Last summer and fall, we followed our tradition of planting as many free native plants as we could into the soil on our land. One neighbor’s tragedy was our good fortune, and I hauled two full-sized SUV loads of mature native plants home from a huge native garden that was bound for the utility company’s bulldozers. I planted a full garden bed, added native hedges to replace non-native ones, and sprinkled the remaining plants all around the property. That was in addition to seeds that sprouted and existing plants that spread.
This spring, it’s time to see what is returning, what is growing bigger, and what plants multiplied!
It’s only a few days past Spring Equinox and already I’m seeing grasshoppers, the return of an enormous and healthy red-shouldered hawk, and tons of plants springing up. Here’s a little gallery, complete with captions.
Two-striped Planthopper. Is he glaring at me?Asters or black-eye Susans … we shall see but I think it’s asters.Last year’s Broomsedge Bluestem, a native grass that is eyecatching and golden. Birds use last year’s growth for nesting material.Fresh stain on the woodburned letters breathes new life into the sign!All of these plants were transplanted from Powell last summer and fall. It’s great to see the new green leaves returning from the base of the plants!An American Toad in the driveway.A large Rattlesnake Master plant was thriving about 18 inches to the north of this patch of dirt. In the spring I’m seeing four new babies!Our friend the red-shouldered hawk! Someone came by to ask if I wanted field mouse extermination. I said no, the hawk has that covered, thanks! I’m planting some cool-weather greens, as well. See the two little leaves there? It’s starting!
