Gino the Gulf Coast Toad

I've seen this little guy in my front yard for the past 3 years. He's such a regular (I've never seen more than one toad at a time, so I'm pretty sure it's the same one), that I've decided to name him this year. Today was the first day of the year I have seen him, which is pretty early compared to the last two years. Probably because we've been watering some new flower seeds a lot and have increased the soil moisture of the area. This toad's new name is Gino.

The Jessamine is Blooming

The Carolina jessamine (jasmine to some) is blooming this week.



It's a native, wild, evergreen vine that blooms in early spring around here. It's thick in some woodlots, like the one next door to me.

This big pine is in my yard, even.



I can be pretty thick in the shrubby midstory. You don't notice it much in the summertime, but it's pretty obvious this time of year before the trees have leafed out.


Photos by my wife

I will be growing some of this on my pergola this year.