Lawns are resource-intensive and boring. I have been working for several years now to expand or create new gardens throughout our yard to increase the attractiveness of our property to both human eyes and pollinator bellies. Building new, organic, and eco-friendly garden beds takes a lot time and physical labor. Now four summers in to my project, I’m trying to work smarter, not harder.
Spending a month with my parents in eastern PA allowed me to meet our newest invasive species: the Spotted Lanternfly. This insect has been in Pennsylvania for less than a decade but is already wreaking havoc on a variety of cash crops, including grapes, grains, fruit, and hardwood. This post covers how to recognize them and kill them – because, yes, it is necessary.
I recently saw some deadly misinformation circulating on my neighborhood’s message board app related to hummingbird care. Since they are so tiny, their bodies are incredibly sensitive to what they consume. Pesticides, herbicides, and even some hummingbird nectars contain chemicals that can hurt or kill them. In this post is information that can help ensure the health and safety of your beautiful neighborhood hummingbirds.
Monarch butterfly populations are dropping at alarming rates on both coasts, and we may soon see them on the endangered species list. Their habitats and food sources are in danger from illegal logging, industrial herbicides, climate change, and urban expansion. There are plenty of steps we can take to help these beautiful creatures, and it involves more than just planting milkweed.
“That time of year thou mayst in me behold…” when the sun goes away and I lose motivation for everything except hibernation. Fortunately, cleaning up your garden for the fall does not need to be high on your fall priority list. In fact, the less you do, the better for your resident insects and birds. Stay inside and leave cleaning up for late spring.
I haven’t done any gardening yet this year because 1) I haven’t had time, 2) I’m lazy, and 3) I’m doing my part to protect any beneficial creatures that may be living in my garden. (Yes, you can justify laziness with sustainability!) In case you haven’t started your spring gardening yet, I hope this information will prove useful for you and your garden’s inhabitants.