Redefining the Beauty of Nature and Wildlife in Our Gardens
I have been writing for the Beautiful Wildlife Garden blog for exactly one year. I remember when I first joined the team I was concerned whether I could keep up with a weekly article…would I have enough ideas? Well, it is 52 articles later and I have to say it has been quite a… [Continue Reading]
Ouch! Scratched by another thorn. But that’s okay, because thorns — and also spines, prickles, and sharp-pointed leaves — have a purpose in nature. Actually, they have several. First, what’s the difference between thorns, spines, and prickles? Spines are modified leaves, like what you’ll find on cactus. Thorns are modified branches or stems, like those… [Continue Reading]
During a recent trip to the Guadalupe River, I ran across a rather unusual tree. The unmistakable growth on the tree’s trunk is what is known as a tree burl, or tumor. It is not clear what caused this particular growth, although apparently scientists can actually track such growths back to the single cell of… [Continue Reading]
Going nuts with acorns? The bumper crop of 2010 was pretty impressive, and acorns still blanket the ground well into 2011. It was what we call a mast year, a year in which tree species produce heavy quantities of nuts. 2010 was certainly the year of the Oaks. Mast years are great — not only do they benefit wildlife,… [Continue Reading]
Are you an herb lover? If so, you’re not the only one. Many visitors to the beautiful wildlife garden love herbs just as much as people do. And although most people think of Basil, Thyme, Parsley or Sage when you ask them about herbs to grow, those are just a tiny portion of what’s really… [Continue Reading]
We had an early hard freeze last week in my section of Central Florida so with insects in shorter supply and variety than usual, the birds are relishing the berries of my beautiful wildlife garden. I am enjoying the color and activity that the berries encourage and will admit that the cold weather did put… [Continue Reading]
Have you ever wondered what wildlife eats in the winter when there’s no fresh green leaves, flower petals or fruits around? Sometimes the pickings are pretty slim, but we as wildlife gardeners can do some easy things to put some more variety on the plate. In addition to planting trees and shrubs that provide berries,… [Continue Reading]
Photo by Docentjoyce Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is showing off right about now on the West Coast in the wildlife garden. It’s also known as Christmasberry, California holly, and Hollywood. You heard that right; rumor has it that the famous city was so named due to the many toyon shrubs in the area during the 1900s…. [Continue Reading]
Crabapples are one of the most widely planted ornamental trees in the Midwest, with good reason. In addition to the beautiful spring blooms are the added bonus of the jewel-like fruits. They are a popular food source for squirrels and birds after the snows blanket the ground. The fruit of some varieties of crabapples are… [Continue Reading]
Photo by hegtor This year my 4H Wildlife Project group is going to certify my yard as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. While I have everything necessary to become certified (food, water, cover, and a place to raise young) in my wildlife garden, I would really like to add more native berry producing plants to help… [Continue Reading]
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