Surprises in the back yard

Surprises come in all shapes, sizes, and smells. Some are welcome, others ... not so much. Some are good, others bad.

Here are a few surprises I've had lately.

This tree near our deck surprised me with it's amazing smell. Heady, vanilla-honey perfume that I feel I could breathe for hours. 

This trillium (Left) surprised me hiding in a nook in the garden. I've been told recently that this flower is protected on the East Coast and you can be fined for picking it.

The blooms on the tree (right) have been an anticipated surprise. They are lovely. 

 This exotic flower surprised me right outside the front door. It's part of a plant with large tropical looking leaves, and I didn't think it flowered.

 This patch of flowers surprises me with how pretty the pink, yellow and purple looks together. The tulips open and close with the heat of the day.

 There is just one of these purple flowers and a white companion. I was surprised by the almost snakelike pattern on the petals. They're subtle and lovely.

 This gorgeous tulip was hiding under a small Rhodo bush. As walked by it, I couldn't help but exclaim "Well, Hello!" This flower is now in my living room, and I love it!

 First time I've had an opportunity to see a poppy up close. WOW! (Is it a poppy?)

 Then, there's the other sort of surprise....

This critter was hanging out on our patio door yesterday. Full sun, no cover nearby. He is not a timid creature. I have never seen a spider like this, and, with the bright red abdomen, I was afraid it could be poisonous. So, after taking some photos, I started googling. I am pretty sure it's a jumping spider, NOT poisonous, and actually not aggressive at all. I posted this photo to Facebook and got some responses from others who have seen them on Vancouver Island too. 

He is probably about 2-3 cm long and very hefty. 

The closest photo I could find on google named the spider as a MALE "redbacked jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni) is one of the largest and most commonly encountered jumping spiders of western North America. It is not to be confused with the unrelated and highly venomous redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti). When threatened, the redbacked jumping spider can inflict a quite painful bite in self defense, but with no serious medical consequences." Females have a black stripe down the middle of the red abdomen.

Regardless, it's not a spider I look forward to seeing again!