The Ark is Ready to Load - The Rains Have Returned

Design - "Noah's Ark"

Designer - Designs by Charlotte

Fabric - 32 count unknown

Fibers - DMC - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 12 April 2012

Completed - 24 April 2012

Well, the rains are due to return for the next couple of days.  If things get too bad, the Ark is waiting and ready to launch! 

Spring though, waits for no one!  I cannot believe all the changes in the last week or so.  Grab an umbrella and take a stroll with me. 

The Grand Hound's Tongue (Cynoglossum grande) are in full bloom.  We have a very nice grouping at the edge of our driveway up near the house.  I can look outside while at the computer and admire them.

  

The sunny meadows are full of Woods Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) blossoms.

Even the Big Leaf Maples (Acer macrophyllum) are in full bloom.  The Bushtits Finches, and the Evening Grosbeaks are busy at work in the trees eating the new buds.

Likewise, the Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) is also in bloom.  The Band-tailed Pigeons will eat the berries of the Madrone when they mature this fall. 

The first clumps of Blue Oregon Iris (Iris tenax) are blooming.  With a few more sunny days, our meadows will be awash in periwinkle, lavender, mauve, lilac, and every other shade of purple you can think of.

We have a really nice grouping of Oregon Fawn Lilies (Erythronium oregonum) deep in the shade along our Secret Path - close to our Big Creek. 

For several years now, my sister has been nurturing this patch of Western Trillium (Trillium Ovatum) in a shaded corner of her Dahlia Garden. She does not mow until mid-July when the plants have gone to seed and the leaves have disappeared.

We have Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) growing throughout our property.  The yellow blossoms are pretty, but the purple grape-like berries in the fall are prettier still.

I mentioned that Spring waits for no one.  Well sometimes Spring rushes along too.  The Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) exploded in blooms during our spell of warm weather last weekend.

Every once in a while, the native Trilliums produce 'sports' with pink to burgundy blossoms. 

These two are representative of some variations that I saw on my walk.

I'm stumped!  I don't know what this pretty little blue flower is.  Its growing in the shade and  damp. 

We have three very nice patches of Stream Violets (Viola Glabella) along the driveway near Dorothy's creek.  It is very shaded and damp, and they are very happy.

That's it for today.  Shake off your umbrella and step on inside.  I'll see what I can rustle up for a snack.  I have lots more photos to share - including a Big Surprise - stay tuned!