Garden Wildlife | Garden Artisans, LLC

Help For Early Spring Pollinators

Posted on Feb 27, 2023 | by KK

When thinking of pollinators, images of bees and butterflies flitting and flying through a blossom-laden garden on a lazy summer afternoon come to mind. Bright zinnias and coneflowers, spectacular dahlias and sunflowers, serenely blue salvias and catmint, pastel shades of phlox and cosmos—these are just a few of our favorites that provide seasonal sustenance for these little helpers. But did you know that many pollinators arrive in our gardens much earlier? Many species of wild native bees and pollinating flies emerge from “hibernation” (the correct term in insects is “diapause”) in early spring, some of which only live for a few weeks. Bumblebee queens awaken early, searching out food to create "bee bread" for their larvae. Several species of overwintering butterflies pupate at this time. Honeybees can be active on mild days throughout the winter. These creatures can benefit from our help as well, so we’ve put together some tips to help you help them!

Little Critter Garden Defense: Voles, Moles, and Friends

Posted on Sep 15, 2022 | by KK

Gardening can be a challenge for many reasons--limited time or space, difficult climate, too much shade (or sun), and poor soil, for instance. Proper plant choice can counter many of those problems, allowing us to have a beautiful garden despite the obstacles. Amending the soil or growing in containers can solve further issues, giving us a broader range of plants to grow. And thus we garden on, because we love it so. But others love our gardens, too—sometimes a little too much.

Design a Landscape That's for the Birds

Posted on Jan 24, 2022 | by KK

As a child, I remember spending many afternoons on my grandparents’ couch, gazing through their huge picture window at the birds visiting the feeders hung in the magnolia tree outside. It was the one bit of excitement that could be found at their peaceful country home, and I was mesmerized by the comings and goings, watching the flutter of red cardinals’ wings, the hopping of Carolina wrens and the speedy swooping of chickadees. And the music—trills, twitters, whistles, and sweetly sung notes, all part of a lively show enacted by seemingly delicate yet incredibly swift and agile feathered performers. I can still spend hours watching such a scene.

Mason Bees: Great Pollinators and Polite House Guests

Posted on Mar 05, 2020 | by Kerry Kelley

Most of us know by now that bee populations are in dangerous decline. Concerned gardeners have responded with increased interest in pollinator gardens, native plants, and organics, and in the chemical “friendliness” of purchased plants—wanting to be sure they’re safe for their busy little guests. It takes a little research, but it’s simple enough and something we all can do. Then I saw that some folks even set up “bee motels,” with nesting tubes for certain species, like mason bees. That got me curious. I mean, I love bees as much as the next gardener, but why would one go through all that without the prospect of at least getting some honey out of it?

Easy Flowers That Wow From Seed: #1 Flowering Vines

Posted on Feb 01, 2020 | by Kerry Kelley

It’s been a long time since I started plants from seed, but after taking a tree down this year and opening up some new sunny spots, I’m excited to try some again. That tree unfortunately removed a lot of cover for the birds, so I thought I’d grow some annual vines up the fence since my newly planted shrubs are still small. Having also put up a new Monet Arch, I’m anxious to get something growing on it while the grapes I planted get started. And, since we have these new Go-Grow Kits here, it’s the perfect time to share my fun with you!

Gardening Responsibly: Pest and Insect Control

Posted on Aug 16, 2019 | by Kerry Kelley

Gardening certainly has evolved in recent years. Once upon a time, who cared about needing an arsenal of plant pharmaceuticals and fertilizers in the shed, how much water we used to keep those beds full of annuals pretty, or where our seeds or tomato plants came from? These days, it's not so easy. Before we indulge our planting passion, there are many ethical dilemmas we must overcome, regarding the use of chemicals, fertilizers, and even which plants we choose. A few state and local governments have made some of those choices for us, but there are still questions that seem to have different answers, depending on who's answering. Over the course of this series, we'll look at some of issues we're wrestling with, and what we can choose to do.

Buzzing and Humming

Posted on Jun 15, 2019 | by Kerry Kelley

Buzz Off, Skeeters! Is this how it seems you need to spend your summer, wrapped in protective netting whenever you go outdoors? Are you constantly slapping at those bothersome mosquitoes buzzing 'round your head? If not, thank your genetics, and consider yourself lucky. As for me, I had just about given up trying to spend a pleasant evening out of doors, and hiking in my favorite bird-watching spots was out of the question. These days, it's not just itching and irritation we have to worry about. While not common, with West Nile, Zika, and even malaria and dengue fever transmitted by mosquitoes in the US, those bites can be downright dangerous. So what are we outdoorsy types to do besides swaddle ourselves with netting, or cover ourselves with (EPA-approved, but still) chemicals?

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: Insects in the Garden

Posted on May 01, 2016 | by S Mason

Your garden is thriving, the leaves are green and full, and the produce or flowers are prolific. And then suddenly, they aren’t. Even the most dedicated gardener can be bested by bugs in the garden, but the trick to winning that battle is to be able to distinguish between the good bugs and the bad bugs.

Feeding Birds in Winter

Posted on Dec 01, 2015 | by J Kirkpatrick

Winters, especially when they are severe, can be hard for wild birds. The food sources that were plentiful in the spring and summer have either died or gone dormant. Snow often covers the ground hiding potential food sources, and their water supply is often frozen. Birds given high quality, high-fat foods in the winter to help them generate enough body heat, have a better chance of survival.

Hummingbirds - Fun Facts & Regional Plant List

Posted on Sep 26, 2015 | by J Kirkpatrick

Spring is here and the Hummingbirds are coming. The migration of hummingbirds heralds the coming of spring. Learn fun facts about hummingbirds as well as plants for your region that will attract them to your gardens!

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Archive

Help For Early Spring Pollinators

Little Critter Garden Defense: Voles, Moles, and Friends

Design a Landscape That's for the Birds

Mason Bees: Great Pollinators and Polite House Guests

Easy Flowers That Wow From Seed: #1 Flowering Vines

Gardening Responsibly: Pest and Insect Control

Buzzing and Humming

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: Insects in the Garden

Feeding Birds in Winter

Hummingbirds - Fun Facts & Regional Plant List

Categories

Archive

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