April is almost here – and in my opinion, this is one of the best times to look for and observe birds. They are migrating, setting up their nesting territories, mating, and even beginning to start nests. And all of this is done right out in the open where we can watch. Even birds who […]
Long ago, somewhere in the eastern deciduous forests, the elements necessary to produce new plant species “realized” that, if they could just manage to grow, blossom, and set seed quickly enough, they could take advantage of several crucial things: the abundant sunshine that reaches the forest floor before the trees leaf out; the plentiful rains […]
The clematis vines we see everywhere are hybrids and cultivars that have been created by botanists and plant hybridizers. For example, a common clematis we can see in so many yards on trellises and twining around mailboxes is Clematis ‘Jackmani’ which is a cross between Clematis lanuginosa and Clematis viticella – neither of these parent […]
Most of us know that the American Chestnut was once a common tree throughout the Appalachian Mountains, but because of a blight, the tree is now almost extinct. What I did not know was how much work is being carried out to restore this tree and that there are two sides to this. One side […]
I find the refreshing gifts of nature so helpful. Going to the porch and sitting out there in the sunshine, looking into the trees – especially the arborvitae now and in any season, and gazing at blooming trees and seeing their contrasts. Listening to the birds, appreciating the ever-changing sky, taking time to daydream, stretch, […]
Everything you do in your yard affects all the creatures that live there: birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, plus every organism that lives underground. And that includes making the decision to feed birds, provide a bird bath, add nesting boxes, create new gardens, or even adding a patio. Should you not do those things because […]
Something – and I hate to accuse anything without proof, but my money is on the squirrels! – has chewed on our extension cord that connects the livestream camera to the outside socket. Cleon and I will be off to the store later today to buy a new cord. Please visit the livestream tomorrow when […]
Note from Linda: This essay is written by Rachel White, a board member of Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (FOMR) – Malheur is in eastern Oregon. Paul and Carol from Pennsylvania sent it to me writing that they had visited Malheur, enjoyed the refuge, signed up for their newsletter, and look forward to reading […]
Santolina is an herb that makes a wonderful perennial or small shrub, Santolina is not a common plant east of the Rockies – in part because it likes hotter, drier sites. West of the Rockies, it is a lovely addition to many gardens. Its requirements for water are quite low, it loves hot sun, and […]