I have what I like to call a “pocket urban garden”, a container garden on a small 4′ x 9′ balcony.

Last year, along with a couple of patio rose trees, I planted several different kinds of Lavender and was delighted with frequent daily visits from a group of Hummingbirds - an unexpected and pleasant surprise.

I never knew Hummingbirds favored Lavender. I suppose they were attracted to it because it closely resembles a well known plant that they love - the Salvia.

This year, I purposely planned a hummingbird, butterfly and bee friendly garden - Nasturtium, Nicotiana, Delphinium, Zinnia, Moonflower and Morning Glory vines - all grown from seed purchased from Renee’s Garden.

Although this is only my second planting season to try Renee’s seeds, I was so impressed with them the first time that I can honestly say that they are of exceptional quality and very easy to grow. Every seed I’ve planted has grown!

That’s saying a lot because I still consider myself a novice when it comes to gardening. Even though I’ve had the pleasure of a garden in many forms on and off since I was in high school - there’s just so many things you learn, so many varieties of plants, conditions, and gardening pests to discover and encounter for the first time.

This year, I also made a conscientious effort to recycle my soil and be 100% organic. If that means not having as many blooms, or having a few more pests than I’d like - as long as they didn’t totally destroy my plants - I was willing to share - better for the environment, better for the Hummingbirds and bees (no butterflies yet), and better for me.

Aside from being economical, the funnest thing about planting from seed is watching them grow. Every day, there is something new that’s interesting, growing or developing. Every day, there is something to appreciate.

I tried as much as I could to plan the garden through sketches from data I collected, however, nature had a mind of its own.

…then I’ll be seeing you in the Emergency Room. Shoes like these Antonio Berardi’s are the latest trend seen on fashion runways. If you’ve always had trouble walking in heels, be careful what you wish for!

On the bright side, after walking in these babies for 30 minutes every day, this skinny legged model should have some nice calves by the end of the week. If she survives.

There’s this hummingbird that regularly visits my little container garden on my balcony. Like clockwork, it comes in the morning, then again in the afternoon, and then again in the early evening.

I have several different varieties of Lavender in one of my planters and it flits to each blossom stalk, sometimes resting on the wire trellis for a few seconds before flying away to its next destination.

I often stop what I’m doing to admire it if I happen to be there, and always fill with joy to witness such a marvelous creature. Today, I just happened to have my camera with me and snapped a few photos. Not the best pictures, but I hope you enjoy.

Update . . . The site is about 95 - 98% done. The PAWS page is done. The sidebar is done. I just have a few minor details left to tweak after I do some research. Thanks for visiting! Until next time, take care & stay well.