Cottage in the Woods

Well, here at the new place - we've got Jatropha.

Lots of Jatropha!

And that's a good thing.  I didn't have any at the old place, so I'm looking forward to seeing what it attracts.  I've read butterflies, bees and hummingbirds - yippee!  

There are definitely lots of bees hanging around!

Then we've got a patch of purple Mexican Petunias.  Also great for attracting butterflies.  But, that's about it for flowering plants that came with the landscaping.

Not complaining though - it gives me a nice start and leaves things open to decide what to add.

Here she is...the little yellow house in the woods.  It did come with a nice sized Silver Palm tree.  I don't know much about them, so I'm happy to be given a hands-on chance to learn.  

As you can see, we are smackola right in the middle of the woods.  

I usually call it the jungle as there's so many vines growing around and palms, and then the heat and mosquitos.  I can see where it's an acquired taste so to speak, haha.

Green, peaceful, relaxing views from the backyard too.

I'm not sure how I feel about this privacy fencing.  It has its pros and cons.  I'm sure I'm possibly missing cool sightings of animals (bobcats, etc.), but it also helps keep boar and armadillo (unless they tunnel) from entering the yard.  But, since we're renting, I don't have a choice so I'm going to embrace it and it can help anchor some plantings.

One thing I'm very excited about is that I get to have a clothesline!  (hubby can't understand my excitement)  But, having lived in gated communities for so long, and with the MANY rules the Home Owners Associations put out, I haven't had a clothesline since I was a kid.  I do hope the birds don't ruin my fun by "decorating" our clothes!  (These trees don't look that far apart - it's just the angle)

There's a small, covered lanai that's screened in.  I'm very appreciative of the ceiling fan!  Right now, things are crammed in there just to get them unpacked.  But once I get the Moroccan lanterns hanged and get the little fountain set up...it'll start feeling more like the meditative area I'm hoping it will be.

I ended up not bringing many plants with me.  I did take the vandas that were on the lanai and the basket of phalaenopsis.  I've got them hanging in the shade under this tree for now.  

I found one of the birdfeeders.  I put black-oil sunflower seeds in it even though it's a corn or peanut feeder.  Oh, well, it'll do for now.   I've been seeing ma and pa cardinal around, bluejays, doves and woodpeckers.  I just put it up yesterday, so it will probably be several days before anyone finds it.

Now, don't laugh.  This is my improvised birdbath until I find one that I like.  I left my huge, heavy birdbath behind as it was getting to be where I couldn't lift the top off to clean it.  I'll be looking for a lighter weight one this time.  Hopefully, it will be sturdy enough. 

The sky seems so extra majestic out in the country.

We get some pretty color during sunset.  There was pinks before this, but I missed them.  The sky can change in a blink of the eye.  

Since there's no street lights, it so very dark and it makes for great constellation and sky watching events!  I'll be working on my night photos out here.