Summer Blooms

I noticed that the magnolias are blooming today! The porcelain-like blooms of the magnolia are too lovely not to take pictures of. It really never ceases to amaze me how much variety and attention to detail God infused into His creation.

Does anybody know what type of plant this is below? I have no idea, but I love it! The stalk reminds me of asparagus. I love the contrasting colors and textures.

Our backyard is a jungle, as you can see! We live near the zoo, and sometimes when I hear the lions and the monkeys I feel like I might actually be living in the Amazon(:

My feet got chewed up by mosquitoes): A small price to pay, I suppose.