Last Tuesday afternoon, when the temps reached 64°, we toured the yard. We found some signs of spring. The daffodils are coming up. For reference, I’m writing this Sunday afternoon and the temp is 25°. I’m staying in today, but it’s good to know spring is ready and waiting for the right time to show up.
We also saw what we think are surprise lilies checking out the conditions.
The Lenten Rose can stay green all winter, though is often battered to the ground by the time spring arrives. It is an early bloomer, showing up in March to April.
On the left, is the Lenten Rose in March of 2011. They don’t mind the snow. The right hand picture is the same plant in April of 2018. When we to our current home four years ago, we moved many plants, including starts from the Lenten Rose.
We believe we have a responsibility to support the natural ecosystem. It’s a process we are building on each year. Not everyone has the room or desire to have a brush pile, but we have two that provide shelter, nesting and protection for birds and little critters. This fall, we enclosed the piles with fencing to keep them neatly contained. In this picture, the bare ground in front of the brush pile had been home to branches picked up from the yard. Now those sticks and branches are confined to one spot. The logs to the left will be used to outline paths in the back yard.
The woodchipped walks, outlined with logs, fit well with our efforts to proved a natural setting for the animals, birds and insects we want to support.
Please give some thought to how you can support the ecosystem in your own yard. Plant native plants, shrubs and trees that support our local wildlife.. Provide water for wild life. Compost paper and cardboard. Even the smallest effort can provide big benefits for wild life.
Come on spring. We are waiting for you.
PS, to see my putz houses, as well as Christmas ornaments I have made from upcycled holiday greeting cards, please visit my Etsy shop.
All proceeds from my Etsy shop benefit Kenya Mercy Ministries. KMM works with the urban poor of Nairobi, Kenya, particularly the children and their families who live in Kibera, the largest urban slum in Africa. Thank you for your part in helping these children when you purchase items from my shop!
~~Rhonda 🙂