The monster-from-a-horror-flick stage
of a lady bug's life
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In my office, I've arranged it so that
from my desk I look out into the backyard. My husband and I have
removed most of the lawn and whats left contains more clover than
grass – which the neighbour's bees love when it's blooming. Raised
garden beds now dominate the space. In the spring, I'll plant them
with veggies. Right now, they contain remnants of last summer's garden
– kale, parsnips and turnips ready for harvest. Plus, one bed is
currently home to our crazy chickens (crazy because as soon as one
catches sight of me, they all come running). We also have berry
bushes and herbs waiting for spring.
Now that there is a variety of
landscape, nature has moved in (we don't apply any nasty chemicals in
our yard). I've observed the full cycle of a ladybug's life from it's
monster-from-a-horror-flick larvae stage to its
glossy-red-poka-dotted adult stage. Jumping spiders and bee flies
visit, neither of them stay still long enough for me to get a good
photo. A hummingbird has taken up residence in the holly behind the
fence. A Bewick's wren raised a family in a pile of cedar branches
which we almost carted off to the dump (we noticed the birds just in
time). I'm looking forward to the day I see a garter snake move in to
help with the slugs. Someday, frogs would be nice too.
Producing tasty fruit and veggies is my
goal for the backyard, but, it's nice to see creatures finding a home
in my yard. Even in winter, lots of creatures are making use of the
yard.