The Sunflower and the Bee

Morning sun, Gaia awakes and her children stand – stretch – shake in an effort to remove night dew from their eyes

Now is the time to search for food

Stand still and you will feel a vibration – hear a humming

Look skyward and see them

Strengthening their relationship A symbiotic dance

Without the bees there would be no seeds for birds to eat or plants to proliferate in next year’s gardens

 

 

The Argument for Hostas in a Certified Wildlife Habitat

I am both a gardener and a caretaker of an official Certified Wildlife Habitat.  For many years I have been faithful to the mission of providing food, water, cover and places to raise young for all species of wildlife that share the garden space.

 I know the importance of removing invasive plants and adding native plantings.

 Along with this commitment I also work diligently to create a landscape that provides for the humans who frequent the garden a space for peaceful contemplation and exploration.

A species of plant that is found at the intersection of garden and wildlife habitat is the hosta.

Utilizing its structural impact hostas create focal points in the garden landscape.

The multiple shades of green found in the myriad of hosta cultivars encourage the gardener to create their own unique garden palette.

Along with structure and color, hostas provide the four elements needed in a certified wildlife habitat.

FOOD – WATER – COVER – PLACES TO RAISE YOUNG

Look among the leaves in summer and you will find a multitude of insects hiding from the midday heat.

 Take a closer look at the flowers and watch insects collect pollen or feed from their nectar.

After a rain storm hosta leaves cradle droplets of water from which the smallest of garden inhabitants drink.

Insects and arachnids utilize the safety found within the dense leaves of a hosta plant, to raise their young.

In autumn decaying leaves provide a refuge for insects and others who hug the earth.

Then in winter these same leaves provide sustenance for deer who cross the growing season’s boundaries.

Allowing  hostas to decay naturally in the landscape also minimize clean-up time for the gardener.

By sharing  your garden bounty, you will be rewarded!

To learn more about the Certified Wildlife Habitat or Hostas click on the links below

Garden for Wildlife –  making a wildlife habitat at home

American Hosta Society

Red White and Blue

During the snow storm dubbed Maximus, I looked out the patio door and caught a glimpse of a group of birds drinking water from the storm gutter

A moment later the Bluebird raised its head and caught the eye of the House Finch