Busy Bumblebees

Moss Rose

Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora) is a common sight in Pakistani gardens and it is locally known as "گل دوپہری". In fact, it is such a familiar flower over there that I always thought of it as a native species. So I was naturally overjoyed to find it here. But a little googling tells me that this succulent plant is actually native to South America. This sun-loving plant is also known as the Eleven o'clock flower, Mexican Rose, and Sun Rose in various parts of the world. 

Yellow Dahlia

Dahlia is my favorite flower. It is one of the most versatile flowers in nature. It symbolizes elegance, dignity, and creativity. 

Its tubers were cultivated for food by the Aztecs civilization in Central America. It is also the national flower of Mexico.

Sibley Avenue Laneway Murals

These murals are in a laneway behind Sibley Avenue towards the west. The second mural is by Jessey (Phade) Pacho.

Cat and the Squirrel

Domestic cats kill millions of birds and small animals every year in Canada. Wildlife conservationists advise cat owners to keep them indoor and to adopt preventive measures like putting bells and bright color collars around their necks. But cats are stealthy. At a number of times, I have seen domestic cats giving a chase to a squirrel or an unsuspected bird. 

These metal cutouts on a fence in our neighborhood are perhaps an effort to warn squirrels of such a lurking danger. 

Skyscraper or Mammoth?

I have never seen such a huge sunflower in a garden before. A google search came up with a few contenders like Skyscraper Sunflower, Russian Mammoth Sunflower, and American Giant Sunflower.  However, all these are said to be 12 to 14 feet high. This particular one in our neighborhood is much shorter, barely touching 8 feet. Perhaps, it is due to specific soil conditions and the environment. Still, it is something unique that needs to be admired.

Outside the Box at Pharmacy Ave & Denton Ave

Artist: Sam Roe

Program: StART Outside the Box Program by the City of Toronto

Year: 2021