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Inside My Gardening Notebook

5/17/2016

12 Comments

 
Picture
​The decision to write daily in my garden notebook has helped me look more closely at what is happening in my own backyard. While I usually spend time in the garden each day throughout the spring and summer and well into the fall, I have begun to take a different approach, trying to notice small changes and make new discoveries. Since many of you responded that you were looking forward to reading more, here are a few excerpts from past weeks.
 
5/4/16 Spotted a hummingbird in the front of the house – a reminder that I should put out the hummingbird feeder soon. The patio is a carpet of pink cherry tree blossoms – nature’s May snowfall. Tree swallows and sparrows seem to be in a territorial struggle for the white blue bird house.
 
5/6/16 Spent the day with flowers! After working at Longwood in the morning, I trekked out to my favorite nursery, Briar Rose, for hanging baskets, geraniums, and container plants. Best find of the day – winterberry! The bluebirds will be happy.
 
5/11/16 Bird trouble. Confirming that the nest in the white bluebird house belongs to a house sparrow, I made the decision to remove it before there are eggs. But unfortunately I was too late. I approached and knocked. No response. Carefully I opened the door and the sparrow zoomed out! As I gathered up the nest and started to lift it out, two baby birds fell to the cushion of mulch below. Knowing that I could not destroy them, I carefully placed everything back in the box. The mother returned a little later. Everything I have read indicates that house sparrows should not be allowed to live with blue birds or tree swallows as they are predators, but I feel conflicted. Might be best to let nature take its course.
 
5/12/16 Large hole in the ground by the shed. The groundhog must be back, and he did not appreciate the mulch Allan carefully spread. Is there a space for my geraniums? Is there room for everyone in the garden?
 
New discoveries, lessons learned, and lots to ponder!
12 Comments
Stacey link
5/17/2016 07:57:17 am

This is wonderful. Have you thought about pairing your writing along with daily photos of your garden?

Reply
elsie
5/17/2016 08:07:27 am

So many bird events happening in your garden! Hopefully, they will work it out. This journal will really be fun to read next year as you begin the gardening again.

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Barbara Suter
5/17/2016 08:43:57 am

I love, love the details. I enjoy gardening, too (along with walking and bird-watching :-) ). Every day I wake up and look around the yard to see what's happening. Today it was a catbird who visits frequently.
What a lovely way to keep track of your days; I don't think I could discipline myself to do that daily. Good for you!

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Diane Dougherty link
5/17/2016 10:13:34 am

Love this idea, Rose...a journal of your garden. I agree with Stacey. Pictures would be a lovely accompaniment.

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Dana Murphy link
5/17/2016 10:15:02 am

This is wonderful. What a treasure. I'm sure this could come in handy someday in a minilesson or a conference. I loved two lines: nature's May snowfall and the opening sentences of 'Bird trouble.'

Thank you for sharing this here!

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lynne dorfman link
5/17/2016 10:23:04 am

Well, I heard part of this story the other day, and after that I decided to put out the two hummingbird feeders. I love your description of the cherry tree petals - a wonderful visual! I think your garden is big enough for all of it! So enjoyable to read this!

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Tara link
5/17/2016 11:37:05 am

So much going on in your garden! You have me thinking about a summer notebook for farm gardening.

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Clare link
5/17/2016 01:32:14 pm

Rose - I love this idea of journaling - I can see students loving to do this as well. Great for observations skills and topic generation. I am looking forward to following you on this journey in writing ( and hoping to get some gardening tips!!!)
Clare

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Shelly
5/17/2016 03:24:55 pm

I loved reading excerpts from your garden notebook, Rose! Great descriptions! Hope all works out for everyone in the garden.

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Suzanne
5/17/2016 04:13:47 pm

Rose, I love your line, "is there room for everyone in the garden?" That sounds like a wonderful idea for a children's story In Beatrix Potter style!

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arjeha link
5/17/2016 05:29:56 pm

The garden is a universe unto itself. We have a robin's nest on our patio and are now watching mama bird feed her babies.

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Carol Varsalona link
5/18/2016 01:06:40 pm

Rose, your journal is being filled with very interesting snippets. I can't wait to hear how the baby birds fare and what the groundhog will do.

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