Hummingbirds | Nesting, Food & Facts | Free Nectar Recipe!
Here you will find everything a hummingbird lover would enjoy. Whether you want to attract the Ruby hummingbird, also known as the ruby throated hummingbird or one of the other 16 kinds of hummingbirds found in the United States, you can attract Hummingbirds to your yard! In the store you'll find Hummingbird feeders, hummingbird food; called hummingbird nectar, information on the migration of the hummingbird, hummingbird nesting materials, and hummingbird gifts for the hummingbird lover such as hummingbird art, planters, stained glass, spinners and more all in the hummingbird motif … read more
How to Make a Butterfly House a Home
I'm hanging a new Butterfly House today! Over the years, my backyard has become a haven for butterflies and hummingbirds and I love it. The old butterfly house was made of wood and I couldn't see inside so I'm really excited about the new one which is made of cedar wood (which ages well) and glass giving me a view I've never had until this year. So exciting! Do butterflies really use butterfly houses? Well, the answer is yes... and no. Some species of butterflies will use a butterfly house and some some won't. Most of the woodland species, such as Cloaks and common Wood … read more
How to Attract or Deter Backyard Squirrels
To each their own as they say. That's certainly true when it comes to our feelings about squirrels in our backyards. To some, squirrels can be a menace and you just wish you could permanently evict them from the premises! It can be maddening when they eat all of the birdseed that you have so lovingly laid out for your bird friends. If you don't want them, or would at the very least do everything you can to deter them, this article is for you. To others, you may love their antics and the sheer entertainment they provide. If you don't mind the furry little critters and would like to offer … read more
Strawberries Gone Wild! Controlling Unwanted Strawberry Plants
I love this time of year! Everyone is thinking about what's in store this year for their gardens and landscaping. Unfortunately, not everything growing in the gardens is wanted. Let's talk weeds and specifically what to do when your strawberries have gone wild or your unwanted strawberry plants are simply taking over your backyard. Yesterday, a neighbor asked me if I knew how to get rid of the unwanted wild strawberries that are invading her backyard. Every year, they have gotten worse and worse and now they are starting to grown in her lawn. She has had it with them! I told … read more
How to Attract or Deter Backyard Squirrels
To each their own as they say. That's certainly true when it comes to our feelings about squirrels in our backyards. To some, squirrels can be a menace and you just wish you could permanently evict them from the premises! It can be maddening when they eat all of the birdseed that you have so lovingly laid out for your bird friends. If you don't want them, or would at the very least do everything you can to deter them, this article is for you. To others, you may love their antics and the sheer entertainment they provide. If you don't mind the furry little critters and would like to offer … [Read More...]
Butterflies
How to Make a Butterfly House a Home
I'm hanging a new Butterfly House today! Over the years, my backyard has become a haven for butterflies and hummingbirds and I love it. The old butterfly house was made of wood and I couldn't see inside so I'm really excited about the new one which is made of cedar wood (which ages well) and glass giving me a view I've never had until this year. So exciting! Do butterflies really use butterfly houses? Well, the answer is yes... and no. Some species of butterflies will use a butterfly house and some some won't. Most of the woodland species, such as Cloaks and common Wood … [Read More...]
Backyard Birds
Cake Feeder. Homemade Bird Suet Cakes Recipe
Here is an easy recipe that makes a large number (20-30) of homemade bird suet cakes. In a large pot, melt 2 lbs of lard and a large jar of crunchy peanut butter together. Pour into a large container, (I use a bucket) mix in 5 lbs of cornmeal, add 4 pounds of birdseed Mix well and refrigerate or freeze after making up the cakes. To attract Bluebirds, try adding oatmeal instead of the cornmeal, chopped nuts and raisins to the cake mix. I save and reuse the "cake pans" from commercial suet cakes but you can also use a 9" x 13" cake pan and cut into size. Line the cake pan with wax paper … [Read More...]
Life in the Garden
Arisaema flavum
Something new for my garden this year! I ordered Arisaema flavum today and I'm planting three of these along the path on the side of the house. I'm really hoping this will grow well for me. I've not grown them before and to be honest, they were a little more money than I usually like to spend on something new. According to what I've read, Arisaema flavum is the only truly yellow Jack-in-the-Pulpit. It is a rotund and bright colorful variety that blooms in late spring to early summer. The flowers are yellow on the outside edges with maroon interiors. In the fall, red-orange berries … [Read More...]
Home Gardening
Strawberries Gone Wild! Controlling Unwanted Strawberry Plants
I love this time of year! Everyone is thinking about what's in store this year for their gardens and landscaping. Unfortunately, not everything growing in the gardens is wanted. Let's talk weeds and specifically what to do when your strawberries have gone wild or your unwanted strawberry plants are simply taking over your backyard. Yesterday, a neighbor asked me if I knew how to get rid of the unwanted wild strawberries that are invading her backyard. Every year, they have gotten worse and worse and now they are starting to grown in her lawn. She has had it with … [Read More...]
