Musings on horticultural therapy and the soothing effects of plants and nature
Floridians seem to be more playful with their mailboxes than us Northerners and Keys residents appear to amp that up a notch or two. Here is a collection of some of the more interesting mailboxes/posts that I have found in my daily bicycle trips around Upper and Lower Matecombe in Islamorada.
I think this will be a tough Winter for the wildlife that frequents our gardens. The hummingbird feeder needs replenishment more frequently than is typical. Chickadees fight for space on the thistle feeder, which we have just put out for the migrating goldfinches and pine siskins. The goldfinches attack, pecking the Swiss chard, whose leaves […]
I discovered this pickerel frog the other day when I was watering my vegetable garden. Resting on a corner post behind the tomatoes, it seems to enjoy the slight sprinkle from my garden hose. I am always happy and grateful when I discover such creatures as it implies that Juana and I are good stewards […]
Checking out the garden this morning I discover that it has been visited by one of my nemeses: a chipmunk. Resting on the greenhouse wall next to the strawberry patch is a half-chewed, unripened strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Such a totem heralds the beginning of predation and fewer if any future berries to savor and […]
Looking out my windows, I sometime feel as if I am on safari with all the animals making their way around my fencing. At least every other day, a fox or two trots by my back yard looking for prey to bring back to their dens. Recently, a fairly large gray coyote has been skulking […]
It’s lamb and llama time at McKeon farm in Ridgefield. The llamas are used to guard the sheep and lambs from predators. They don’t let anyone get close! But the lambs are super cute right now! If you are around take a peek.
Birds aren’t the only visitors to the bird bath. The squirrels have been really active over the last few weeks though they must be confused over the fluctuating temperatures and snowfall. They scamper around the garden more confused and frenetic than is typical. No matter. I am ready for them.
Visiting my daughter Sarah and grandson Charlie a few days ago, Juana, Charlotte and I take advantage of the splendid day we are presented with and travel to a local wildlife sanctuary in Ipswich. The first thing I spot is an artistically stacked wood pile that has a massive branch cutting through it. I don’t […]
Strong winds blow off one of the plastic panes covering the cold frame. Luckily nothing shattered so I am able to easily replace it. But upon close inspection, I discover that I am not the only one who is lucky. There is digging in the soil and the tops of all the carrots (Daucus carota […]
A sure sign that Spring is on its way is the appearance of deer nearby. We rarely see many against the snowy ridge that defines our back yard. Typically the herds stay further down the hill toward the Titicus River or the Great Swamp. But this morning two female deer, both looking somewhat with fawn, […]