California Lilacs: Blooming Ceanothus

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Enchanted Seashells by Princess Rosebud

California Lilacs, or Ceanothus, are some of our most fragrant and colorful shrubs here in California. They are also evergreen and very drought tolerant.

Our extreme rain has caused my prize ceanothus plant to bloom like it’s never bloomed before.

What’s even more amazing is that a few years ago I thought it had died and planted other things in its place. When I noticed a few sprouted leaves, I decided to watch and see what happened.

Magic happened where I couldn’t see; beneath the topsoil.

Today, it’s taken over the entire area next to my driveway. It’s a testament to tenacity, determination, and perseverance; great qualities to emulate.

This ceanothus is so vibrant and alive that it takes my breath away.

Me and My Shadow

Posted on January 6, 2022 by Enchanted Seashells by Princess Rosebud

I thought about this: I’m lucky enough to experience a great deal of butterfly interactions; a continual source of joy and delight.

No photographic evidence exists to prove I’m telling the truth, but yesterday, as I was planting a bunch of California natives, a mourning cloak butterfly was fluttering all around me and then sat on my arm for about two minutes.

I tried to get to my phone to document this magic, but I couldn’t, so you’ll have to believe me. I guess she really really approved the locations where I planted the coffee berry and manzanitas!

This planting experience was a team effort: my son was on the phone with me when I was at the nursery having done the research about which specific plants to buy, and he also determined where each one should be planted. It’s not as much fun as having him here in real life. but we had a good time.

She came back today, blocking my way on the steps, so I was able to finally snap a photo.

Me and my shadow and her own shadow!

Mourning Cloak

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Enchanted Seashells by Princess Rosebud

Birds are singing, the sun is out, the sky is blue, and there’s a gentle breeze.
It seems like the perfect time for a couple of Sunday morning songs and a few snapshots of our backyard and a street view.