Iris

These irises are planted against a sunny brick wall in a back yard in South West Calgary.

June 15 2019

June 15, 2019

Irises come in many different colours and are named after 

the Greek goddess of the rainbow.  

Colours range from white to almost black, although most common are shades of 

lavender, purple, white and yellow.

Dianthus

This Dianthus plant was planted by Reegan in a backyard flower garden 

in SouthWest Calgary in the spring of 2018.  

In researching the dianthus plant it soon became clear that there are many species of this plant, all with similar characteristics, but unique as well.  The dianthus plant is more commonly known as Pinks or Sweet William and they are found as hardy annual, biennial or perennial. It has a fragrance of cinnamon or clove.  Modern varieties typically bloom from May to October.

June 15, 2019

Bohemian or Cedar Waxwing

June 10, 2019

June 2019  

This waxwing is one of many that have been feasting on a Mountain Ash tree 

since late May in Norglenwold at Sylvan Lake.

We believe it is a Bohemian Waxwing but will look more closely tomorrow.

Bohemian Waxwings are bigger, chunkier, and brawnier then the sleek, thin Cedar Waxwing.  Bohemian Waxwings are only an inch longer than Cedar Waxwings but weigh almost twice as much on average. If the undertail is orangeish then the bird is a Bohemian Waxwing. If it is white it is a Cedar Waxwing.

February 2021

We think these are Bohemian Waxwings.  Some further facts we found.

 A bohemian waxwing is primarily gray, with a peachy blush around its mask and a rusty undertail. The cedar waxwing, on the other hand, has a mostly brown body with a yellowish breast and belly. Its undertail is white. The bohemian waxwing is bigger, about the size of an American robin. Cedar waxwings are between a sparrow and a starling in stature.

February 22, 2021

February 22, 2021

February 22, 2021

February 22, 2021

Grey Partridge

June 6, 2019

These grey partridges have been seen regularly late May and early June in the backyard in Norglenwold at Sylvan Lake.  They are also commonly known as Hungarian Partridges (Hun) or English Partridges. I believe the one closest to the fence is the female due to the
distinct cross bars also called the ‘Cross of Lorraine’.

Peonies in Connecticut

These peonies are growing in an East facing front flower bed of a 

rural Connecticut property.

June 7, 2019

June 7, 2019

June 7, 2019

June 7, 2019

June 19, 2019

Early June 2020

Early June 2020

American Goldfinch

This Goldfinch was photographed in a Pincherry Tree in the backyard in Norglenwold at Sylvan Lake.

June 2, 2019

June 2, 2019

The American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small North American bird in the finch family. It is migratory, ranging from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season, and from just south of the Canada–United States border to Mexico during the winter.

Winnipeg Parks Rose

This rose bush was been planted at the beginning of June 2019 in a Northwest facing bed at the Lakehouse in Norglenwood on Sylvan Lake, but due to the openess of the yard should 

receive ample sun. 

The Winnipeg Parks Rose bush belongs to the Parkland Artist Series (1990) and was introduced by the Morden Research Station in Manitoba. It is of average size, growing to a height of 24" to 36"  and a width of about 24" to 36".
Dark green disease resistant foliage turns red tinged in the fall.  Brilliant medium red fragrant flower clusters throughout the summer until the first frost. 
One of the most popular shrub roses.
Zone 2 cold tolerance.


Water regularly as needed. Feed in spring with an all purpose fertilizer prior to new spring growth.  Can prune back heavily in spring to promote vigorous new growth and better flower production.  If a severe winter causes die back prune back and can restart as low as root system.

Full sun. 

I moved this rose, not sure when exactly, but think it's the rose by the back fence now.  It has done very well and has all the characteristics of the Winnipeg Parks Rose.  Although it could be the rose in the front garden-to be determined.

Here is a photos of the rose  July 31 2025.