One way to get children engaged in the garden is to share with them your love of birding. Birds are both helpful to a garden and also a sign of a healthy garden, so encouraging them to visit your yard is a great idea. An even better idea? Getting kids excited about the feathered visitors and the role they play in the larger ecosyst
For many gardeners, summer is the most rewarding part of their work.
There are certain areas in a garden that beg to be covered with climbing plants: chain link fences and trellises come to mind. A pretty vine can disguise an unsightly fence or provide more privacy. Plants climbing up and across a trellis can provide shade or shelter in the garden. And many fast-growing vines also have a lovely fragrance! Really, there’s no good reason NOT to include them in your garden—as long as you pick the right variety.
Last summer, I spent my 26th birthday at a glamping resort in Lake Bled, Slovenia. We slept in a tent, sure, but this tent sat on a deck above a glimmering stream with bright red fish; to reach it, we crossed a hanging bridge.
Wondering how to make the kids study during weekends? Why not let nature help you out with a few wildschooling activities…
When my husband and I moved into our new home last month, the first thing we did was hang bird feeders from our deck. Birding is one of my favorite pastimes (bonus: it’s good for you,) and while getting out into nature and seeing birds on the trail is fun, there’s nothing like watching birds flock to your feeders as you nurse a mug of tea or sit down for dinner with the family.
As your garden plan evolves this spring…or as you continue to sow…or at whatever stage your garden is, be sure to leave some room for a few beautiful, edible garnishes! There are dozens of edible flowers you could sow, and not only are they beautiful, but they add a vibrant pop of color to any summer dish – sweet or savory. Also, adding flowers to your garden – vegetable or not – is helpful to attract and support pollinator populations.
Want to welcome Blue Jays, Cardinals, and other stunning birds to your backyard? The better question is, who doesn't? Birds can bring such wonderful joy to a backyard, especially in the dead of winter, or late fall. The best part is, all the food you need to attract them can be found right in your local supermarket (and won't break the bank). Plus, feeding birds in the colder months helps them store and conserve energy for when they really need it (staying warm and avoiding predators). Here are the foods that will keep them coming back for more.
Just because the leaves have fallen and the grass is no longer visible under inches of snow doesn't mean that the wildlife is gone–especially the best kind of wildlife. In this case, birds. While winter might not be the most colorful time of the year, many birds are still in their resplendent glory: bright red cardinals and soft pink juncos, black-capped chickadees and brilliant blue stellar jays. Attract the avian species to your winter backyard with just a few simple changes, and reap the benefits all year long.
1) Plant native species
Monarch butterflies are truly one of nature's most marvelous creatures. They are the only insect that makes a 3,000 mile journey south for the winter. Unable to survive in frigid temperatures, they seek more favorable conditions. When they do, their winter resting place is a sight to behold.