On weekdays, I'm up before dawn, taking care of the animals and getting everyone ready for school and work. It's just too hectic to go out in to the yard and enjoy the morning.

But on weekends, I still get up at 6, and it's wonderful to go into the garden when it's still early. The birds are waking up and chattering (lately I've really noticed the Bewick's Wrens singing every morning as they scratch in the dirt among the flowers), the bees are foraging as soon as it's light, and the chickens like that I bring them whatever the squirrels destroyed the night before (usually watermelons, argh).

Many of the flowers in the garden bloom only in the cool hours of the morning, such as the Nicotiana Alata, which is a white flower which smells lovely. Or the squash blossoms, which usually close up in the heat of the day. The light is nice too, gentle and cool. In short, the garden is a different place in the early morning hours than it is in late afternoon when I'm usually out there working. I like to sit in the mulch and watch the activity around me, while scratching the cat or the dog.

Cosmos, cuphea, and tithonia not yet blooming

this cucumber grew in the wrong place, no?

I hope you're all having a lovely Saturday, and getting to enjoy some time outdoors, too.