Spring 2014 Updates at the Nursery

Updates at the nursery Apr 9

Is it finally over.... this long, cold winter? I was begining to think I would never see the end of it. I have to apologize for the lack of postings over thr past few months. This past year has been very eventful and while it seemed to be never ending stress and turmoil, it ends up to look promising for the future. I had been looking for some time now for a new home and a suitable property for the nursery. I am pleased to announce we will be moving. The site is teaming with native plants and which I have inventoried the winter remains of and can not wait to re-evaluate once Spring comes and they re-emerge. I have been looking daily, but so far only the aliens on the property are emerging. One of the reasons that they outcompete natives is that ther emerge earlier and go down later than natives. But I saw bracken fern skeletons so I am waiting for fiddleheads.

I also set up a bird feeding station which has attracted many species including Goldfinches, Cardinals, Blue Birds, Juncos, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Titmouse, House Finches, Mourning Doves, Carolina Wrens, Hairy Woodpecker, a Mocking Bird, Bluejays, a Brown Creeper and a Pine Warbler. I plan to install plenty of bird food plants including Echincea and Liatris which the Goldfinches love as well as Bee Balm and Cardinal Flower for Hummingbirds. This past week I have seen a Mourning Cloak Butterly almost daily on my walks.

Unfortunately I am a little behind on plant rearing. I am dedicated to getting the Milkweed out there for the Monarchs, however. Everything else offered for sale will be left over from last year until later in the season.

Update: May 8

Its May and the Bracken Ferns are emerging, I have a pair of Towhees in my woods and also Lady Slippers. I have also seen Spring Azures and a Tiger Swallowtail, a Black and White Warbler and a Rose Breasted Grosbeak, all today. The frogs are chirping and Whippoorwill singing into the wee hours. I am adding to the wildlife garden daily and planted corn in my vegetable garden today. At our other home we had a beautiful Baltimore Oriole that arrived around May first each year for the past seven years that would sing his heart out. I will miss him, but am hoping one will come here as well. Each day I can't wait to go outside and see what is new. Wishing everyone a happy and blessed Spring.