Views from the Garden: Hibiscus, Roses, Birds + Bees

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis “Creole Lady” . Los Angeles, CA.

Hibiscus has always been one of my favorite flowers, with its colorful voluptuous blooms. What began as a tiny one-gallon pot is now (years later) a magnificent bush, a bit taller than me. Garden roses are one of my simplest delights. The fragrance of roses inspires cheer in my southern California garden nearly all year round. Spending a bit of time outdoors each morning helps me to feel connected to the outside world.

A common house sparrow finds a tasty nut. Los Angeles, CA.

Visiting birds and bees remind me that life is in fact carrying on, no matter the state of my day, or the world at large.

Echium candicans, Pride of Madeira, a favorite of the visiting bees. Los Angeles, CA.

A carpenter bee visits the Senna flowers. Los Angeles, CA.

A white crowned sparrow perches on a Lagerstroemia, Crepe Myrtle branch.