I am reposting a article from last year to celebrate the Buzz I heard today. That's right the first Bumble Bee Buzz of the year happened on April 15th 2024 in Hartland Wisconsin. Which is pretty good timing as I have a few dozen dandelions sprouting ready to help the bees make it until other … Continue reading The Plight of the Bumble Bee
native plants
Surviving False Spring!
And the Early Spring Cleaning. Most insects are ectotherms. You may have learned this term as cold-blooded. The insects gain their warmth from the environment. Ecto-meaning outer, Thermal-heat. Therefore, they are more active when it is warmer and less so when it cools down. In Wisconsin, where I live, the temperature outside drops below freezing … Continue reading Surviving False Spring!
Nuptial Flights and Feeding Frenzies.
Last week, with the sun shining bright, the flying ants emerged, and hundreds of thousands of insects erupted from the lawn and filled the air. These flying insects were a smorgasbord for the birds that frequent my yard, often producing a feeding frenzy of avian activity. Photo by FRANCESCO TOMMASINI on Unsplash This year, I … Continue reading Nuptial Flights and Feeding Frenzies.
The Plight of the Bumble Bee
You have all heard about the plight of the bumble bee. Not to be confused with the Flight of the Bumblebee. An Orchestral interlude written by Rimsky- Korsakav I might suggest you listen to the music while watching the video below which I captured a few weeks ago in my backyard garden. https://videopress.com/v/tLFeMwS8?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Video by … Continue reading The Plight of the Bumble Bee
Why we should plant Native Plants!
Native Plants - are the indigenous terrestrial and aquatic species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat. Our goal is to increase biodiversity on our properties. To do that, it makes sense to plant species that provide the most food and habitat for the greatest number of organisms. Beware of plants … Continue reading Why we should plant Native Plants!
A Peek at the Weeds!
Those of you who have been following along or are reading this in the book version will know that I made some mistakes when I first began converting my suburban lawn into a biodiverse habitat. Hopefully, you have learned from my mistakes and even found entertainment from my documenting them and relating them to you. … Continue reading A Peek at the Weeds!
Midweek Peek into my Yard!
Hi Folks, If you are new to the blog, Welcome. If you have been here a while you probably won't be surprised that we have some visitors to our little piece of paradise. Join me while we are converting a suburban lawn into a biodiverse habitat, all the while Listening for the Sounds of Summer. … Continue reading Midweek Peek into my Yard!
A Peek at the Pollinator Garden.
My Pollinator garden started as an area next to my driveway. I chose to let it go, back when I was quiet quitting my lawn. I had decided to stop applying chemicals to my lawn but had not yet developed a plan to improve it. The grass grew long. To tell the truth, I liked … Continue reading A Peek at the Pollinator Garden.
I Used to Be the Guy Next Door.
John’s my neighbor, - the guy next door. Remember his front yard. Well, his neighbors and his neighbors, neighbors yards all look similar, just less perfect. Still, all green, and not a weed in sight. There’s green grass as far as the eye can see. The turf grass stands alone. And this is not by … Continue reading I Used to Be the Guy Next Door.
Last Week of May – 23
The white clover is in bloom! The dandelions have had their day. You can read about my thoughts on how dandelions should be used to bridge the gap between early spring, when pickings are slim for early arriving pollinators, and later in summer, when a multitude of other blooms and food sources are available for … Continue reading Last Week of May – 23
Do as I Say, not as I do.
Kill your lawn. Yes, you read that correctly. Before you start your native plant perennial garden, make sure to kill the grass! No matter the size you are planning to install. Kill the grass first. I am not a gardener. Wait, I looked it up. Definition Gardener - a person who tends and cultivates a garden as … Continue reading Do as I Say, not as I do.
Introduction to Listening for the Sounds of Summer.
IntroductionI wanted a nice green lawn. Most people do. A yard a lot like this! I am such an idiot! While I have the advantage of knowing, or perhaps, realizing or at least being aware, that I am an idiot. I now realize the incredible idiocracy of a lawn. I realized I was an idiot … Continue reading Introduction to Listening for the Sounds of Summer.
T.L. Johnson 