Live in each season as it passes; breath air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influences of each. Let them be your only diet drink and botanical medicines.
– Henry David Thoreau
Week 25 of the year is an ideal time to focus on gardening and bird watching, as summer is in full swing and nature is thriving. In the garden, prioritize maintenance to keep plants healthy and vibrant. Deadhead flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prune any overgrown shrubs or perennials. This week is also perfect for weeding, as removing competition ensures your plants thrive. Pay close attention to watering schedules—early mornings are best to avoid evaporation and fungal issues. Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature during the warmer days. If you grow vegetables, harvest regularly to encourage further production and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce.
For bird watching, week 25 offers exciting opportunities as birds are highly active during summer. Keep feeders stocked with a variety of seeds, suet, or nectar to attract different species. Ensure bird baths are clean and filled with fresh water, as birds rely on them for hydration and cooling off. Observe nesting behaviors, as many species may still be raising young. To enhance your birding experience, document your sightings in a journal or use a bird identification app. These activities not only support local wildlife but also provide a peaceful and rewarding connection with nature during this vibrant season.
Summer gardening guidance
Duckweed
Duckweed water is a fantastic, free, hyperlocal fertilizer that many gardeners overlook. Duckweed water is a fantastic, free, hyperlocal fertilizer that many gardeners overlook. When duckweed grows in a pond, rain barrel, or…
Hardy perennial food crops for shade
Not every corner of a garden gets full sun, and in wooded or partially shaded landscapes, that can feel like a limitation. But shade does not have to mean sacrifice. A surprising number…
Herb cultivation through history
In every age and in every land, the garden has been both pharmacy and prayer, a place where human hands and the earth’s own intelligence have met in quiet collaboration. Herbs have been…
Cat safe plants
Cats are natural explorers, and for most of them, that curiosity extends straight to our houseplants and herb garden. While many common plants pose a real danger to cats, there is a surprisingly…
Important medicinal herbs for the home pharmacy
For centuries, long before modern medicine filled our cabinets with synthetic compounds, people turned to the natural world for healing. Today, a growing number of health-conscious individuals are rediscovering the profound value of…
Guide to safe use of herbs
A practical, reference to commonly used herbs, their safety considerations, and potential side effects. Herbs have been used for centuries across cultures as food, medicine, and ritual. Today, they remain a cornerstone of…
Garden site
Growing spaces and outdoor living spaces A good garden begins with the site. Before choosing plants or buying materials, it helps to understand the space we have and how it will support the…
Shaping and placing garden beds
Garden beds should be shaped and placed to match both the land and the intended use of the garden. Their size and form affect appearance, efficiency, and plant health. Placement Place beds where…
Assessing garden site conditions
Understanding your site before you plant is one of the most important steps in creating a successful garden. Every piece of land has its own personality, shaped by the direction it faces, the…
Site diagram of your house and grounds
A site diagram is one of the most practical tools a gardener can create. It does not need to be technically perfect — it needs to accurately represent your property and give you…
Green Bags for fresher greens, fruit and veggies
Updated since 2/17/2017. Greenbags are reusable and extend the life of greens, fruit, and vegetables. They can be purchased online relatively inexpensively. I bought a set of 20 in multiple sizes off Amazon…
Growing fresh herbs for cooking
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Growing food for environmental impact
Embracing sustainability in daily life. Updated since 10/29/2023. Having my own small orchard and vegetable garden brings immeasurable joy as I can nurture a space teeming with life. Cultivating my food imparts a…
First and last frost dates by U.S. hardiness zone
Work with nature for gardening success. Hardiness zones in gardening are geographic regions that categorize the climate’s suitability for plant survival. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) devised this system based on…
Gardening around the world
Gardening online resources from around the world. When exploring these sites, I look for their specific sections or articles related to gardening in colder climates or northern regions. Additionally, forums and community sections…
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Plants at their best
Peony
Perennial bush. The peonies (Paeonia spp.) in my garden are cherished gems, weaving a tapestry of joy and beauty. With their lush, extravagant blooms, they transform the landscape into a paradise of colors,…
Fern
Perenial. Ferns are among the oldest plants on earth, having thrived for more than 360 million years long before flowering plants ever existed. That ancient resilience translates beautifully into the modern northern garden,…
Currant
Currants are one of the most rewarding small fruits you can grow in a northern garden. Hardy enough to handle brutal northern garden winters, productive enough to fill your kitchen with berries year…
Rhubarb
Perennial. Delicious tart stalks for culinary delights. Planting rhubarb in my garden has been a rewarding choice for several reasons. This hardy perennial not only offers delicious, tart stalks for culinary delights but…
Iris
A radiant burst of spring purple or gold. Updated since November 1, 2023. Irises (Iris germanica) bring a radiant burst of spring purple or gold to my garden with their vibrant blooms and…
Asiatic Lily
One of my favorite additions for a pop of color in a flower bed are Asiatic lilies. Asiatic lily bulbs are indispensable garden additions, contributing vibrant hues and captivating elegance. With an array…
Hosta
Perennial. Leafy foliage, fancy leafy foliage, lovely leafiness. Planting Hosta in your garden brings a touch of elegance and versatility. Renowned for their lush foliage, these shade-loving perennials offer a diverse palette of…
Chive
Perennial. Heb. I grow chives in my herb garden because they are incredibly versatile and easy to maintain. Their mild onion flavor enhances a variety of dishes, from salads to soups and omelets.…
Strawberry
A bite of sweetness like no other. Strawberries are a nice addition to any garden. These vibrant red berries are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Growing strawberries…
Scented Geranium
Indoor garden plant, outdoor annual plant, or indoor-outdoor potted plant. Scented geraniums are a delightful addition to any garden or home due to their fragrant leaves and versatility. These plants are easy to…
Radish
Radishes are quick-growing, spicy, and nutritious root vegetables. Radishes are a quick-growing, easy-to-cultivate vegetable that adds a crisp, peppery flavor to salads and dishes. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin…
Phlox
Perennial. Growing phlox is a fantastic choice for any garden due to its vibrant blooms and versatility. Phlox comes in a variety of colors, from whites and pinks to deep purples, adding a…
Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious, versatile, cool-weather leafy green. Spinach is a nutritious, versatile leafy green that is easy to grow and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great addition to any…
Leaf Lettuce
Leaf lettuce is nutritious, easy-to-grow, and delicious. Leaf lettuce is a versatile, nutritious, and easy-to-grow vegetable that thrives in cool weather. It’s perfect for home gardens due to its rapid growth and ability…
Basil
Power Annual Herb. Love this little green flavor booster! Basil is my favorite herb to grow because of its versatility and vibrant flavor. I have come to love its aromatic leaves and continue…
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Birding & butterflies
Northern Cardinal
A cherished backyard songbird. Updated since 11/2/2023. The presence of cardinal birds in my yard brings fresh fun. Their vibrant red plumage, a burst of color against the green backdrop, provides me a sense of natural beauty. Their…
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Squeaky tiny little sparkles of the sky. The presence of hummingbirds in my yard transforms the ordinary into an enchanting spectacle. These iridescent jewels of the sky, with wings that blur like magic, bring boundless joy. Their aerial…
White-breasted Nuthatch
Lively and bouncy tree creepers. The presence of nuthatches in my yard gets me to peering out the front window. These charismatic birds, with their distinctive upside-down climbing and head-first descents, inject a playful energy into the trees…
Gray Catbird
Mimics. Secretive, melodious birds. Catbirds are medium-sized songbirds known for their distinctive “mewing” calls, which resemble a cat’s meow. Belonging to the Mimidae family, they are skilled mimics, capable of imitating the songs of other birds and even…
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagles mature to have a snowy white head and tail contrasted against a dark brown. Their commanding presence is an American symbol of strength and freedom. Spotting Bald Eagles in my neighborhood is an awe-inspiring experience that…
Trumpeter Swan
The largest extant species of waterfowl. Seeing trumpeter swans in my neighborhood brings a sense of tranquility and wonder. Their majestic presence on ponds, gracefully gliding across the water, adds an elegant charm to the landscape. In fields,…
Turkey
Wild turkeys are native to North America, commonly found in forests, grasslands, and open woodlands across the U.S. and southern Canada. These large birds, known for their fan-shaped tails and wattled necks, have iridescent feathers that shimmer in…
Chipping Sparrow
Cheerful, agile, trilling, resilient, friendly, little sparrow. I enjoy seeing chipping sparrows at my bird feeders because they bring a bit of fun to my bird feeders. Their delicate, cheerful chirping is a delightful sound to hear in…
Gray Squirrel
Acrobatic, adaptable, intelligent little seed hoarders. Gray squirrels, agile acrobats of the suburban landscape, frolic in my yard with a boldness that borders on audacity. Their fluffy tails twitch with curiosity as they dart among the trees, pausing…
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Striking, melodic, colorful, adaptable, migratory, sociable, graceful, arboreal, charismatic birds. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, with its striking black and white plumage accented by a vibrant splash of rose-red, brings a burst of color and melody to any yard lucky…
Red-winged Blackbird
Harbingers of spring on the pond. Red-winged blackbirds at my birdfeeder evoke all the springtime vibes. Their glossy plumage, adorned with fiery red epaulets, ignites the senses. Their melodious distinct calls weave through the air, a tribute to…
Ring-necked Pheasant
Colorful, adaptable, ground-foraging, game bird. The Ring-necked Pheasant, a strikingly colorful bird native to Asia, has become a captivating presence year-round in my Minnesota yard. With its iridescent plumage and distinct neck ring, this bird adds a touch…
Homemade hummingbird nectar recipe
Creating homemade hummingbird food is simple and involves only a couple of ingredients. Crafting your own hummingbird food ensures a pure and natural nectar source for these enchanting avian visitors. Commercial alternatives may contain harmful additives, preservatives, or…
Wood Duck
Colorful, crested, iridescent, arboreal, elegant, wary, and distinctive duck. Observing Wood Ducks gracefully gliding on my pond is an enchanting experience. Their vibrant plumage, featuring iridescent greens, blues, and intricate patterns, adds a vivid splash to the natural…
Barn Swallow
Acrobatic, delicate, dedicated parents. Barn Swallows gracing my barn evoke a lively spectacle of nature. With iridescent blue-black plumage, their aerobatic flights adorn the pasture, capturing the essence of summer. These agile birds skillfully snatch insects mid-air, contributing…
Downy Woodpecker
Lively and rhymical woodpecker. Downy Woodpeckers bring enchantment to my yard with their lively antics and distinctive black-and-white plumage. Their petite stature, just 6-7 inches in length, adds charm as they flit gracefully among branches. The rhythmic drumming…
Hairy Woodpecker
Flashy movements, climbers, with rhythmic slower drumming. The Hairy Woodpecker’s rhythmic drumming and distinctive black-and-white plumage bring a unique rhythm to my yard, transforming it to include natural wonder. Their diligent foraging, tapping resonantly on our tree trunks,…
American Goldfinch
Sunlit yellow plumage, delicate black wings, and sweet cheep-cheeps. The American Goldfinch’s vibrant presence at my thistle birdfeeder transforms my yard into a living canvas of radiant yellow and black. Their sunlit yellow plumage, delicate black wings, and…
Pileated Woodpecker
Commanding sized woodpecker with the regal red pointy cap. Seeing the large Pileated Woodpecker eating suet at my birdfeeder is a glimpse into the wild, a majestic presence that transcends the ordinary. Their striking crimson crests and vibrant…
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Charismatic bird, with striking zebra-like patterns and vibrant red crown. The occasional sighting of the neighborhood Red-bellied Woodpeckers at my bird feeder spices up my yard with their dynamic avian energy. These charismatic birds, with striking zebra-like patterns…
White-throated Sparrow
Springy little whistler. The White-throated Sparrow at my bird feeder brings the music of nature to my front yard. Their distinctive ‘old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody’ sweet-whistle song, reminiscent of clear whistling notes, creates a melodious sound. Distinguished…
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