Cold waves grip the city

 The winter  weather which started post December this year brought days of fog , chilling winds and drop in temperatures to  single syllable  in the first two weeks of January. While winter is not harsh this year comparatively the persistent cold wave had  brought chills to the core in body. 

Now as we are at  the end of first fortnight of the year Garden is seeing some growth with blooms mostly on perennials or annuals that were blooming from December . The spring annuals had been stagnated from December . 

                              Marigolds have well adapted winter   in my region                              

                                                                      

                        Bauhinia blooms are at their prime in January

                                        The chrysanthemums blooms will start wilting   in upcoming weeks 

The cranberry Hibiscus loves winter as it outshines all Hibiscus varieties in January

The Common Hibiscus is unfurling gradually after cold waves had surpassed 

During my a day trip on the outskirts of city one of this Common Stilt was spotted perching upon water lands.  

                                                          

Happy Independence Day

 Its our 78th Independence Day , Monsoon has created havoc in my city. Heavy Downpour from last three consecutive days has brought ruckus in my Garden. The blooms especially annuals which were blooming in the last week have withered off after the downpour. 

The garden has fewer  blooms right now but silver lining is it has more greenery than last few months. 

                                                                             

Rain brings Rain lily blooms 

                                                                       

Portulaca blooms 

Caladiums are outshining the blooms   post rains

                                                                  Rain of Gold plant

Huernia Zebrina 

                                                                                     Stilt spotted at offshore 

Awaiting for monsoon

         The horrific  summer is at its end , if the weather report is believed we could see rains in anytime  the next two weeks. Meanwhile Texas Sage is blooming profusely in hot summer   days.                                                                              

Periwinkle plant is braving heat of summer and blooming in profusion

                                                                             

Portulaca is blooming after a long break and will be in full bloom after the arrival of monsoon;

                                      

Jasmine is the most summer friendly plant that blooms for the most part of summer and the fragrance of Jasmine makes it distinctive 

                                                          

Bougainvillea's blooms  out for the most part of year 

In the absence of flowers this wandering Jew plant is giving colors in the dry season

This Black winged stilt was spotted foraging on the out shore of lake 

Garden Affair : Excursion

 It was after a long time and for a much needed break I visited to the outskirt of city and was amazed to spot birds near lake. 

                     These lovely variety of Gooses were spotted on the shore of lake, Although I am unsure of the identity Please can anyone help me find the identity of these adorable birds.                                                

                        I can see these adorable  Indian Spot billed duck floating on the lake for hours

Black winged stilt looking for feed

Birdies resting after a swim across the lake

It is the time for link up party Garden Affair where you can share posts related to Gardening, Nature and birds . The link up party will remain open for a week starting from Saturday. 

                                                             

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Summer vibes

 Summers are at their peak it has been a long  summer this year . The garden has become dry and persisting high temperature had ravaging effect on plants. While there is not much blooming in the garden some of the hardy annuals and perennials are bringing color to the garden

                                                                          Zinnia

                                                                           

 

                                                                           Gaillardia

                                                                               

                                                                                      

                                                                          Jasmine

                                                                           

                                                                     Lemonia

                                                                     

                                                                           

                                                                      Trumpet creeper

                                                                      

Meanwhile I took a break in weekend to escape to outskirt of city and there I spotted 

                                                                 Black winged Stilt

                                                                    

And remembering the lovely journey to the mountains 

                                                                                

Arrival of Spring

 Weather is truly unpredictable , it was chilly weather just a week back and now we can experience the arrival of spring. Although it is just the beginning of spring there is a lot  blooming in my garden currently . 

 

                                                                    WELCOME SPRING !

                                         I missed on planting Poppies last spring glad they bloomed in early spring this year

 

                                                            Cheerful   Cinerarias

 

 

 

 

 Spring garden cant be imagined without Marigolds

 Bellis perennis

                                                       Early spring bloomers

                                                                             

                           From top : Nemesia , Poppy , Calendulas , Blanket Flower , Petunias 

                                        

                                  Black winged stilt spotted near a pond on the outskirt of city

 

                                                      Scattered clouds