This morning while I was digging up weeds in the garden, I spotted a ladybug. I haven't seen one in ages! They are such beautiful insects. I love their shiny red backs with the tiny black spots. They are attracted to the periwinkle ground cover. I have a birdbath, and several different colorful flowers, which they also like. I've always had a special spot in my heart for ladybugs. They remind me of my childhood.
Today I made an appointment to have my huge poplar tree trimmed. It needs to have six to ten feet removed. The last time I had it done was twenty years ago. I'm glad that I have the money set aside in my savings account. Next time I won't wait so long! I just love the shade and energy that this tree provides. The crew will be coming on Wednesday. I found them on Yelp. They have excellent reviews.
I've been trimming the other trees on the property myself. I lost a few during the drought. The fruit trees really suffered at that time. This is a volunteer squash that was growing in my compost pile. I transplanted it to the front garden today. It's in shock now, and very droopy. They don't like to be moved.
This is my backyard. I have been digging up the weeds each afternoon, a patch at a time. It's a lot of work, but it will be worth it. I'm thinking of planting a larger tree back here, maybe an oak, or some redwoods. I love the vibration that large, old trees provide.
Many of the people where I live don't like trees. They don't want the expense and work of caring for them. I find trees and a garden to be priceless. I have a huge old pine tree in my backyard that is just gorgeous. It attracts the larger birds like owls, red tailed hawks, and crows. It provides a home for the squirrels, hummingbirds, and woodpeckers. I can't imagine this place without the trees. One time a man stopped by and told me that he used to live in this house as a little boy. "We didn't have any trees," he told me. He stood outside gazing at the land for quite a while, remembering. It must have been like a desert at that time. It gets very hot and dry here, and if you don't amend the soil, plant, and mulch, you have a baked piece of property with dust, dirt, and rocks. It makes me appreciate how far the front landscape has come. This is a photo of Carlie last year. She had such a presence.
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Ladybugs are one of my favourite insects too, Stephenie. They are such sweet little creatures and great for controlling aphids! I could not live happily without trees; their presence so close to home here makes me feel lucky to live so close to nature. Your front garden is looking good, gardening in very hot and dry conditions is challenging so you've done really well! Meg:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Meg. Compost and mulch have made all the difference. Yes, I love ladybugs. You're right, the do control the aphids.
Deleteyeh a nice large tree or trees at the back & probably more fruit trees to fill in the front of them? or you could just bush it up for the wild life
ReplyDeleteyour place is looking amazing
no trees in a hot dry climate? that's just asking to be well done! i'm trying to bush out the back of my place with a few natives & the larger fruiting trees like mulberries & avocado, am hoping to do a small orchard off the chook pen as an extra run for them too but am seriously thinking about getting dwarf fruit trees; another lemon (have a Meyer in the chook pen) mandarins, naval & possibly an exotic or two
great gardens
thanx for sharing
Hi Selina, I would love to fill the backyard with fruit trees, but it takes too much water. I may add some berries and grapes this year. Your yard sounds fantastic. Citrus grow really well here.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is beautiful with all the trees. I've seen here some people remove all trees and even grass, and put concrete slabs for easy maintenance. It reflects so much heat , so houses get really hot and then they gave to run AC nonstop.
ReplyDeleteI hope your squash will survive in the new location.
Hi Nil, Thanks. I know what you mean. Some people are really into the low maintenance garden. I love the oxygen that the trees provide, especially when there's a cool breeze at night.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to have such a large lot with room for trees and a variety of shrubs and plants. Ladybugs are always welcome in our yard because they eat the aphids which are the enemy of dear husband Steve. We have lots of hawks, owls, falcons and egrets here because we are on the edge of a wildlife refuge. I love them all! I believe in mulch and we are in the midst of laying down a inch layer all over the gardens now.
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, Yes, the lot size was a big selling point. I love all of those birds, too. Mulching is wonderful. I used to pile straw in the backyard, but I soon had several very happy rats. They enjoyed the bedding, water, and citrus.
ReplyDelete