Category: Photos by Kay

The deer are back

The fawns born this year are old enough now to venture out with their mothers in search of new and interesting nibbles. This one still has some of its “Bambi” spots.

While many plants may be labeled “deer resistant” the young ones don’t read. They’ll try just about anything.

Our yard is mostly unfenced so a lot of deer wander through. Most are does and fawns. It’s not common to see bucks. This youngster has the beginnings of horns; I’m guessing he’s not much older than a year or so.

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Seattle ghost sign

I took this photo two months ago on a trip to Seattle. I took it out the window of the car as we undertook one of DH’s driving adventures. It started with “If we drive down two blocks here and turn the road will lead us right onto Aurora Avenue and then it will be a straight shot up to Edmonds.”

This was in one of the neighborhoods we explored while we searched for Aurora. It became sort of a magical mystery tour. When we asked for directions from a cop who was directing traffic around a street construction projects he responded, “I don’t know. I’m not from around here.”

Yeah. There were some tense moments. But we were speaking again by the time we eventually turned onto Aurora Avenue.

Inhale…enjoy

Graysmarsh Farm is another lavender grower in Sequim, though they also have seasonal berries. The lavender is a part of their “U pick” operations; visitors can pick lavender bouquets as well as summer strawberries, raspberries, and other berries.

As with our other farms, the lavender attracts photographers.

Graysmarsh fields are beautiful because, well, lavender. Though some other farms include features to enhance photo-taking or encourage visitors to linger, this location is a farm that focuses on its commodities. If you love lavender, that’s plenty.

Double delight

This is another plant that I’m growing this year: scarlet runner bean. I planted it because it attracts hummingbirds. I wasn’t sure what the beans would be like but they’re delicious…and abundant.

I wasn’t sure how well it would do in our climate but I needn’t have worried. It’s thriving. We enjoy the beans and the hummingbirds are visiting the blossoms. Win win.

Planting for wildlife

Years ago I planted crocosmia bulbs, a showy red flower, specifically for the visitor above. Hummingbirds love them.

Both of these shots were taken at some distance so they’re not crisp. But in this one you can see a blurry second hummingbird attempting an incursion into the blossoms. In a heartbeat both birds were off in flight as the resting one chased off the interloper.

These are the blossoms of contention. Perfect color and shape for attracting hummers. Deer also love them and happily nip off the flowers as soon as they bloom. Three rounds of deer spray preserved the remaining flowers you see.

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