Welcome wildlife to your garden
I was reminded this week of my “third Grandma” (my Aunt’s mother) and the sense of awe and wonder she instilled in me as we spent weekends at her house during my childhood. For her every natural event, “critter” sighting, flower in bloom, or ripened tomato was cause for celebration and wonder. She would even wake us up in the middle of the night to happily exclaim that the deer were in her garden (this was over 40 years ago when this was a rare event).
She knew every square inch of her garden and the woods beyond. She knew where the fox den was and when the kits were born, where the butterfly chrysali or the moth coccoons were, where every bird’s nest on her property was. She knew the name of every butterfly, bird, frog or toad, or any other critter that crossed her path.
She was also very protective of her critters, chasing away dogs, cats, and anything else that came too close. Now she would say that she was just a gardener but to me she was an amazing naturalist, full of curiosity about the events of the natural world around her.
Today, I am that gardener, fiercely protective of my “critters” and full of joy and wonder at every sighting. But it saddens me that there are not as many critters as there were when I was young. Some may be gone forever because we haven’t left them any place to go.
That’s where you come in. Your garden and the choices you make to help wildlife by sharing your space with them are critical. Reclaim your sense of childhood awe and wonder. Create a place for wildlife in your garden.
Note: a tip of the hat to Alison Kerr, of Loving Nature’s Garden, for writing the article that inspired this very happy memory!
What is the inspiration for your Ecosystem Garden for wildlife?
Don’t miss a thing! Sign up for Wren Song, the Ecosystem Gardening Newsletter. Coming to your inbox every Wednesday, Wren Song brings you breaking news and tips for planning your Ecosystem Gardening. Just fill in the Wren Song coupon at the top right of this page
© 2009 – 2010, Carole Sevilla Brown. All rights reserved. This article is the property of EcosystemGardening.com If you are reading this at another site, please report that to us
About Carole Sevilla Brown
Great story. I think I’d have loved to meet your grandma. The toad photo could be taken the wrong way though. Thanks for the laugh!
It makes me sad that there is less wildlife to see these days. One day last summer when visiting a local arboretum, which focuses on the use of native plants in the landscape, I was totally amazed at the wealth of insect life I saw. Obviously there is wildlife just waiting to expand it’s range when we provide the right environment. I’m sure it’s no coincidence that much use of water is made in the landscape at the arboretum with beautiful channels creating artificial streams.
What a happy coincidence that you inspired my post today and I inspired yours!
No toad pic is not Grandma, just a reflection of the joy I take in seeing them! Glad I gave you a laugh.
Yes it is very sad to see so many fewer critters, but hopefully we can all learn to share our space in a way that makes new homes for them.