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Arbutus Gardens

As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise! Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'. The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples. I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree ( Oxydendrum arboreum ). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrou...
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Empty nest

Yesterday I going to cut some branches off the possumhaw to bring in and enjoy and I noticed this cute little nest hanging from one of the lower limbs. I don't think it was there last week but I'm not positve. I have no idea what kind of nest it is or whether or not it has just been built or is leftover from last year. I think I would have noticed it earlier, so I think it is new. It is close to the ground, about two or three feet, which is low considering there are cats around. Do birds build nests this time of year? And what kind is it? Inquiring minds want to know!




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  1. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2009 at 1:29 PM

    I love it! That is a true treasure as you could never duplicate it. Is it a hummingbird nest?

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  2. GailFebruary 1, 2009 at 1:58 PM

    Absolutely perfect. Phillip I am loving your new camera and the great photos you're taking! Gail

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  3. Debra HowardFebruary 1, 2009 at 2:56 PM

    Oh what a treasure to find. And it is so beautiful. Don't think I have ever heard of that kind of tree. Beautiful red berries.
    Debbie

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  4. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2009 at 5:03 PM

    Is it really tiny? It looks like a hummer's nest. I didn't know they would build so low though. Maybe some other kind of bird, but quite unique. Maybe a google search?

    Frances

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2009 at 7:32 PM

    It's hard to tell how big it is, but I agree that it might be a hummingbird nest.

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  6. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 1, 2009 at 7:51 PM

    Beautiful berries. I don't know what would build a nest like that so close to the ground. But it isn't a hummer nest. They place their nests on top of a limb and use different materials to make it.

    The berries are beautiful.

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  7. Phillip OliverFebruary 1, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    Thanks for the comments! The nest is about 3 inches from top to bottom so I think it is too big for a hummingbird nest.

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  8. GardenessFebruary 2, 2009 at 12:03 AM

    That is sweet, as are the berries on that tree. Love your photos.

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  9. F CameronFebruary 2, 2009 at 5:10 AM

    Ah ha! Looks like an American Goldfinch nest to me! :-) Love those little guys! We have hundreds of them here.

    Cameron

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  10. Roses and LilacsFebruary 2, 2009 at 5:56 AM

    What a pretty nest. Orioles make hanging nests similar to that but they usually use grasses. Hummers use moss and spider webs. In the past I've found it difficult to research bird nests also.
    Marnie

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  11. Phillip OliverFebruary 2, 2009 at 6:07 AM

    Thanks Gardeness!

    Marnie, I would love to get Orioles in my garden but I've never seen them here.

    Cameron, you are probably right because we have a lot of goldfinches.

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  12. sweetbayFebruary 2, 2009 at 7:33 AM

    My guess is vireo. Red-eyed and White-eyed are the most common.

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  13. SusanFebruary 2, 2009 at 8:44 AM

    That litle nest is adorable. Great photo with the berries.Keep us posted on future activity.

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  14. joeyFebruary 2, 2009 at 10:53 AM

    I don't know, Philip, but I'm always touched when I see an empty nest.

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  15. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2009 at 5:21 PM

    It is always so exciting to find something like this in the garden. It seems a little early for nesting, but you never know. Keep an eye on it and let us know if anything sets up house in it.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  16. RandyFebruary 2, 2009 at 7:06 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  17. Sweet Home and Garden CarolinaFebruary 3, 2009 at 5:21 AM

    Beautiful photos, Phillip. I just love the berries. That bird knew what it was doing! I always think of an empty nest as one that held a family together and now they've flown away to create ones of their own.

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  18. Chandramouli SFebruary 3, 2009 at 9:34 AM

    I'm no ornithologist, but I'm sure that some winged friend treated you by building its haven in your garden. Lucky you! Cheers!

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  19. JonFebruary 4, 2009 at 7:32 PM

    Phillip,
    I would guess orioles made the nest as it looks just like one they made last year in our backyard pecan tree. I never have seen an oriole nest so low to the ground though. Whatever...it looks mighty nice with those red berries in your sharp photo!

    Jon at Mississippi Garden

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  20. JanFebruary 4, 2009 at 10:06 PM

    Hi Phillip,
    Just stopping by, and I see everyone is taking guesses about what kind of nest you have there! It's late and I don't have any idea but I'll take my guess tomorrow! Meanwhile, I want to say how beautiful the photos are, someone said a new lens? A macro, perhaps? They look really nice. I'm jealous of your warmer weather:)

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