I've come to embrace the fact that almost everything in my garden is meant to be there. I was reluctant at first because certain "pests" kept leaving their mark on some of my favorite plants, but maybe that's because I didn't know how to work with them...
Spring is finally here, and my thoughts have once again turned to garden projects long in the making. There is a lovely plot of earth that has been left alone too long, so it is my mission this spring to build some garden boxes (bunny rabbit/prairie dog proof of course) and plant some herbs, veggies and flowers.
All the planning has made me think back to the springtime afternoons of my childhood spent turning over, raking out and building simple structures all in preparation of the year's plantings. One of my favorite things was to build tipi-like structures for the Morning Glory's and moon flowers which I recently discovered is a project from Sunflower Houses by Sharon Lovejoy. Maybe that is why...
I love A Blessing of Toads: A Gardener's Guide to Living with Nature , also by Sharon Lovejoy! It is the perfect companion and guiding voice to working in harmony with the environment around you. Have a bug problem in your garden? This book tells you haw to attract the kind of birds that eat those bugs. Aphids eating your roses? Learn how to keep ladybugs as permanent guests!
I will admit, the prospect of creating a non-native garden in a wild environment is a bit daunting (there are just so many critters that want to eat it!), but I am confident that with a little sweat, love, hard work and tips from Mrs. Lovejoy, this years planting will make it out of the ground.
For a chance to win a copy of A Blessing of Toads: A Gardener's Guide to Living with Nature, simply leave a comment on this post by Wednesday April 13th. The winner will be chosen by random number and announced Thursday April 14th.
Good Luck!
Thanks for participating everyone!
~ Jordan
