Feed the Birds

Allowing native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants to  proliferate not only strengthens the web of life it is partnering with Gaia.

Adding additional food sources to the gardens helps to feed the creatures who share our space.

In eastern Pennsylvania October is the time to help gardens ready for the coming winter.

It is also a time to help the wildlife around us get ready for darker, colder days.

Due to their high metabolic rate birds in particular need high-energy foods, those high in calorie and fat content.

Juniper berries provide this important source of energy, containing 46% carbohydrate and 16% fat.

Sunflower seeds contain almost 30 percent fat as well as fiber, protein, calcium, B vitamins, iron potassium and vitamin E.

Sharing a space means becoming a caretaker. We are an important part of the web of life. At this moment in time we are the only ones who can completely destroy it or strengthen each strand.

 

 

Bits and Pieces Green fly on a Sunflower

A multitude of colors

Beauty or revulsion

Inconsistencies in preconceived messages

 

Bits and Pieces

Look closely at a sunflower

How many parts to create a whole?

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 Case for Sunflowers, As If One Was Needed! Certified Habitat #139,583

1998 – I measured, researched, weeded and planted.  Then I submitted a blueprint to have my original property certified as A Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.  A storm moved through, all was washed away and we moved on.

 2012 – I went online, clicked on the site, answered  questions and my new property was certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

The first certification was difficult but an amazing learning experience. The second much easier and allows for the inclusion of many more properties.  In both cases I needed to provide four basic elements for wildlife:  food, water, cover and places to raise young.

Sunflowers not only provide a warm palette for garden design, they also provide food for a variety of wildlife.

Whether planted by birds or squirrels of intentionally planted by the gardener, sunflowers add multiply dimensions to any garden.