Willowdale Flora and Fauna

On a perfect day - not too hot, not too cold - Humphrey took it upon himself to enjoy a nature walk, looking at the seasonal flora and fauna. One of the things he likes best about Willowdale are all the hidden surprises around every corner and every nook if you have a watchful eye (which, of course, he does). One of his favorite spots is what Marbles refers to as "the jungle" - a beautiful green space which features striking weeping junipers. On a hot day, the junipers' sagging bows beckon to Humphrey as a nice place to cool off under its branches. Though, it reminds his guardian of the Florida everglades.

Not too far from the striking greenery lies a mystery plant - small yet showy in its own subtle way. Humphrey has not been able (yet) to determine its name, but he loves the juxtaposition of its broad leaves (maybe the Geranium family?) and delicate, spindly branches that give way to the tiniest, brightest red flowers. The red buds are flanked by tall grasses, and the effect is beautiful.

It's also just the right time of year to look for neighbourhood snacks. The local mulberry trees are just beginning to yield fruit, and the great many neighborhood service berry trees, his favorite Willowdale discovery thanks to Henry the Gardener, will soon provide seasonal food for the birds and dogs (and people).

And, despite its status as a weed, Humphrey can't help but appreciate the architectural beauty of a dandelion.
They also make delicious snacks in a pinch, if it's late in the day and supper has been delayed.

While enjoying the last whiffs of the Russian Olive tree's sweet aroma, the final yellow buds barely clinging to their branches before billowing to the ground, Humphrey heard a screechy, high-pitched voice calling out....

"Yo, yo! You wit da vanilla 'fro!" the voice said.
Humphrey looked up, knowing that it had to be directed at him. He looked and looked, and there atop a sawed-off Russian Olive branch sat Nutsy the Squirrel.

"Oh, hi Nutsy," Humphrey said quietly.

"Is you da one what 'teefed me branch?" Nutsy asked, looking annoyed.

It took Humphrey a few minutes to parse Nutsy's questionable syntax - but then again, all dogs know that squirrel cognitive architecture has limited language processing, so they communicate poorly. That's why many dogs get impatient and try to kill them.

"Really? Nutsy, I mean, really?" Humphrey asked in disbelief. "You think a tiny dog, with no opposable digits could operate a hack saw? And you think that I, weighing less than 15 pounds, could carry a ladder three times my weight all the way down the path, get it standing and climb it, all while carrying a saw...with paws not hands? Come on, really?"

"Oh." Nutsy said, pausing to think. "Then, can I has nutella?"