Category: Outdoor Living

I happened to stumble upon this Steller’s Jay while I was visiting Juneau Alaska. The Steller’s Jay, known scientifically as Cyanocitta stelleri, is a bird native to western North America and the mountains of Central America. It is closely related to the Blue Jay found in eastern North America and is distinguished by its striking blue and black plumage and a prominent crest on its head. This bird was first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788 and named after the explorer Georg Wilhelm Steller. The Steller’s Jay prefers coniferous and mixed mountain forests, ranging from southern Alaska through British Columbia and Alberta, and down the western side of the Rocky Mountains into Mexico. It has adapted well to urban environments, often spotted in backyards and parks, where it is known for its bold and inquisitive behavior.

Spring mulching is a critical practice for gardeners, offering a multitude of benefits that contribute to a healthy and aesthetically pleasing garden. By applying a layer of mulch, you can significantly reduce weed growth, as it blocks sunlight from reaching the soil and prevents weed seeds from germinating. This not only saves time and effort in garden maintenance but also promotes healthier growth among desired plants. Mulch acts as an insulator for the soil, protecting it from the temperature extremes of spring and creating a more stable environment for plant roots. Moreover, organic mulches like wood chips or compost break down over time, adding valuable nutrients and encouraging beneficial microbial activity in the soil. This process enhances soil structure and fertility, leading to robust plant growth and reduced susceptibility to diseases. Aesthetically, mulch can greatly improve the visual appeal of a garden, providing a neat, cohesive look that accentuates the beauty of the plants and contributes to the overall design of the outdoor space. Additionally, mulch helps to retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering and conserving water resources. It also prevents soil erosion, preserving soil integrity and preventing nutrient loss, especially in areas prone to heavy rains or on slopes. Incorporating mulching into your spring garden care routine can transform your garden into a thriving ecosystem, ready to burst with life as the season progresses. Cheers

Incorporating native plants such as Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, and Milkweed into gardens is vital for supporting pollinator health. These species offer abundant nectar and pollen that cater to the local pollinators’ dietary needs. Establishing these and other native plants can significantly enhance pollinator-friendly habitats, ensuring the survival and proliferation of various bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinating species. Cheers

There’s no flower sweeter than our featured flower of the month Sweet William. Dianthus barbatus or Sweet William is native to several regions throughout Asia and Southern Europe. This full sun perennial is from the plant family Caryophyllaceae. I planted Sweet William 8 years ago and to my delight it still thrives in two of my flower beds. It is not only resilient but reliable. Did I mention that it’s drought tolerant? Sweet William comes in a multitude of colors and varieties. The blooms are capable of not only withstanding the heat of the day but thrive in difficult soil conditions. Plant this gem in well draining soil on the sunny side of your garden and enjoy! Cheers

Sledding with a snow saucer is a great winter pastime here in zone 4. Did you know that your saucer can serve a dual purpose? Instead of putting it away at the end of winter simply modify it for seasonal garden work.  Adding a pulling rope will convert your saucer into a hauler making short work of transporting not only debris but material in and out of your garden. Cheers

The most common Fox seen in North America is the red fox (Vulpes). Their cunning ways have made them popular around the world. Enjoy!