And the monarchs came! Last fall at our WI cabin, I scattered milkweed seeds from native milkweed that had sparsely grown in what I call the "loop" in the center of the circular driveway. It's a native area anchored by three Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) trees. There's lots of advice on how to collect milkweed … Continue reading I Planted Milkweed…
Author: Stephi
Who’s In the Nest Boxes This Year (2017)?
Last year at our cabin in Door County, WI, I put up two nestboxes and had chickadees nest in both of them (Who's In My Nestboxes). I was hoping for bluebirds, but chickadees certainly are a welcome second choice. I was excited to find out who might use the nests this year, especially since I … Continue reading Who’s In the Nest Boxes This Year (2017)?
A Hidden Sanctuary in Central Park: Hassett Nature Sanctuary
We had some time to pass in NYC a few weeks ago and decided to go to Central Park. Rather than wandering aimlessly, which is easy to do, we checked out a guide for interesting things to do. Up popped the 4 acre Hallet Nature Sanctuary in the southeast corner of Central Park. Perfect! We … Continue reading A Hidden Sanctuary in Central Park: Hassett Nature Sanctuary
Hoping for Bats: Installing a Bat House
I have a love/hate relationship with bats. I find them a bit creepy because they carry rabies and who isn't scared by these nocturnal flying mammals, but I also know they are vital in keeping night flying insects like mosquitoes in check. For now, I'll take my chances with the rabies and opt for … Continue reading Hoping for Bats: Installing a Bat House
Purple Sensation Allium
Last year, a fellow blogger (Jason at gardeninacity) wrote a post about his beautiful spring alliums. I have to admit, I was jealous of those amazing flowers in his garden. I've grown edible chives (Allium schoenoprasum) for years, but they are nothing compared to these other garden alliums. Alliums like Purple Sensation, with its the … Continue reading Purple Sensation Allium
Who Knew? Porcupines Climb Trees!
Porcupines are truly odd creatures, and one definitely best watched from afar. Recently at dusk at our place in Wisconsin, one came to visit that provided an evening of entertainment! When he realized we were watching, he headed off towards the woods. They are not the speediest of animals, but in his own lumbering way … Continue reading Who Knew? Porcupines Climb Trees!
Checking on the Seedlings
Why didn't I buy grow lights before?? My seedlings have always been "fine", but after seeing my mom's lush healthy seedlings under her grow lights, and with a little nudge from my husband I decided to take the plunge. I am so glad I did! I bought two 2 ft Hydrofarm T5 Grow Light Systems. … Continue reading Checking on the Seedlings
Chickadees Are Back in the Nestbox
While I was hoping for bluebirds this year in the nest boxes, this little chickadee popped her head out and seems to be making it her home for the spring. Luckily Steve had his camera handy and could get some pictures of this cute little bird. She was just so entertaining to watch. It was … Continue reading Chickadees Are Back in the Nestbox
Orioles? Fingers Crossed!
I saw on my local Wild Bird Unlimited Facebook page today that Baltimore Orioles have been spotted in the area. I tried to attract them on their spring migration last year but no luck. They are in the area only 4-6 weeks unless they nest nearby. But, last year I was a couple of weeks … Continue reading Orioles? Fingers Crossed!
Nature Walk on Earth Day
It was a beautiful day for a walk, so I headed out to the Morton Arboretum to walk and celebrate Earth Day. Spring flowers were in abundance! Here's what I saw: White Trout Lily (Erythronium albidum) Immature plants produce a single leaf and no flower, while mature plants produce a pair of leaves and a … Continue reading Nature Walk on Earth Day