My Favorite Flower

This is my favorite flower in my backyard. Its different looking which makes it interesting. I planted it about 3 years ago when I first moved in to my house. For the life of me though I cannot remember what type of flower it is.

Backyard

Yesterday the fiance and I spent quite a bit of time working on the backyard. We bought gravel, rocks, and yet another plant.

Its all starting to come together. I can't wait until the plants are full grown so I can really see how it will all tun out. A couple of the plants are annuals but mostly I only got perennials so they can grow very large.

We also put up the birdhouse and the bird feeder I got. Now I just need to find a bird bath that I like. Even though everything is very small right now its already starting to have an effect. I have seen more little birds in my backyard then ever before. Even more honey bees then I am used to.

Above are pictures of just part of the backyard.

Backyard Wildlife Habitat

Currently I am in the process of landscaping my backyard. My fiance and I bought our house a few years ago and when we bought it the backyard was dirt. Since then we have installed an automatic sprinkler system and laid sod. We also installed a small pond, planted two trees and have some flowers and vines. (My passionflower vine is my favorite as it is beautiful and attracts the largest bumble bees I have ever seen). I want to take this further and try to make an actual habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies.

I love the outdoors and nature and what could be better then having it in my own backyard? Over the past weekend we have dug up some of the grass that was planted so more plants can be put in. I have a dwarf orange tree in my backyard I plan on moving to the east side so I can plant a larger shade tree on the west side. Then I will start looking at buying more perennials and vines.

This weekend is my county's home and garden show. I am hoping to come out of their with fresh new ideas so I can get started on planting this weekend.