We had a big black snake climb into a shrub several years ago. The only reason I saw it was because a pair of catbirds with a nest in the shrub started screeching. It was a big snake and I didn't want to handle it, so I sprayed it with the garden hose on full blast. The snake left the shrub and my husband took the snake for a walk into the woods (and let it go unharmed except for the cold shower). :)

I visited a nursery yesterday, and brought home some really gaudy plants. Not my typical choices, but that is the only Hamelia I have been able to find for hummingbird fodder. The variegated Potato Bush has a difficult garden problem to solve--and the non-variegated just does not fly my plane, so to speak. I'm not going to be planting these together.

There is not even a farm pond close to me (maybe a creek or stream), and being in or around water in general is something I've never been keen on; so I have no pics to share in today's theme. Beautiful photos from everyone.

Guard station at entrance to Kensington Palace, London.