garden ramblings . . . a copper hummingbird feeder and a lemon cypress topiary

I thought I would take a little break from blogging about food and share a few of my new home and garden favorites with you.

Look at this beautiful copper feeder!

The little ones and I found it last Summer at a gift shop; but for whatever reason, we never got around to hanging it in the garden.  So I put it in a safe place until Spring, and then brought it out a few weeks ago.

Our little family spent Saturday afternoon pruning, shaping, and gardening in our backyard. It was such a beautiful day.

So with our patio and garden in tip-top shape for Summer entertaining, I thought it would be fun to fill and hang our hummingbird feeder.

Little Lauren and I made Hummingbird Nectar this week. She's my side-kick after we drop our five- and six-year-old off at school. I love that she is so eager to be involved in everything I do in our home . . . and in our garden.

hummingbird nectar

.     .     .     .     .     .
4 cups filtered water

1 cup granulated white sugar

.     .     .     .     .     .

Bring the water to a boil.

Take the water off the heat and add the sugar.

Stir to dissolve completely.

Let the nectar cool.

Place in a clean hummingbird feeder and hang outside for the birds.

.     .     .     .     .     .

Change the food at least every three to five days with a new batch to keep it fresh.
Remember don't use food coloring.

Clean the hummingbird feeder by rinsing with warm water. Then, put a few drops of bleach into the water inside the feeder and clean with a bottle brush.

Once clean, rinse thoroughly with fresh water and let dry.

Fill up with new food and place outside.

The birds will love you for it!

.     .     .     .     .     .

I love visiting nurseries . . . and LOVE when I find new garden treasures, like the Greek Basil Topiary I found last year. You can read more about it here.

If you follow me regularly then you know that I also LOVE lemon cypress. I have several small trees, and incorporate them into my decor, as I love their vibrant chartreuse color.

Well . . . look what I found last week . . . a lemon cypress TOPIARY!! 

I was so crazy excited when I saw them . . . and just couldn't resist! They've already found a special place in our home.

I also found Hosta (below), which made me giddy as well. I bought a few different varieties to line one of my shaded garden beds. Their lush, green (and durable) leaves catch my eye every time I see them in garden photos. While researching them, I discovered that they're also somewhat water tolerant. That's great news for this Southern California native. We're in a terrible drought, which makes it hard to support the kind of garden that I've had in the past.

And finally, FINALLY, I bought a soaker hose! I am so excited! Not only will it help me do my part to save water, but it will cut my watering-time down - a TON! Win! Win!

If the text on the label doesn't sell you on buying one, then I don't know what will! Thoroughly waters using 90% less water. Awesome!

I shared this photo on my Instagram a few days ago. 

We have a pair of doves that nest in an empty basket in our patio every year. Our little ones find them fascinating . . . and they are!

This sweet baby bird stood tall and flapped hit little wings today. I imagine he'll only be with us a few more days. 

I couldn't find my beloved pansies at our nursery, so I bought these pretty purple flowers to plant for pops of color instead.

Oh! I can't wait to share a few photos of my Angel Vine. I've never had one that's this happy!

I hope that you're enjoying this amazing weather, too . . . and getting out in your gardens before it gets too hot outside!

LET'S STAY in touch!

Simply Suzannes at Home

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Thoughts from Alice, DIY Showoff, Stephanie Lynn, It's Overflowing, Twelve O Eight, Carrie This Home, Huckleberry Love, Dwellings, Smart Party Planning,  The Dedicated House, Mod Vintage Life, Lori's Culinary Creations, Home Stories, StoneGable, An Extraordinary Day, I'm Not a Trophy Wife, Karen's Up on the Hill, Three Kids and a Fish, Between Naps on the Front Porch, Tumbleweed Contessa, A Stroll Thru Life,, Life With Garnish. Elizabeth & Co, Home Remedies,  My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Savvy Southern Style, Just a Girl and Her Blog, The Recipe Critic, Janine Huldie, Carolyn's Homework,  Fluster Buster   Designs by Miss Mandee,  Craftie Allie,  Wednesday morning The Blissful Bee,  The Newlywed Pilgrimage, Lamberts Lately, Live Laugh Rowe, The Charm of Home, From My Front Porch to ours, Delightsome Life., Posed Perfection, Katherine's Corner,Imparting Grace, Nancherrow, The Freshman Cook,  Jann Olson, Home  Maid Simple, Anderson + Grant,  Rooted in Thyme, Shabby Nest Sunflower Supper Club, Blooming Homestead, The Girl Creative, Reasons to Skip the Housework, View from the Fridge, 3 Little Greenwoods