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      ~ Water harvesting. This is an excellent way to reduce water usage and costly water bills during the growing season. Water harvesting can have a major impact on the environment and is extremely beneficial to our natural waterways. The ultimate goal of water harvesting is to retain rainwater on your property and out of city storm drains. In the chapters that follow, I will share easy ways to harvest water, like the rainwater barrel above – every drop counts!

      3. Replicate a natural forest ecosystem in your garden space. Nature is the expert; we should take more cues from her. We gardeners have the best of intentions, but sometimes less is more. Can you image blowing or raking leaves in the forest? I doubt that ever happens. On page 18, I share why I “leave the leaves,” and the benefits they provide to us, the ecosystem and wildlife.

       A Sustainable Garden and Wildlife

      One day I was relaxing in a favorite chair in my gardens enjoying the peaceful sound of flowing water in a nearby fountain. Out of nowhere, a sweet little black squirrel hopped onto the fountain and began drinking from it. He did not know I was there; I sat perfectly still so I would not startle him. And then he scurried off, belly full of water, thirst quenched as I watched with sheer joy and deep gratitude. In that moment, the squirrel unknowingly improved my life and wellbeing, and I hope I improved his, too, by providing him a place to rest and find water.

      Simple moments like this remind me why I love and appreciate gardening. In fact, I enjoy the wildlife who visit my gardens as much as I do gardening. I believe that in order to have balance and harmony in the garden, we must be more accepting of what nature provides. It may sound cliché, but my second-half-of-life gardening philosophy is that there’s enough for everyone and everything. It’s about cultivating a generous spirit and working with nature, not against her. My gardens would have far less life and meaning without something flying, sitting, resting, drinking, eating or digging in it besides myself. And I include the squirrels, rabbits and other furred and feathered beings that I share my little piece of earth with.

      I do not use, endorse or believe in poisonous or inhumane wildlife controls in the garden.

      Squirrels are a part of backyard nature

      A word about pesticides and herbicides: My theory is that any product that recommends you “suit up” to apply it and posts a sign to keep pregnant women, children and pets off for 24 hours can’t be good. Besides, wildlife can’t read. They don’t know to stay away. Herbicides used on lawns (weed killers) take a terrible toll on wildlife. More than seven million wild birds are estimated to die annually in the U.S. due to the use of lawn chemicals.

      I know how frustrating it is to plant lovely spring bulbs, then watch the squirrels dig them up. So how do I rectify their sometimes-damaging (but necessary for survival) behavior? For the most part, I have surrendered. After years of planting spring bulbs, I no longer wait for an arrival that never happens. Thank you, squirrels. I don’t plant spring bulbs anymore; instead, I admire the beautiful displays others have planted. Now, I just throw a handful of nuts to the squirrels and enjoy watching them come close in growing trust. It’s easier that way.

      When planting my vegetable gardens, I plant some for me and some for the wildlife. Each season I attempt to harvest strawberries but unfortunately (or fortunately) the wildlife beat me to my best crops. I have simply reconciled myself to their presence in my garden and understand that they belong there, too. Now, I head to the local farmers market, content that I can support the farmers and the wildlife. Most of all, I am flattered that these pesky but very entertaining critters like my choice of crops and that I am able to provide for them, too. If that sounds like a capitulation, maybe it is. But it’s an arrangement the critters, the garden and I can live with.

      Sprinkle garlic powder on mature plants to deter rabbits

      Plant what you love. If something eats it, be content knowing you contributed to their wellbeing. If they don’t eat one thing, they’ll find something else to munch on. Their playful antics or majestic beauty and presence are well worth it. As you know, a gardener’s work is never done. We (me and you) have been chosen to care for the earth, nature, and wildlife. It is our gift, it is our responsibility.

       Our task must be to free ourselves… by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

      ~ ALBERT EINSTEIN

      Attracting beneficial wildlife is so easy: simply plant a garden. It does not have to be large. Even one small container filled with their favorites becomes an excellent food source and habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. An online search will bring up lots of plant lists for various pollinator friends in different regions.

       Some things you can do to welcome wildlife:

       Give ‘em a place to call home. Worms, beetles and all kinds of insects will quickly take up residence in compost piles, and bins and rotting logs provide a natural habitat and food source. It’s a good thing. Don’t forget toads and frogs – nature’s champion insecticides! Toads eat many kinds of insects including snails, slugs, and beetles. One toad is capable of eating up to 1000 insects a day. Lay out a few rocks for these welcome garden guests. Turn a broken ceramic or terracotta pot over and use as a toad house. Let’s roll out the red carpet for these little guys!

       Quench their thirst. Water is critical for the survival of all wildlife. Most wildlife die in winter due to lack of water, not food. A small birdbath, free-standing fountain or lovely pond is a wonderful way to attract a variety of wildlife. Keep water levels in birdbaths low (less than an inch); birds can’t swim.

       Give ‘em shelter. Hedges, deciduous shrubs and evergreens provide food and shelter from predators and protect wildlife from harsh cold winters.

       “Dear pollinators: You’re invited to a garden party!”

      Plant pollination and the production of crops are highly dependent on the critical function of bees and butterflies. Environment America, a citizen-funded, state-based environmental advocacy organization, says, “Millions of bees are dying off, with alarming consequences for our environment and our food supply. We rely on bees to pollinate everything from almonds to strawberries to the hay used to feed dairy cows. What happens if the bees disappear? It’s simple: no bees, no food.”

       Plant a Plant for the Bees:

Alyssum

Anise Hyssop

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