's drought and this winter's long, cold season.  

Right now we've been under rain clouds constantly, but my little garden is chugging along - pushing out glorious blooms.  

Here are a few of the beautiful moments I captured in last evening's sunset. 

[Above:  A bumble bee hard at work, pollinating.  He paid me no never mind as I patiently waited to photograph him.]

1.  Robin sitting on her nest.  I watched this Robin family build their nest in the tree right outside our kitchen window.  Each morning I peek out to see how they're doing.  Tom thinks we'll have hatchlings soon.  

2.  Robin's eggs.  By chance we have a second Robin's nest in the planter boxes on our shed.  Tom's been monitoring this one.  It has four eggs, although we've not seen the parents.  They must fly off when we approach.  

3.  Columbine.  This flower has grown in my garden since we moved in.  We never planted it, it came up on it's own.  I think it's symbolic of "life goes on."  

4.  Bleeding Heart.  This bushy flower has thrived in the garden.  It's the center of attention in the spring.  The pink blooms will be gone by the end of June, but that gives the other beauties time to shine.  

5.  Whimsy.  I like to stick in elements of whimsy here and there.  Here is a sheepdog with his frolicking, flock of sheep.  This ground cover is very hearty... it grows without a lot of support from me.  

6.  Fish pond.  Fish are happy they're outdoors again.  I'm happy with my great new waterfall feature (thanks to my adorable husband.)