We're Certified!

Hello blogging friends,

Last spring our property was certified as a National Wildlife Habitat.  It has been fun over the years creating a welcoming haven for local wildlife.  In order to certify your yard, you need to provide food, water, shelter and a place for the wildlife to raise their young.

The food sources we have are hanging bird feeders, native plants, seeds, nuts, berries and nectar.  Both the pond and birdbath provide a water source.  Shelter is important to protect wildlife from predators and bad weather.  In our yard we have a diversity of plants, including mature spruce trees and evergreens for the birds to nest and raise their young.

I just love watching the birds, chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits enjoying themselves.  Not to mention the bees, butterflies, dragonflies and ladybugs.

These baby squirrels were born this spring.  There are 3 of them, but only 2 came out to have their pictures taken :-)

Have you ever considered creating a wildlife habitat?  Spring is really the best time to garden for wildlife as the migratory birds and butterflies have returned, animals are emerging from hibernation and young babies are being born.  When your property includes the four elements mentioned above you are ready for certification by the National Wildlife Federation.  Even without being certified you are assisting to support a healthier ecosystem in your garden.

For me gardening is more than just making the yard look pretty - it provides a safe and healthy environment for garden creatures.

Wishing you a delightful week!

A Gardener's Journey ...

When I first embarked on my gardening journey approx. 12 years ago, I don't think at the time I had any idea what I was getting into.  As a little girl growing up on a small farm we had a greenhouse.  My parents would sow seeds every year, both annuals and perennials.  Of course, the timing had to be right so we could sell the plants in the spring to the community.  I remember spending the summers either watering, weeding or deadheading the plants.  Back then I didn't realize just how much my parents were teaching me about gardening.  We even had our own beehive for which honey would be extracted and sold.

When my husband and I moved into our home the newly acquired property did not have any gardens.  Shortly thereafter we discovered our soil to be that of shale and rock.  I can't even tell you how many truck loads of topsoil were brought in to create what we have today.  I jumped in with both feet and thought to myself "Whatever I have learned will come back to me."

Each year my husband and I added another garden.  Whether it was a large flower bed or a simple circle around a bird feeder it was another place to experiment with plants.  As the design and layout of the gardens evolved so did my knowledge of new hybrid plants.

Unfortunately, both my parents passed away years ago and I still think to myself if only they could see what I have done.  I think they would be proud, especially my mother who loved to admire the blooms.

Several years ago I went with a friend to the local nursery and as we strolled by the tables of perennials he said to me "What kind of plant is this?"  I would take one look at the leaf form or the bloom and rattle off the plant name.  He would check the plastic tag in the pot to see if I was right.  After playing this game for a few minutes he finally said to me "I guess you know your plants."  I replied "Thank you, my parents taught me well."

As I write this today is the anniversary of my mother's passing.  If only I had more time with her ... to show her the flower gardens ... if only I had a chance to say goodbye.  I truly believe she is looking down upon me enjoying the gardens.  Maybe she would even sit and have a cup of tea with me!

A pink rose from my garden for her.