Category Archives: Going Green

Jan 3

2018 Backyard Birds

Throughout 2018 Agnes kept a list of every type of bird that visited our backyard birdy haven. She kept a close eye on the feeders, and gave them fresh water too. We learned how to make hummingbird nectar, and watch little fluffy chicks learn to hop and fly.

Cupcake the Chickadee would follow us everywhere. He would swoop in on the side porch and sit and watch, and he would squawk at me from the front yard flowers when I brought in groceries.

When Mia passed away we had our little birds to watch. It helped a bit to have another animal to care for, and we knew the little chicks had a safe place to grow. The kids would often go on walks around the neighborhood, and since Mia was no longer with us, a mixed flock of chickadees, sparrows, and cardinals would follow the kids when they would walk around the block.

We had nineteen different types of birds visit the backyard, and a few really funny squirrels too.

Here are the types of birds that visited:

  1. Chickadees
  2. Robins
  3. House Finches
  4. Cardinals
  5. Bluebirds
  6. Sparrows
  7. Blue Jays
  8. Starlings
  9. Tufted Titmouse
  10. White Crowned Sparrow
  11. Wren
  12. Red Bellied Woodpecker
  13. Goldfinch
  14. Pigeon
  15. Mourning Dove
  16. Flycatcher
  17. Ruby Throated Hummingbird
  18. Dark Eyed Junco
  19. Red-tailed Hawk

We still keep the feeders stocked, and Agnes happily checks on the birds every day. We know them know by their call, and the chickadees and juncos stay close when I’m outside restocking their food. I’m looking forward to our springtime birdies making their return home. I still miss Mia, but I’m glad that we were able to give the backyard birds a safe place to be.

 

 

 

Jun 7

Little Garden

This year I’ve only introduced a few new plants to the gardens. Most of what we have growing in the north garden, and the side porch garden have been growing for years.

The Red Lily were planted about six years ago. They used to be so small. Now they have branched out, and produce beautiful large blooms.

We have had a lot of rain, and the Hosta are pretty happy about it.

Lula-mae keeps watch over all of it. She is waiting for the marigolds to bloom. They are her very favorite.

Miss Mia is my favorite distraction from yard work.

Last year I picked up a large batch of free Iris bulbs. We planted some in the front yard, and some in the north garden. We even had a few blooms this year.

Agnes loves to pick whatever is blooming in the yard before Dad mows. I always have a big batch of dandelion or clovers hanging out around the house.

It is time to re-pot the Begonia that Agnes gave me for Mother’s Day. There have been so many lovely pink blooms.

Our avocado tree keeps growing. I had started a second seed, but it didn’t make it.

I moved some of the Mint from the north garden to the side porch garden. I also attempted to grow some Cilantro this year. I didn’t snip it in time, and it bloomed. The little white flowers are so pretty though, so I’m not too upset about it.

Our Daisies bloomed again this year, and they were absolutely beautiful. I love daisies, they are one of my favorites. In early Spring they bloom all over town. I love all of the Kansas wildflowers that we have in our neck of the woods.

 

Just a few little vegetables. It is time to pick the banana peppers again, and the cherry tomato plant is weighed down with little green tomatoes. I can’t wait for them to be ready.

 

One day I wasn’t feeling too good after doing some yard work, and I took a nap. I woke up to new furniture for the side porch. I love it! I think I’m going to nap more often.

We have had a pretty Spring so far, and all too hot Summer days will be here too quickly.

I still hope to get a few more plants in before it gets too hot, but I really don’t think that I’m going to get that accomplished. I really need to plant some new flowers and some type of bushes in the front yard. I just need the kids to wake up before noon, so we can hit up my favorite nursery.

 

 

 

Apr 22

Happy Earth Day

We’ve got a little green indoors and outdoors too. 

 

We sprouted an avocado seed, and we have a nice little tree growing. The kids have enjoyed watching it grow. I hope one day we’ll have some homegrown avocados. 
 
Last year we took a different route home, and we ran into a kind gardener. She was splitting out her Iris bed, and giving away the plants for free. We took home several of them , and planted them in both yards. This week they bloomed, and they are beautiful. 

    
I’ve got a tiny tomato growing too! I hope to get some more veggies growing soon.

For Earth Day, I wanted to take the kids to our favorite local nursery for some plants. Sadly, the weather has truned rainy and awfully chilly. 

Looks like we are making an Earth Day trip to the library instead.

Jun 19

In The Garden

We have lots of little cheerful plants all around the front yard, and so many of them have been grown from seed.

I was so happy to see these little baby Roma Tomatoes on the vine. This is my first time trying to grow tomatoes for seed.

We have so many bright and cheery Marigolds in the front yard, and backyard too. Agnes loved growing these from little seeds. Dylan gave me some tips on getting them to grow.

Our little bunny is getting brave, and big. He is out in the front yard most evenings, looking for clover.

I love these bright yellow Marigold. These were also from seed, and so bright and cheery.