Israel: Nature
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Cranes Migrating Home To Europe On A Rainy Day
Yes, dear readers, we know that Spring is quickly approaching, even in some of the colder countries in Europe, as the twice-yearly crane migration is happening! This is one of our favorite things to witness, here in Northern Israel, and family members generally shout to one another “cranes!” and everyone comes running, as it is truly a sight not to be missed. Sometimes small groups of cranes fly close enough to even see their tiny feet with the naked eye, while most of the time the cranes are rather far away. Today, amidst the rain clouds I spotted several very large groups of cranes, and ran to grab my camera.…
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Almond Trees In Bloom In Northern Israel, Just Like In Van Gogh’s Painting!
Here in Northern Israel where we are blessed to be living close to nature, the yearly blooming of the almond trees is something that brings great joy! The almond tree is the first tree to bloom, and as fruit bearing tree it is one of the trees whose New Year we celebrate on the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat. Every year we await the first blooms, the kids arrive home with reports on the status of the trees, and it is something mentioned among friends and neighbors. Why? because it is truly a joyful sight, in the middle of the winter, when all the other plants are still sleeping, to…
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Fields Of Red Poppies In The Kidron Valley, Jerusalem
Okay dear readers, here is another WOW moment that happened to me and my 13 year old son during our adventures in the Old City of Jerusalem this past Passover. While these amazing fields of red poppies in bloom in the Kidron Valley, just below the walls of the Old City, was something publicized on a poster, I did not see that poster (fortunately) and completely by accident we stumbled upon one of the most stunning displays of wild flowers I have ever seen in Israel, any I really just couldn’t believe it. I also couldn’t believe that while this is something that occurs each Spring, it was new to…
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Lovely Weeds On The Old City Jerusalem Walls
During our 11 night stay in the Old City of Jerusalem, one of my favorite sites was the Ramparts Walk, NOT TO BE MISSED! And of course, as a lover of things botanical, I just had to photograph some of the weeds growing on the ancient walls. And guess what, my daughter (who had to speed ahead in order to catch a bus back up North and bring the rest of our Passover food from the freezer at home as we unexpectedly decided to stay in Jerusalem) took the very same picture of the very same weed. Such a proud parent moment! This weed looks very similar to a snap…
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Look Down: Beauty On The Garden Floor
This week I’ve been posting all things party, so this natural confetti seemed just right. I love bougainvillea, and truthfully while some may be annoyed by all the falling petals, I happen to think that they look gorgeous, and especially when they are a variety of colors! Here bougainvillea petals are mixed with fallen purple Jacaranda flowers, and the effect is in my opinion just dreamy! If I were to blow this photo up it could be amazing wall art, right? I just might do that, or this could be great inspiration for an abstract painting, Either way, don’t forget to look down when you are in the garden, as…
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Jacaranda Trees In Bloom In Northern Israel!
With this year’s long winter and lots of rain, the Jacaranda trees are I believe blooming a bit later that usual, but this is okay, as the trees all over our town in Northern Israel were in full bloom for the Jewish holiday of Shavuos, which was just perfect! When I designed a large semi-public garden just down the street Jacaranda trees were on my list of must includes, and now that the trees have matured a bit, they look amazing peeking over the stone garden wall, especially when full of purple blooms. The trees were planted in a oblong patch of dirt that was left untouched when we poured…
